HOUSTON, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES, CHAMP CAR AND THEIR SUPPORT SERIES SCHEDULED FOR MAY '05 AT RELIANT

ALMS announced it's 2006 schedule after it's Petite LeMans at Road Atlanta this year. New to the list and this author's hometown, Houston is scheduled for May 12. It will be a specially built street course for both series, however it is unclear that both ALMS and Champ Car will share the same weekend. Further details are awaited.

Along with each series are it's respective support series.

ALMS also has Star Mazda, an open-wheel series boasting new talent and their points battle this year is outstanding. Competing at the highest level of Star Mazda are familiar names like Andretti and Rahal, however both Marco Andretti, grandson of Mario, son of Michael and Graham Rahal, son of Bobby are chasing recently slipping points leader Raphael Matos. Also worth mentioning in this highly competitive series are top 5 drivers James Hinchcliffe and Robbie Pecorari.

Champ Car's main support series is Toyota Atlantic, another open wheel series with Toyota power. Recent graduates of Toyota Atlantic ranks include Jeff Green, test driver for Team USA in A1 Grand Prix. Also on the weekend is the Trans-Am series, where Corvettes, Vipers and Mustangs battle Jaguar and others.

The Harris County Sports Authority has no information to release on this event, but The Mayor's office and County Comissioner have a good track record of putting on professional, world class events. I am beside myself with expectation. It's been three years since we had a Champ Car race here and we are ready for another.

-Katykarter