THE thrills of Indy car-style racing could be coming to Manchester.
Talks have been held between council officials and promoters of the Champ Car series about the possibility of hosting a race.
The series has traditionally focused on the US, but promoters are hoping to turn it into a global event.
It would be a real coup for Manchester as the races attract tens of thousands of spectators.
Races have been held in Mexico, Australia and Canada and there are plans for a contest through the streets of Seoul, South Korea, in October.
The cars are the same shape as Formula One, but much heavier, with turbo charged 2.65 litre engines capable of a top speed of around 240mph.
No locations have been discussed yet, but it is thought that the car park at the City of Manchester stadium or a venue north of the city centre could be considered.
A spokeswoman for Manchester city council said: "Manchester is always interested in exploring the possibility of hosting world-class sport events.
Benefits
"We have been approached to consider holding a motor race series and are in the very early stages of talks.
"The city council will base any decision on whether this has social and economic benefits to the residents of Manchester.
"We have yet to see a substantial business plan and will formulate a decision on whether the event is practicable and can create investment over a period of years and encourage tourists to this vibrant city."
A spokesman for the Champ Car World Series said: "We would always be interested in an exciting new venue and, should the plans in Manchester come to fruition, then we would definitely be keen."
Andrew Van de Burgt, news editor at Autosport said: "Talks are obviously at an early stage, but this would be a real coup for Manchester if Champ Car racing was to come to the city.
"It is the fastest single car racing outside of Formula One and the lack of so-called driving aids means it is arguably a tougher test of driving skill than Formula One.
"The cars are big and powerful and depending on the shape of the track they can reach speeds of more than 200mph. If the event was to come to Manchester you could easily expect to attract tens of thousands of spectators."
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Mr. Danks, Dallas Texas, USA (20/05/2004 at 20:53)
Leo J Byrne, Cheadle, Cheshire, UK (21/05/2004 at 22:13)
Brilliant idea and initiative. We need top class real racing in the North and what better than a street race.And what better to follow the Commonwealth Games success.Use of a "car park" would be no problem - isn't that what happens in Vancouver? I reckon Champ Cars will still be around in 2005.In the confines of a city urban scene Champ Cars will be awsome - ILR cars are more suited to Ovals [now there's an idea - an IRL Oval race inside the stadium and a Champ Car race in the "car park"]. Fans from the northern parts of the UK will find it much more convenient than the existing circuits and none of those can match the unique atmosphere of city/street race (as anyone who went to the Birmingham SuperPrix in the '80's will tell you) . So please GO FOR IT. Where can I book my tickets [ but don't have the race in March or April - I won't be able to get there]
G THOMPSON, SYDNEY (27/06/2004 at 06:29)
jes, The Wirral (16/09/2004 at 20:31)
On a purley selfish level.. this racing is fantastic and to see it on my doorstep would be fabulous, and I'd be prepared to do whatever I could to bring the series to the NW!!