12 teams to take part in auto racing c'ship<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Twelve teams have confirmed their participation
\nfor the opening of the national Formula Asia auto racing
\nchampionship series on May 3 at Sentul circuit in Bogor, West
\nJava, the race coordinator said yesterday.<\/p>\n
Chandra Alim said teams would announce their drivers in the
\nnear future.<\/p>\n
Humpuss, Djarum, Panutan, Prima Jasa, Matari and Star Mild,
\nare among the teams to compete in the opening race, he added.<\/p>\n
Since its inception in 1994, the championship has served as a
\nqualifying event for the international Formula Asia series. Only
\nwinners and runner-ups of each leg are eligible for the
\ninternational race.<\/p>\n
Chandra said the organizers had signed a sponsorship deal with
\ntobacco giant Gudang Garam to stage all four legs of the series
\nat Sentul.<\/p>\n
Subsequent races are scheduled on June 14, Aug. 2 and Oct. 11.<\/p>\n
The circuit's president director Tinton Suprapto said that the
\nnational auto racing championship would go on despite the
\ncountry's deepening economic crisis.<\/p>\n
\"Auto racing is the sport most adversely affected by the
\nfinancial crisis because spare parts and maintenance expenses are
\npaid in U.S. dollars. But we cannot just stop it,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"We have taken this sport seriously as we bid to produce
\nFormula One drivers and to host the world's most prestigious
\nrace,\" added the veteran driver.<\/p>\n
Organizers will add a fun race to the national Formula Asia
\nchampionship opener. Several cabinet ministers, businesspeople
\nand celebrities are expected to join the Timor One Make Race, in
\nwhich they will pit their driving skills in Timor cars. (emf)<\/p>",
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