IT’S ALL OVER – FOR NOW

When the chequered flag flew at the conclusion of the 34th running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, on April 20, 2008, it also brought the final curtain down on the Champ Car World Series and marked the end of a relatively short, but successful, chapter for Minardi Team USA. The Indianapolis-based squad was ranked third in the final 2007 Champ Car standings, having scored two wins and a further five podium finishes during the course of a highly productive first season in the Series. In addition, driver Robert Doornbos was named Rookie of the Year.

Following the decision, taken in February 2008, to unify the two major North American open-wheel racing series under the IndyCar Series banner, Minardi Team USA co-owner, Paul Stoddart, elected to take a sabbatical from motor racing in order both to have time to assess the situation and to decide what sort of future involvement he might wish to have in the sport.

With Stoddart pledging his ongoing support for the team, although not having any direct, day-to-day involvement, fellow owner, Keith Wiggins, decided to move the organisation across to the IndyCar Series as one of the so-called “transitioning” teams. Having reverted to the HVM Racing name, under which it competed in 2005 and 2006, Wiggins and his experienced staff are fielding a single-car entry in 2008, for rising Venezuelan star, EJ Viso.

Despite the current cessation of motor racing activities, it has been decided to keep the existing Minardi Team USA web site “live” in order to provide information to anyone who may be interested in knowing more about the team. It is also where breaking news concerning any future motor racing activities will be posted first.

Finally, everyone involved with Minardi Team USA would like to acknowledge and thank the team’s commercial and technical partners, as well as its fans and supporters around the world. One thing is certain – it wouldn’t have been possible without you.

For the latest information about HVM Racing, visit the team’s official
website, www.hvm-racing.com