Portland to retain Champ Car race

Portland has moved a step closer to cementing its place on the 2006 Champ Car schedule. Joe Chrnelich, the series' executive vice president for development, met Tuesday with new Parks Commissioner Dan Saltzman and city commissioners Erik Sten and Sam Adams. Rochelle Lessner, the economic development adviser on Mayor Tom Potter's staff, also was in attendance.

"I wanted to make sure the city really believed in the event, and that was the message I walked away with today," Chrnelich said. "It was a very positive meeting. There's no mistaking the level of support from the mayor and the commissioners' standpoint. They want the race to come back, and they're willing to partner with us. . . . I was pleasantly surprised at how energetic everyone was (about Champ Car)."

Chrnelich said in June that it would take increased sponsorship support and a firm message from the mayor's office to ensure Portland's place in the series.

"The message we got (today) was very encouraging," he said.

Although the 2006 Portland race probably will be June 18, Chrnelich said there won't be an official announcement at this time, "but things are shaping up nicely." Champ Car intends to release its 2006 schedule during the Denver race weekend Aug. 12-14. Portland Oregonian