Champ cars out, Champ boats in

The much ballyhooed Champ Car race in downtown Phoenix was cancelled last month, but now the F1-ChampBoat Grand Prix Series is set for a race at Firebird Lake in Chandler.

The weekend event will take place Sept. 29-30, for the sixth round of the series' 2007 championship competition. It will be the first appearance for the F1-ChampBoat Series in Arizona.

The races will feature F1 boats that reach speeds of 135 miles an hour.

They are said to be the fastest-turning vehicles in the world. "We are delighted to be making our initial appearance on Firebird Lake," said F1-ChampBoat President Mike Schriefer. "I've been to this facility many times in the past for automotive events and know this multi-purpose complex is just perfect for our race weekend."

More than 35 race drivers will come from all over North America, and four international drivers will race at Firebird Lake for the inaugural F1-ChampBoat Grand Prix of Phoenix title.

Tickets to the two-day race event are available through Firebird Lake and will cost $15 per day at the gate or $25 for the weekend. Student ticket rates and VIP tickets also are available.