Champ Car Announces new VP of Communications

INDIANAPOLIS ¬ The Champ Car World Series today tabbed veteran sports executive David Higdon to lead Champ Car’s strategic development and communications.

Higdon assumes a new role at Champ Car as Executive Vice President of Strategic Development and Communications after serving most recently as Senior Vice President, Communications for the ATP, governing body of the international men’s tennis circuit. Since 1998, Higdon developed and implemented the ATP’s public relations strategy, which included worldwide communications and promotion of men’s tennis players and tournaments.

Higdon immediately joins Champ Car this week to travel with President and CEO Steve Johnson along with drivers including three-time titlist Sebastien Bourdais (France), Robert Doornbos (Holland) and Justin Wilson (United Kingdom) on a media tour of four European cities in four days. The Champ Car World Series group will hit London Tuesday (May 15), then continue with visits to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris to promote the Series upcoming European events later this summer. Champ Car will hold its first-ever events in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium (Aug. 24-26) and Assen, Holland (Aug. 31-Sept. 2).

“I’m eager to join Champ Car and help it continue to grow both domestically and globally," Higdon said. “Champ Car now has a unique opportunity to enhance and showcase its product thanks to its new TV agreement with ABC/ESPN and expansion into new markets. The Series features exciting racing and interesting drivers that appeal to fans, and provides excellent exposure for its sponsors."

Higdon will work with the Champ Car senior owners, executives, staff, teams and drivers to develop and implement Champ Car’s overall strategic business plan while overseeing all of Champ Car’s communications and PR activities. Higdon will draw not only from his ATP background but also from his experience as a writer and editor for many outlets including The New York Times, ESPN The Magazine and In Style. Higdon’s father, Hal, wrote six books on motorsports in the 1970s when David was growing up in Indiana.

“David brings a wealth of experience to Champ Car," Johnson said. “He is a great addition to our executive team and I’m sure he will help us elevate our business. It is clear David has a love of motorsports and I know that passion will show at Champ Car."