GRAND PRIX OF CLEVELAND ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED WAY
Official Race Charity for 2005 Will Be United Way of Greater Cleveland

(Cleveland, Ohio) January 25, 2005

View photos from Champ Car Grand Prix driver A.J. Allemdinger's visit to a local day care

Officials from the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland today announced a formal partnership with United Way of Greater Cleveland for 2005.

United Way will serve as the official charity partner for the 24th annual Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland, which will be held June 24-26 at Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport. The Grand Prix will help raise funds for United Way throughout 2005, beginning today with an initial pledge of $20,000.

"United Way is essential to the well-being of the entire northeastern Ohio region and the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland is honored to enter into this relationship," said Rena Shanaman, General Manager for the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland. "It is vitally important for the race to contribute to our local community in more ways than just economic impact and I can think of no better partner in our area than United Way, along with its 130 affiliated agencies and thousands of committed volunteers."

The Grand Prix of Cleveland and United Way will also join forces in the sales and marketing of the race, including elements that will directly benefit United Way. Special Grand Prix ticket and hospitality packages will be offered that will allow fans to enjoy Cleveland's largest annual racing event, and attend an exclusive "Rock 'n Roar" Party at Burke Lakefront Airport on Friday, June 24. Additional promotional activities and events that will benefit United Way are being planned for the weeks leading up to the Grand Prix.

A new Grand Prix Advisory Board is being created to help maximize the business opportunities and fundraising efforts of the event. The board will be comprised of area corporate and community leaders as well as long-standing race supporters. The Honorable Bruce Akers, Mayor of Pepper Pike and a United Way and Grand Prix Charities Board Member, has agreed to serve as Chairman of this special volunteer group.

"We are honored that United Way of Greater Cleveland is the charity of choice for the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland," said K. Michael Benz, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Greater Cleveland. "The Grand Prix is great for our community, bringing national and international attention to our city. Sharing the proceeds of this event with United Way of Greater Cleveland illustrates a commitment to Cleveland residents. This generous contribution will help fuel the health and human services that are available here for a better tomorrow for all of us."

The Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland is also proud to establish its new year-round home within the offices of its newest partner. The Grand Prix moved its official business headquarters to the United Way Building, located at 1331 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland, in December and the close proximity to United Way officials will serve to enhance the relationship between the two tradition-rich Cleveland entities.

As a fiscally responsible, volunteer-driven organization with an administrative rate of less than 12 cents of each contributed dollar, United Way of Greater Cleveland provides programs for more than 400,000 Greater Clevelanders each year through nearly 200 programs at more than 130 partner agencies. In addition, United Way, in partnership with the Community Vision Council, is making long-term impact on the health and human services issues facing the Greater Cleveland region. To learn more about United Way and its services log on to www.uws.org.

For more information on the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland contact the new downtown business office at (216) 619-RACE (7223) or visit www.grandprixofcleveland.com.