Historic racers get Vegas support slot.

Next years inaugural Champ Car race on the streets of Las Vegas will be supported by the Historic Grand Prix Series, a series that has already attracted several star names to compete in what looks like being an excellent event.

Using cars from the three-litre period of Formula One between 1966 and 1983, HGP attracts packed grids of old F1 machinery to many of America's biggest road courses and for the Vegas event next April Arie Luyendyk, Danny Sullivan and Al Unser Jr have already agreed to compete.

"We're thrilled to have these legendary drivers compete at the Vegas Grand Prix," said Jim Freudenberg, president and chief executive officer of the Vegas Grand Prix. "These drivers will be joined by an additional three racing legends that we'll announce in the coming weeks."

Six open-wheel legends are scheduled to compete against a select group of Historic Grand Prix owner-drivers in a 30-minute race prior to the Champ Car World Series race on Sunday April 8th. Sullivan, a former Indy 500 winner, Champ Car champion and Formula One driver, is enthused about the weekend.

"I can't wait to get behind the wheel of one of those gorgeous cars and compete against Al Jr. and Arie again," Sullivan said. "The historic cars are meticulously maintained and the owners don't just put them out for show."

The Historic Grand Prix cars will be on display throughout the Vegas Grand Prix weekend for race fans to enjoy. The cars are arranged chronologically and each is accompanied by a storyboard with period photos and history.

"The HGP is about sharing history with modern fans and for those lucky enough to be at the Vegas Grand Prix. They will actually see some of the great open-wheel stars driving as well," explained HGP spokesman James King. "We have a great variety of cars and they are a treasured asset that will transport some fans back to an early memory of a hillside at Watkins Glen, the streets of Long Beach or Las Vegas in 1981."