Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. (SWAFC) and Champ Car are teaming up to bring new levels of fan interaction and visual excitement to the Champ Car World Series. At a joint press conference in Las Vegas at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA), the world's largest automotive specialty and performance parts industry show, the two organizations announced their plans for taking Champ Car to the next level.

Sherwin-Williams has become the Official Automotive Finishes of the Champ Car World Series and the Atlantic Series, as well as the associate sponsor of the Champ Car Fast Lap Pace Car Program. In addition, the company has initiated the Sherwin-Williams Design Award, which will honor the Champ Car and Atlantic teams with the best paint schemes and color designs. The company will also continue its role as sponsor of the Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland.

"For years, some of the biggest names in racing have trusted their car finishes to Sherwin-Williams," said Bobby Moody, SWAFC national accounts manager, Motorsports. "It was only natural for us to expand that partnership as a proud sponsor of the Champ Car World Series, the most exciting form of open-wheel racing today."

As part of their multi-year agreement, SWAFC will provide all paints, finishes and associated products to Champ Car teams. "This was perfect timing," said Moody. "We're introducing Planet Color, a new line of optically enhanced coatings that will bring new life to the sponsor color schemes for each Champ team." The new colors have reflective and shimmering characteristics that make them stand out unlike colors of the past.

"Teams and cars will be easier to recognize as they circle the track and much more visually exciting with our new coatings," added Moody.

"We are looking forward to seeing the new look that Sherwin-Williams is sure to bring to the Champ Car World Series," said Champ Car president Steve Johnson. "We are especially pleased that this new agreement covers not only Champ Car, but also the Atlantics and the Fast Lap Pace Car team as well. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Sherwin-Williams."

In addition, SWAFC will host several interactive fan contests at select races to choose the Champ car with the best new paint scheme or color design. "Race fans will win the opportunity to be in the pit lane to review and judge the field of Champ cars. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the teams with the best colors and designs," said Moody.

The Champ Car World Series features some of the greatest race car drivers in the world competing in the most diverse and exciting series in the world. Champions Sebastien Bourdais, Jimmy Vasser, Cristiano da Matta and Canadian Paul Tracy along with 2004 Roshfrans Rookie of the Year A. J. Allmendinger, Oriol Servia and Alex Tagliani are among the drivers who battle for the Vanderbilt Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. The title is contested on oval circuits, temporary street circuits and permanent road courses.

For more information on Sherwin-Williams automotive finishes see www.sherwin-automotive.com.