US motorsport champions Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana have confirmed their participation for The Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium, UK, this December, which will see the London stadium transformed into a tarmac race-track.
The event is the only opportunity for the world’s motorsport heroes to race in exactly the same cars and on a parallel-track, giving thousands of fans the chance to judge who really is the best.
2006 NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson is coming back after missing out on last year’s event at the Stade de France in Paris due to injury. Despite hurting himself only days before the race, the 31-year-old was still there to cheer on fellow American Pastrana.
“The Race of Champions event is so unique and gives me the opportunity to race in vehicles I normally don't get a chance to,” said Johnson who also took part in 2002 and 2004. “It also gives me an opportunity to race against the best drivers in the world from all forms of racing.
“I love competition, especially against the best. I want to push myself and see where I stack-up against everyone else and this is a perfect opportunity to do it.”Pastrana in actionEight-time X-Games Champion and 2007 ESPY X-treme sports athlete of the year, Travis Pastrana will also return for his fourth appearance after taking part in the competition in 2003, 2005 and 2006. The American motocross star delivered a stunning performance in last year’s event, finishing runner-up in the teams’ race, and has The Race of Champions 2007 individual title firmly in his sight.
“Last year was such an amazing learning experience for me that I'm really looking forward to this year,” said Pastrana, currently second in the Rally America Championship. “It’s such an honour and privilege to compete against such talented drivers. I think Jimmie and I will be up to the challenge and ready to bring it home for the USA."
Both drivers hold extensive experience in two and four-wheeled racing, which will prove invaluable in adapting to The Race of Champions’ various cars. Johnson started his career in motorcycles, graduating to off-road buggy and truck racing before moving to NASCAR whilst Pastrana’s incredible track record of freestyle motocross prowess now also includes serious rallying credentials.
Fredrik Johnsson, President of event organisers IMP, said: “A fighting spirit is something we really appreciate at The Race of Champions. Jimmie and Travis are two drivers that have shown time and time again in their careers that they are true fighters and we cannot wait to see them back on track in London this winter.”
Tickets are available for purchase through raceofchampions.com
Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will race for the first time since 2006, while Formula One star Jenson Button and reigning World Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx, will represent the UK. David Coulthard, Colin McRae, Triple Champ Car Champion Sébastien Bourdais, Seven-times Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and former DTM Champion Mattias Ekström have also all been confirmed for the event.
The premise is simple: using identical equipment and track, drivers can prove themselves based on their talent alone. The drivers compete in a series of knockout heats in their own division to determine their class champion. Then, in a shoot-out to determine who is the master of motorsport, the winners go head-to-head in a super final. The victor is rewarded with the title “The Champion of Champions”.
This traditional end-of-season showdown attracts spectators from across Europe. For three years the event, held at the Stade de France in Paris, has attracted well over 50,000 spectators each year.
Action from the Race of Champions - Nations Cup at Stade de France the 2006 Race of Champions Nations Cup was broadcast in over 200 countries and watched by more than 186 million viewers.
