Series to open 2004 at Sebring

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (Dec. 22) - The Barber Dodge Pro Series will open its 19th season of competition with a return to Sebring International Raceway March 17 - 19, 2004, in support of the 52nd running of the Mobil 1 12-Hours of Sebring. Under Barber Dodge's new double-race format, race one will green flag Thursday afternoon, Mar. 18, with race two the following afternoon, Friday, March 19.

The Barber Dodge heritage is strongly linked to the historic 12-hour event; the Champ Car- sanctioned series has run there every year since 1992, and in fact was the series' season opener for five straight years (1998 through 2002), the exception being this past season. Prior winners include Kenny Bräck (1993) and rising star A.J. Allmendinger (2002), while the Sebring Barber Dodge podium has been visited by the likes of Juan Pablo Montoya, Jerry Nadeau (twice), the late Tony Renna (also twice), Michael Valiante (yes, twice), 2002 Toyota Atlantic champion Jon Fogarty, and 2003 Champ Car race winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Barber Dodge Series Director Rick Ratajczak says, "I can't tell you how pleased I am to announce that we're coming back to Sebring for 2004. It's been a traditional opener for us over the years. Barber Dodge typically puts on a terrific show here, and great drivers always seem to rise to the top at Sebring."

"It's great to have Barber Dodge back after its one year 'hiatus,' said Tres Stephenson, Sebring International Raceway President and General Manager. "Our fans love seeing the open- wheelers go at it, and most of them know they're seeing the big stars of the future, right at the point when the drivers are just making a name for themselves."

Regarding TV, Barber Dodge officials are in discussions with SPEED Channel to again broadcast the races (as it has since 2002), including the Sebring openers.

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