CHAMPCAR/CART: Pat Leahy leaves CART

DETROIT (Februrary 8, 2001) - Championship Auto Racing Teams announced today that Senior Vice President of Marketing Patrick Leahy has decided to leave the company for personal reasons.

Joseph Heitzler, CART's president and CEO, said the search for a new head of marketing commences immediately.

"Pat poured every ounce of his energy into making CART marketing more effective and we sincerely appreciate all he has done during his tenure," said Heitzler, who took the reigns of the company on December 5. "His dedication and commitment to CART have been a great asset to the organization and we wish him the very best in whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue."

Leahy, who joined CART in December of 1999 after 27 years with Target Stores, said he is considering several possibilities.

"CART presented me with several options to stay on and, while some were enticing, I really believe it is in the best interest of Pat Leahy and my family to consider other opportunities," said Leahy. "I am examining a number of career possibilities and I hope to be able to make a decision soon.

"I want to thank all the fine people that I have worked with at CART. There is a great deal of talent, expertise and dedication on the staff and I will miss working with them."

Heitzler indicated CART will retain a search firm to identify qualified candidates for the position. No timetable has yet been established to name a replacement.

-CART-