PORTLAND -- Mike Nealy, President of Global Events Group, announced today that Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has signed on as title sponsor of the Mazda Champ Car Grand Prix of Portland Presented by Joe’s Sports and Outdoor.

“To have a title sponsor with the international stature of Mazda is an honor for us,” said Nealy. “They have a reputation as a company ‘that does things right’, and we know they will bring their spirit to an already great event.”

Mazda, known worldwide for their technological innovations including the introduction of the first mass-produced rotary engine has a rich history in the automotive industry. The first Mazda vehicles arrived in the United States in 1970 and have flourished ever since with quality, value and service.

“We are excited to be part of the Champ Car Grand Prix of Portland”, says Jim Jordan, Alternative Marketing Manager for Mazda North American Operations. “This wonderful race and its twenty-four year history have long been considered ‘the Gem of Great Northwest sporting events’. We are extremely happy to forge a stronger relationship with Champ Car, its other properties and having the opportunity to maximize our involvement in the community. It will also give us the ability to promote awareness in Mazda through major events and our local dealer groups. We look forward to a great race weekend which features The Cooper Tires Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda, the Star Mazda Series and the Mazda MX-5 Series.”

The Mazda Champ Car Grand Prix of Portland Presented by Joe’s Sports and Outdoor roars into Portland, Oregon for a Three Day Festival of Speed June 8-10, 2007 at Portland International Raceway. The event will be broadcast live on ABC Television (KATU locally) on Sunday, June 10th at 1PM local and 4PM Eastern time. News Radio 1190 KEX will handle the live radio broadcast.

Additional weekend race information is available at www.champcarportland.com . Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations or at www.ticketmaster.com.