MOTOR SPORTS: NEW OWNER FOR L.B. GRAND PRIX.

Byline: A.J. Perez Staff Writer

LONG BEACH - A company affiliated with the Champ Car World Series finalized an agreement Monday to purchase the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, a move that ends the long-waged battle for the future of the Toyota Grand Prix.

Jim Michaelian, the president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association, confirmed the deal Monday afternoon. He said the GPALB's parent company, Delaware-based Dover Motorsports, will make the official announcement today.

``We're delighted that the cloud of uncertainty has been lifted,'' said Michaelian, who declined to give details of the transaction. ``Now our team can go move forward, along with Champ Car, to plan for the 2006 event, along with the future of the Grand Prix Association. We're looking forward to it.''

The Long Beach City Council will have to approve the sale, although little opposition is expected when it comes up for a vote as early as June 7.

Champ Car's most influential owner, Australian billionaire Kevin Kalkhoven, was in talks to purchase the race from Dover. Many racing observers saw the move as the only way Champ Cars - the headliner at the LBGP since 1984 - would ever roll through the streets of Long Beach again.

Backed by the Indy 500 along with more recognizable drivers, sponsors and teams, the Indy Racing League was seen as a frontrunner for the LBPG contract, which expired following last month's race.

A.J. Perez, [phone]

aj.perez(at)presstelegram.com