Ryan Hunter-Reay in A1GP race in China

A.J. Perez, USA Today

November 7, 2006

Ryan Hunter-Reay, one of many open-wheel racers gravitating toward stock cars, is getting back to his roots this weekend.

Hunter-Reay, 25, will drive in two rookie practice sessions in Beijing, the third stop of the season for A1GP.

It will be the first time he's been in an open-wheel car since he ran a Champ Car race in Las Vegas in September 2005.

"It's going to be so much fun to run on a street circuit," says Hunter-Reay, who took part in GM Racing's NASCAR evaluation program at Nashville Speedway last month. "It's so much different from what I've been doing."

Phil Giebler again will represent Team USA, which still is seeking its first victory. Created by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum al Maktoum of Dubai's ruling family, the series is based on the team concept where a driver represents his country.

Team USA, currently in seventh place, doesn't have a home race on the schedule this season.