Race of Champions is based on the Michelin Race of Champions, held annually in the Canary Islands.

The game is being handled by Climax out of the UK, the same folks behind Lego Racers and other games.

Here's the official press release....

Santa Monica, CA. – January 7, 2002 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has today announced that it will be bringing its high-octane rally racer, Race of Champions, to the Nintendo GameCube this fall. Based on the prestigious Michelin Race of Champions, which is held annually in the Canary Islands, the game lets players experience the raw fun and exhilaration of the sport as they lock wits and fenders with some of the top drivers from the world of racing. Race of Champions has not yet been rated by the ESRB/ELSPA.

“Race of Champions breathtaking graphics and frenetic action will find a perfect home under the hood of Nintendo GameCube,” said Julian Lynn Evans, vice president European Studios, Activision. “With the addition of our sku for Nintendo GameCube, Activision is poised to deliver a racing blitz across all three next generation platforms when the game ships later this year.”

Developed by Climax, Race of Champions challenges players to master authentic road, desert and mountain tracks on their quest for the cup. Featuring incredibly detailed visuals as well as real-time damage modeling and dirt effects, players can select their dream machine from the top makes and models in the sport including Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, Lancia, Peugeot, Audi, Porsche, Citroen and Seat as they race against industry legends like France’s Didier Auriol, Germany’s Armin Schwartz and Finland’s Tomi Makkinen , all of which have been participants in the annual event.

Established in 1988, Climax has become one of the world’s leading interactive software development companies. Over the last 12 years Climax has developed many successful computer and video games, delivering high quality game experiences in both its’ original products and conversions Climax bring with them a wealth of experience of developing for the Racing Genre to the partnership with Activision.

About IMP

IMP (International Media Productions) is a client focused sports management company based in Monaco. IMP specialize in Event Management and Marketing and Sports Celebrity Management. More information about IMP can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site at www.imp.mc

About Activision

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted revenues of $620 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.