Several media outlets are reporting that the eleven-year war between CART (now the Champ Car World Series) and the Indy Racing League may be over. However before the armistice can be signed there is one hurdle to
overcome.
SPEEDtv.com had reported last month that IRL founder, Tony George offered the Champ Car ownership of free Dallara chassis and Honda engines to any CCWS organization that would commit to a full season. Those teams would be eligible to receive $1.2 million per car as part of the IRL’s new TEAM program. The Champ Car races at Long Beach, Edmonton and Surfer’s Paradise, Australia would be added to the 2008 IndyCar Series schedule. It looks like Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe, the co-owners of Champ Car re-visited the issue and have reached an agreement with IRL founder Tony George unify this year and combine to
race together this season.
However, one hurdle is in the way and the two entities are currently working to resolve it. The IRL race at Motegi, Japan is set for the weekend of April 18-20. The race coincides with the remaining pearl of the CCWS which is the Long Beach Grand Prix. Robin Miller of SPEEDtv.com reported that Jim Michaelian, LBGP president and general manager said the race is locked into its date and cannot be moved due to prior contract commitment with the Long Beach Convention Center. Motegi, owned by Honda of Japan, also faces some challenges in re-scheduling so Honda’s Robert Clarke, Champ Car’s Dick Eidswick,
Kalkhoven and George are desperately trying to find a solution.
There have been several reports of unity in the past, however, the feedback CCWS must have heard when they thwarted the offer by Tony George may have forced a second look. This story looks like it may have teeth. The next few days should be interesting. Many open wheel fans
across the country have their fingers crossed.
Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.
IndyCar SeriesSteve Zautke