The Indy 500 was today?

[JeeberD]

Holy crap, I had no clue that it was today. I remember when the Indy 500 used to be a HUGE deal. I don't know that I heard a single thing about it coming up this weekend.

What happened? Is this due to NASCAR's popularity? Or because of the IRL/CART split? Or is it something else?

Geez, it used to be that my family used to have people over to watch the race and make a whole day event out of it, kind of like Super Bowl Sunday. And now no one talks about it...

Talk about the winds of change...

[mrskippy]

Yeah, I totally forgot. I always seem to think it is held on Memorial Day itself.

[sterlingice]

I enjoyed the part I watched (the last 30ish laps). It's my one race of the year to watch since I'm not a NASCAR person, tho I got up a bit late this year. There were two cautions on the last ten laps which led to lots of excitement.

SI

[Ryan S]

Originally posted by JeeberD
What happened? Is this due to NASCAR's popularity? Or because of the IRL/CART split?

It is totally down to the IRL/CART split (which has been one of the big reasons behind NASCAR's massive gain in popularity over the last 10 years)

The Indy 500 used to be a great race, and it always makes me sad to see it now, with half the field made up of drivers who should not be out there, driving those hideously ugly, slow IRL cars. Screwed up finishes like last year do not help the credibility of the race either.

Sad to say, but I kind of hope the Indy 500 dies completely in the next few years.

[TLK]

Originally posted by Ryan S


The Indy 500 used to be a great race, and it always makes me sad to see it now, with half the field made up of drivers who should not be out there, driving those hideously ugly, slow IRL cars. Screwed up finishes like last year do not help the credibility of the race either.

Sad to say, but I kind of hope the Indy 500 dies completely in the next few years.


This is the single greatest statement anybody has ever made on this board. Screw the EARL...... and screw Tony George.....

TLK

[sooner333]

It's probably because Average Joe racing fan is someone who wants to relate to the races. NASCAR is the All-American racing faction, and people like that. The cars aren't Honda, they are Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. Hell, the cars look like the ones we drive to work. The racers are all good ole boys who are willing to talk to the media. The rivalries are more intense. I'm not a racing fan, but its not hard to see that's why NASCAR is king, and the IRL and CARTs of the world need to be fixed or will die.

[stkelly52]

However, nascar has no international following, while I know CART is popular out here (though not as much as F1).

[clintl]

I don't think NASCAR wants or cares about an international following, and I don't think the manufacturers care, since the Big 3 automakers don't market the same cars overseas that they sell here. Go to Europe, and you'll see cars made by Ford and GM, but they're not the same models as here, and in the case of GM, they have their own makes (like Vauxhall in the UK and Opel in Germany). Chevrolet is name that doesn't mean a whole lot there.

[stkelly52]

It is true that NASCAR doesn't care about international following. My point is that at least cart does have a big international following and is in no danger of dying.

[clintl]

I thought CART was the best racing series in the world until Tony George decided to try to kill it. There's one and only one person who is responsible for the decline of American open wheel racing, and unfortunately, he owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

[rexallllsc]

Personally, I love Indy racing, and think it's a shame what George did to the sport here in the US.

Remember when it was fun to watch qualifying, let alone the race? Now they only have as many entrants as there are qualifying spots. No intrigue.

The sad thing is, CART was just hitting it's peak when George killed it.

Remember that season when Unser and Fittipaldi ran with the Mercedes-Benz engines and just demolished the field?

http://www.bjwor.com/980514.html

[kiwiLB57]

Not so sure about some statements about the lack of international following for NASCAR...

We get a lot of CART / IRL / NASCAR on SKY TV (subscription sat. dish service) here. I love NASCAR because of the insanity involved.

A huge number of cars in two or more columns screaming around Talledega (sp?) at high speeds with the slightest wrong move causing pandemonium. Brilliant entertainment.

Can't say that I am very into CART / IRL, but I support Scott Dixon like crazy in the IRL (currently 8th in the standings). The Indy 500 was on live when we were at the gym yesterday morning.

kiwiDE57

[FishFan]

Actually, if you follow racing, almost all of the top openwheel drivers that are not in F1 are in the IRL now. The Unser, Andretti, and Foyt names are still racing there.

In yesterday's 500, you saw Helio Castroneves, Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr, Kenny Brack, Gil de Ferran, Tony Kanaan, A.J. Foyt IV, Thomas Scheckter, Sam Hornish, Scott Sharp, and top rookies Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon. You also had Robby Gordon and Jimmy Vasser from other circuits trying to win the greatest race of the year. There is also a Japanese contingent that gives the race an important international flare (Roger Yasukawa, Shinji Nakano, and Tora Takagi).

While it's still not back to the popularity that it had before the split, the IRL has already gone around the CART in terms of drivers and appeal to racing fans. The CART will die before the IRL does if they don't get back together (which could happen in the future). As for the speed of the cars, 230 mph is not that slow, in my opinion.

[Ryan S]

Originally posted by FishFan
The Unser, Andretti, and Foyt names are still racing there.

Sadly the only thing going now for some of these drivers is their name. Andretti has now retired, Unser is past it, and the less said about the latest Foyt generation the better (The NASCAR racing Foyt is not doing much better)

I concede that there are a several big name drivers in IRL right now, but I also know that some of them can't wait to leave. The European and Brazilian drivers were brought up on a diet of road courses, and many of the drivers are not excited about spending the rest of their career turning left. Even Nascar drivers get to turn right twice a season!

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I really dont know what the big deal is with road courses ....sure they are a change of pace but I want to see passing and bumping not single file racing .

[Happy29]

NASCAR is larger than IRL because NASCAR is more competitive, has more stars, and more competitive tracks. Even the Coca Cola 600 is more popular than the Indy 500 now.

Back to my point. NASCAR has the stars, it has Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, and Jeff Gordon; these guys are very popular in American society and the racing world. People know more about these four people than they do about Michael Andretti or Helio Castroneves. Indy is losing popularity and not all the stands were filled at the Indy 500 and because of lack of new talent, however there are some like A.J Foyt IV and Sam Hornish Jr., however you only hear about em once a year.

Here are some points as to Indy's destruction.

- NASCAR's Daytona 500 has surpassed it in popularity
- The split between IRL and CART
- The lack of stars (obviously)
- They're going too damn fast. Who can see something at 220 mph?
- No Marketing
- Lack of American Manufacturers, sure Chevy is one, but wheres everyone else ?

[clintl]

It is the CART/IRL split and the incompetents running both series (with the CART management being the more incompetent of the two) that has caused the decline in popularity. Nothing else. It would still be as big as it was if not for the split. Indy car racing has changed engine and chassis manufacturers so often over its recent history than fan loyalty toward manufacturers was never factor like it has been in NASCAR.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Its sad that I only saw Indy 500 coverage once . I guess ABC didnt care for it that much .

[TLK]

This is too good not to put on here......



www.indyracingleague.com/spottersguide.html (http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/spottersguide/guide.html)

[SunDancer]

I love CART's series, because I like road coarse racing, but they have the most "diverse" schedule with ovals, street circuits and road coarses. Road racing on regular road coarses offer plenty of passing options, with tracks such as Portland, Elkhart Lake, and I am sure their are other "good" circuts. Street Racing offers perheps the most difficult driving of any, where skill is really needed. F1's only street circut, and crown jewel, Monanco, is a very, very hard track. While Passing may be limited, I don't doubt the best driver is the best driver when that races concludes. IRL is actually "coming to life".

Could you see a new open-wheel series form, with 1/3 ovals, 1/3 road coarses and 1/3 street circuits. I think the key is to make sure you pick the right tracks and market them right, (with festivals going on in the city), and also develop a "training ground" for American drivers, such at F1's Formula 3000 series.

Nascar is going to lose that "All-American" appeal as it appears Toyoto is looking to enter the field. They are entering trucks next year.

[Happy29]

NASCAR wont lose that all-american appeal. I sure hope Toyota doesnt enter, but it looks like they will, they'll end up blowing away the competition like they do in Indy Racing League and it'll be unfair for the guys at Chevy, Ford, Pontiac and Dodge. However, through it all, I think NASCAR will still be the dominant racing league in America. Like CHEMICAL said, no one wants to see road course races like in CART or F1 because you can only see the cars on one portion of the track. That's how American Racing goes and that's how it will be fought, it'll be fought on oval tracks like Talladega or Chicagoland.

[TLK]

Originally posted by Happy29
However, through it all, I think NASCAR will still be the dominant racing league in America. Like CHEMICAL said, no one wants to see road course races like in CART or F1 because you can only see the cars on one portion of the track. That's how American Racing goes and that's how it will be fought, it'll be fought on oval tracks like Talladega or Chicagoland.

Tell that to the hundreds of thousands that pack all of CART's road and street courses. Also explain to me why the EARL can't attract flies to any of there events outside on Indy and Texas. Kansas and Chicago "sell out", but that's only because they're packaged with NASCAR events in a season ticket program. Sorry to rant, just a disgruntled CART fan......

TLK

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer
Could you see a new open-wheel series form, with 1/3 ovals, 1/3 road coarses and 1/3 street circuits. I think the key is to make sure you pick the right tracks and market them right, (with festivals going on in the city), and also develop a "training ground" for American drivers, such at F1's Formula 3000 series.


As much as I'd hate to see a merger of the IRL and CART, the only way Open-wheel racing is going to return to it's glory, would be something like you proposed. Even half oval and half road/street courses would be fine with me. Tony George needs to realize that his vision of what he wanted the IRL to be, never happened and will never happen. Chris Pook and company, need to realize they need George, Penske, Ganassi and company to survive. With both groups putting between 19-22 cars on the track, think about a series with 30 cars, 24 to 26 tracks. It all makes to much sense to me, but that is why it'll never happen....

TLK

[Happy29]

TheLionKing, I respect your views but I don't agree with them. I see fans go to NASCAR's Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama (The EA Sports 500 in the fall) and it's a single event with no Busch or Truck race prior to it, and it sells out. Lots of events in NASCAR sell out with Busch races like Pocono, why ? Fans can see the whole track and they see their favorite stars. I cant really answer for the fact that IRL attracts fans to Texas and Indy, and NASCAR attracts fans to the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, maybe they're distinguished events and CART simply lacks those distinguished events. I have to admit, I am not a road racing fan even though NASCAR has races at Sonoma and Watkins Glen, I think whether you're more of an oval racing fan or road course fan, your views on this issue can differ.

[SunDancer]

I been wondering about the developmental series of the IRL and the other open-wheel series, and part of the lack of American Drivers is the lack of a quality developmental series. I though CART, reading the series lacks a quality "training" program, had the Dayton Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic Series. What makes F3000, F1's program, so well, and what does it take for a good developmental series?

Also, if a new series was to launch, do you think a CART-like series such with a first-year schedule of perheps 5 ovals, 4 road corses and 3 street circuts. The focus of the series to go to US and get up to 3 Mexican races and 4 Canadian circuits.

CART was successful, just management ran it into the ground.

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer
I been wondering about the developmental series of the IRL and the other open-wheel series, and part of the lack of American Drivers is the lack of a quality developmental series. I though CART, reading the series lacks a quality "training" program, had the Dayton Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic Series. What makes F3000, F1's program, so well, and what does it take for a good developmental series?

Atlantics is good for what it is.... a secondary feeder. CART misses the Indy Lights series. In all honesty, F3000 has become CART's top feeder. In fact the winner of the F3000 is guaranteed a CART test drive. The Atlantic cars are too easy to drive and that causes the jump to CART to be too great (ex. Hunter-Reay this year) . The F3000 guys seem to come in better prepared (ex. Bourdias with Newman/Hass). The IRL's feeder series is a joke and is being dominated by two foreign road-racers. Some vision Mr. George. Kind of funny that Mary Hulman (owner of Indy Speedway) has her grandson in the Atlantic Series and not The Infinity Series.


Also, if a new series was to launch, do you think a CART-like series such with a first-year schedule of perheps 5 ovals, 4 road corses and 3 street circuts. The focus of the series to go to US and get up to 3 Mexican races and 4 Canadian circuits.
CART was successful, just management ran it into the ground.

It was a combination of CART management and Mr. George. Can it be saved? Yes, but will it? No.

[Craptacular]

I hate Tony George! Too bad some CART racers and teams took the bait and jumped ... initially just for Indy, but then for the whole kit'n'kaboodle. CART is trying (the night race at The Mile was cool), but I just don't see IRL and CART mending any fences to save their sport.

[TLK]

Originally posted by Craptacular
I hate Tony George! Too bad some CART racers and teams took the bait and jumped ... initially just for Indy, but then for the whole kit'n'kaboodle. CART is trying (the night race at The Mile was cool), but I just don't see IRL and CART mending any fences to save their sport.


For all the Tony Gerorge haters.......... http://www.crapwagon.com

The night race at Cleveland will be great too......

TLK

[SunDancer]

King,

Prolly knowledgable bout open-wheel racing biz.

What is a "test drive" that the F3000 winner gets? Aren't usually F3000 winners part of the teams in F1.

I actually meant with a new start-up series. I believe that if the series could get a good manufactuor, like Audi, to help it for the first year, and launch with 12 races for its first year, with the formula above, it could be pretty good. By making it an North American series, but still holding the bulk of the series in the states, you have the ability to tap into the Mexican and Canadian corporate market, fan base, television markets as well as talent.

I actually drawn it up more in detailed, if you like to hear it out. I believe open-wheel racing can thrive, it's just been hunged down by poor management. I believe F1 could be much bigger here with an American or two on the circuit who can compete. I think Michael Andretti helped carry it here when he raced in the series.

Is the Indy Lights series dead? What makes a development series so key, and is could be it a great tool? What makes a great development series?

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer
King,

Prolly knowledgable bout open-wheel racing biz.

What is a "test drive" that the F3000 winner gets? Aren't usually F3000 winners part of the teams in F1.

Not always.... F3000 is just as messed up at CART in the prest situation. If you wanted a serious merger.... F3000 and CART would be a good one..... But to answer your question...

F3000 Champs:
1998: Juan Montoya (went onto CART with Chip Ganassi for two years before F1)
1999: Nick Heidfeld (went straight to F1 with Prost)
2000: Bruno Junqueira (went onto CART with Chip Ganassi, still in CART with Newman/Hass)
2001: Justin Wilson (in F1 with Minardi, but it took him a few years to get there, raced in Telefonica last year)
2002: Sebastian Bourdais (went onto to CART with Newman/Hass)
2003: Björn Wirdheim (leader as of now, talking to a few CART teams)

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer
King,

Prolly knowledgable bout open-wheel racing biz.

I actually meant with a new start-up series. I believe that if the series could get a good manufactuor, like Audi, to help it for the first year, and launch with 12 races for its first year, with the formula above, it could be pretty good. By making it an North American series, but still holding the bulk of the series in the states, you have the ability to tap into the Mexican and Canadian corporate market, fan base, television markets as well as talent.

I actually drawn it up more in detailed, if you like to hear it out. I believe open-wheel racing can thrive, it's just been hunged down by poor management. I believe F1 could be much bigger here with an American or two on the circuit who can compete. I think Michael Andretti helped carry it here when he raced in the series.

Is the Indy Lights series dead? What makes a development series so key, and is could be it a great tool? What makes a great development series?

I think so much damage has been down to open-wheel racing, it would be hard to start an operation from scratch. First, the ISC has a stranglehold on pretty much any oval you'd wanna run in the US (sans Milwaukee). This will be CART's last year at Fontana because of this. The IRL is lucky there in bed with the ISC.

You're right on with including Mexico and Canada. Those races are saving CART right now. It mind-blowing to think the race in Mexico City will have more spectators than the Indy 500. I'd love to hear any thoughts on the revitalization of open-wheel racing in America.

F1 couldn't care less if there is an American in their series. Nonetheless, I think in a few years there will be an American or two. Bryan Herta had a test-ride with Minardi but nothing came of it. Right now in F3000 there are three Americans. One of them, Phil Geibler is special, although he hasn't excelled in his two F3000 races. Red Bull is also pushing to get an American in F1. They run an "American Idol" of racing for Americans. Red Bull Driver Search (http://www.redbulldriversearch.com)

Indy Lights was basically merged into Toyota Atlantics at the beginning of last season. Some of the Lights teams went to the Infinity League and some moved on to Atlantics. As stated earlier, the jump from Atlantics is too great to be competitve in CART. The main problem being the car in Atlantics is too easy to drive. Also, a knock on Atlantics is that it is too expensive for a feeder series. I will say they've had some competitive races this year, however.

TLK

[SunDancer]

Yes, but F1 wouldn't mind tapping the huge American market. They started with the race at Indy, but I think they will move the race to another track after the contract expires.

I never really saw F3000, or barely know much about it, expect it is kinda the Busch series to Nascar as it is to F1. Am I right? Care to give an overview and its problems of this series? Care to explain the series such as Formula 3, Formula Renault. Does Canada and Mexico have a solid"training" program series, that could graduate its top drivers in the developmental series of a series that I would like to see.

F1 is even having some problems, and some of the car manufactures are threatening to leave and form its own series.

If you like, I propose a series of my own.

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer

If you like, I propose a series of my own.

Shoot- I'd talk about open-wheel racing all day if I could....

TLK

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer
Yes, but F1 wouldn't mind tapping the huge American market. They started with the race at Indy, but I think they will move the race to another track after the contract expires.

The Indy Road course is a joke, but there aren't any other road courses that are up to FIA standards and to get say, Road America or Long Beach would take a big investment. If F1 did somehow get in bed with CART as earlier rumored though, I guarantee you, The US Grand Prix would get pulled from Indy. Personally, I'd love to see a F1 Vegas street race. If that doesn't spell money, I don't know what does.


I never really saw F3000, or barely know much about it, expect it is kinda the Busch series to Nascar as it is to F1. Am I right? Care to give an overview and its problems of this series? Care to explain the series such as Formula 3, Formula Renault. Does Canada and Mexico have a solid"training" program series, that could graduate its top drivers in the developmental series of a series that I would like to see.


Essentially you're right, it's the Busch of F1. They run 11 of the event that F1 compete at. The problem being with only a few rides averrable every year, drivers have had to look for other options after placing well in F3000. That lately has been CART, making CART an attractive series to F1 teams.

Basically series such as Nissan World Series,Formula Nippon, Euro 3000, and Formula Renault all feed into F3000. If you can ever catch any Nissan World Series, take a second to see some good racing. It's a good mix of drivers and teams.

TLK

[SunDancer]

A Vegas street race would be like Monanco. Could they run it at night, along the strip? Could a good circuit be made in the streets? I think a new series could go their and make it ala...daytona 500, Indy 500, Monaco, for its series. My series would call for two Vegas races, a race at Vegas Motor Speedway on the oval, and a Vegas street circuit.

Seems the F1 and CART course are very differenet. F1 course seem to have more long straights and more challenging turns.

[aej]

Originally posted by TLK
Basically series such as Nissan World Series,Formula Nippon, Euro 3000, and Formula Renault all feed into F3000.
Not strictly true - F3000 is just another series that feeds into F1. Only 2 of the current grid, of 20, moved straight from FIA F3000 only to F1 and only 5 more did it from a combined F3000 season/F1 testing contract. It's still possible to move straight from one of the respected junior series, like British or German F3, the way Trulli and Button did it.

Finance is also a factor, sometimes more important than skill. Ralph Firman got the Jordan drive this season ahead of seemingly better qualified drivers because, as reigning Nippon champion, he was able to bring money to the cash-strapped team rather than them paying someone else.

I don't know much about NASCAR, but the "Tradin' Paint" stunt that happened this week seemed to show that Jeff Gordon might have what it takes to succeed in F1. He'd need to avoid the Michael Andretti "only turn up for the races" approach though!

[TLK]

Originally posted by aej
Not strictly true - F3000 is just another series that feeds into F1. Only 2 of the current grid, of 20, moved straight from FIA F3000 only to F1 and only 5 more did it from a combined F3000 season/F1 testing contract. It's still possible to move straight from one of the respected junior series, like British or German F3, the way Trulli and Button did it.

Finance is also a factor, sometimes more important than skill. Ralph Firman got the Jordan drive this season ahead of seemingly better qualified drivers because, as reigning Nippon champion, he was able to bring money to the cash-strapped team rather than them paying someone else.

I don't know much about NASCAR, but the "Tradin' Paint" stunt that happened this week seemed to show that Jeff Gordon might have what it takes to succeed in F1. He'd need to avoid the Michael Andretti "only turn up for the races" approach though!

Yeah, I meant in theory, but like you said it doesn't always happen that way. As seen in CART this year, finances are becoming huge. At least four rides are being bought, and those are usually the four guys at the bottom of the scoresheet.

As neat as it would be to see Jeff Gordon in F1 (it'd be funny, just like Andretti) he will never leave NASCAR. I think the best shot is either A.J. Allmendinger or Phil Giebler. Either way if one makes it there, I hope it's not for the sake of having an American there.

AEJ- Just wondering what the view on American open-wheel racing is, in your part of the world.

TLK

[SunDancer]

Anyone know of a website which compares the specs and techs of each series to another?


Their is a debate over CART going to V8/v10 (can't remeber). I not a tech person, can anyone explain the reaction over such a move.

[aej]

As with most things, some people love it and some hate it.

We had unedited CART races for a couple of seasons on one of our terrestrial channels and I used to enjoy the street races and hated the Handford wing ovals. Now they show NASCAR Busch and IRL and it's real yawn-a-minute stuff! They still show CART and Winston Cup on cable and there are people that love those and have no interest in F1 or 'Euro-domestic' series.

CART are having as much trouble getting settled in Europe as F1 is in the USA with Germany's Lausitzring oval being in financial trouble and our Rockingham oval race being replaced by one on the Brands Hatch road circuit.

I speak as someone who has had varying levels of interest in USAC/CART since Lotus were trying to break in, in the mid-60s, while Mario Andretti was trying to break out.

Trivia notes: The Brands Hatch race was run on the short Indy Circuit and I was at the USAC race which caused the name change in the 70s.

In the 60s Europe was way behind the US in sponsorship terms and I thought the Dean Van Lines Special was a car built by someone with Dutch ancestry.

[aej]

A Field Guide To Open Wheel Race Cars (http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/cosworth/274/field_guide.html)

[SunDancer]

Lion, I'll post my "proposal" unless you want to post yours, and I'll respond.
Or co-do one.

Why is it tough for CART guys to make the jump to F1, but its pretty easy for F1 guys to jump to CART. Also, whatever happen to nigel Mansell.

[TLK]

Post yours and i'll come up with one also.... then we can merge them and see if can come up with something better than the current state.....


TLK

[Happy29]

And I dont get why lots of CART and IRL drivers are jumpin to NASCAR either? Cant they stay there? We already have Tony Stewart and Christian Fitttipaldi !

[TLK]

Originally posted by SunDancer

Why is it tough for CART guys to make the jump to F1, but its pretty easy for F1 guys to jump to CART. Also, whatever happen to nigel Mansell.


Mansell went back to F1 after his second year in CART. He ran part-time for McLaren-Mercedes in 1995. Actually, I think he only ran two races and was in a test role then. Recently, he was seen at a few CART events. It'd be nice to see him in an ownership role in CART, but I think it's just wishful thinking.


TLK

[TLK]

If anybody has any extra money laying around, CART just got put up for sale...... Rumor is the Bernie Eccelstone will buy 51% as early as today.....

TLK

[Craptacular]

Well, we did try getting an FOFC pool of money together to buy Brett Favre's house and an aircraft carrier, so why not CART? I've got $100 if I can drive the pace car at the races.

[TLK]

It's a great day in the TLK household...... CART is saved...


Open Wheel Racing Series to Acquire Championship Auto Racing Teams

10 September 2003, 9:26pm ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. (NYSE:MPH) and Open Wheel Racing Series LLC today announced they have signed a definitive agreement providing for Open Wheel Racing Series to acquire Championship for cash equivalent to $0.56 per share, based on the number of shares of Championship common stock currently outstanding. Open Wheel Racing Series has previously stated that, if the transaction is completed, it intends to continue to operate the business of Championship, including continuing to sanction the motorsports series currently known as "Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford."

Open Wheel Racing Series is a newly formed holding company owned indirectly by a group of investors including Gerald R. Forsythe, Kevin Kalkhoven and Paul Gentilozzi. Mr. Forsythe or entities owned or controlled by him currently have beneficial ownership of 3,377,400 shares of Championship common stock, approximately 22.9% of the outstanding shares of Championship. These shares will be contributed to Open Wheel Racing Series rather than acquired for cash.

Under the terms of the agreement, Open Wheel Racing Series may terminate the agreement on or prior to September 18, 2003 if Open Wheel Racing Series in its discretion determines that it is inadvisable to proceed with the transaction for any reason whatsoever. Open Wheel Racing Series insisted on this termination right so it could complete its due diligence process.

Under the agreement, the transaction must be approved by stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares of Championship. Pursuant to a prior agreement between Mr. Forsythe and Championship, 1,169,680 of Mr. Forsythe's shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Championship Board, and Open Wheel Racing Series has committed to vote the remainder in favor of the transaction. Under the agreement, the transaction also must be approved by disinterested stockholders holding a majority of the disinterested shares that actually vote at the stockholders meeting. None of Mr. Forsythe's shares, including those voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Championship Board, however, will be treated as "disinterested."

In addition to the stockholder approvals, the transaction is subject to various other conditions, including (1) absence of a material adverse effect or bankruptcy event with respect to Championship, (2) subject to certain exceptions, there not being any pending or threatened suits advancing non-frivolous claims that Open Wheel Racing Series reasonably believes would not be covered by Championship's insurance policies or that seek to prevent consummation of the merger, prevent Open Wheel Racing Series from owning Championship or prevent Open Wheel Racing Series from operating any material part of Championship's business, (3) appraisal rights under Delaware law being exercised with respect to no more than 16% of outstanding shares and (4) the termination of all outstanding stock options. The transaction is expected to close towards the end of 2003.

Under the agreement, Championship's Board retains the ability to pursue and accept a superior acquisition proposal. However, Open Wheel Racing Series is entitled to receive a termination fee of $350,000 if Championship accepts a superior proposal or if Open Wheel Racing Series terminates the agreement because Championship's Board withdraws or adversely modifies its recommendation of the transaction to Championship's stockholders or takes action under its shareholder rights agreement to permit another person or entity to acquire 15% or more of Championship's stock.

Championship is being advised by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. in connection with the transaction.

In connection with the announcement of the transaction, Christopher R. Pook, Championship's president and chief executive officer stated: "As we have previously disclosed, this past year has been incredibly difficult for Championship. We believe this transaction provides the best value available to stockholders while at the same time making it possible for our series to continue in the future. We realize that the price is disappointing compared to recent trading prices for our stock. Management and the Board energetically pursued other alternatives but we believe that there is not any better alternative for our stockholders. We even considered liquidating the company, but concluded that after covering all our existing obligations and all of the liabilities that would be created if Championship went out of business there would be less left for our stockholders than the consideration offered in this transaction."

Kevin Kalkhoven and Paul Gentilozzi, principals in Open Wheel Racing Series, stated: "Championship has millions of people who come to the races and even more follow it around the world on television. Open Wheel Racing Series intends to fulfill its commitment to these fans by keeping Championship in its current format of ovals, road races and street courses. It is our intention that Championship will be the premier open wheel racing series of the Americas. We will also take the opportunity of continuing successful overseas programs such as Surfers Paradise in Australia."

Open Wheel Racing Series also believes that the long-term future of open wheel racing in the Americas will be enhanced by introducing new fans to Championship by its collaboration with MotoRock.




Amazing to me that a stock that was traded at $17, ended up getting sold for .56. Oh well, time to start over......

[Craptacular]

Sweet! :) Down with EARL!!!

[TLK]

Originally posted by Craptacular
Sweet! :) Down with EARL!!!

http://home.comcast.net/~kahauna_dreamer/geese_copy.jpg

Craptacular gets it:)

[TLK]

http://www.ds62.com/racinps/cluelessness.jpg [

[TLK]

http://www.ds62.com/racinps/cluelessness.jpg


and here's the rest

http://www.ds62.com/racinps/underachievement.jpg
http://www.ds62.com/racinps/humiliation.jpg
http://www.ds62.com/racinps/disloyalty.jpg
http://www.ds62.com/racinps/mediocrity.jpg
http://www.ds62.com/racinps/defeat.jpg
http://www.ds62.com/racinps/losing.jpg
http://www.stretchideas.com/images/stupidity.jpg
http://www.crapwagon.com

[FishFan]

Why would anyone pay that much cash for a racing series destined for failure?

[TLK]

Originally posted by FishFan
Why would anyone pay that much cash for a racing series destined for failure?

deep breath......

What exactly do you mean doomed for failure?

[cartman]

CART does have a much bigger overseas following. But F1 is king. Over here in Europe, the F1 fans put any of the NASCAR fanboys to shame. I'm going to Monza on Sunday, and they are expecting over ONE MILLION people in the area, even though only about 80,000 can actually get to the race track. And it was the same in May at Monte Carlo.

I guess it's kinda like soccer. It's a sport the world outside the US loves. Driving in circles (don't get me wrong, I do like NASCAR, but not as much as road circuits) just doesn't click with racing fans world-wide.

Give me open-wheel at Laguna Seca over stockcars at Texas Motor Speedway anyday.

[FishFan]

The series is already on one leg and the IRL keeps gaining popularity. I don't like Tony George any more than the next guy, but the IRL has gained more in the past couple of years than CART. It's only a matter of time, now, although this purchase may save them a few more years.

[TLK]

Originally posted by FishFan
The series is already on one leg and the IRL keeps gaining popularity. I don't like Tony George any more than the next guy, but the IRL has gained more in the past couple of years than CART. It's only a matter of time, now, although this purchase may save them a few more years.

I have to disagree. The IRL and CART pretty much have the same network TV ratings (sans the Indy 500). CART's attendance is sooo much greater than the EARL's it's not even funny. Both series race at Fontana over the next month or so, so that'll be a good comparison.

CART's purchase might not be the end-all to the problems. However, they a fan-base that is loyal and actually gets out to the races. The new owners plan on tying in concerts to bring even more people out. In Miami in a few weeks, they have Kid Rock and Elton John preforming. It may not be the solution, but it's a step in the right direction.....

Back to the EARL though, If anything they're losing their fan-base....
http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/miscimages/i500tv.gif

The light (orange-yellowish) line shows the Super Bowls ratings, while the dark line shows the ratings of the Indy 500.

Take note of the decline in 1996, and how they've never recovered from CART breaking off. Also take a look at how the ratings how been on a downward tread, so their really no gaining any popularity, rather losing it.

[TLK]

bump for FishFan...........

[FishFan]

Television ratings are a horrible statistic to base anything off of. There are simply too many entertainment options now as more and more channels pop up. As long as there are more options, of course ratings are going to be down.

You can make the same argument about the Super Bowl since it has shown a decline in ratings over the years.

I know what I know from the Indianapolis media, which is fairly biased towards the IRL, of course, but they are still hard on the owners of IMS. I would be personally surprised if CART is still around in five years because sooner or later, open wheel racing can only support one circuit and the IRL has become politcally more powerful. CART will eventually fold or the two circuits will merge again, with the IRL dictating the merger.

[TLK]

There Will Be A 2004 Season :)



OWRS Completes Assets Purchase posted on 12-15 21:32

LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 15, 2003) – Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC (“Open Wheel”) has completed its negotiations with CART, Inc. and Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. to purchase specific assets, including contracts with promoters, sponsors, and teams, through the planned Chapter 11 bankruptcy process of CART, Inc. This agreement allows for the continuation of the 2004 Champ Car World Series season.

Open Wheel will begin the immediate planning and implementation of the operational details required to conduct the Champ Car World Series in 2004 as the closing of the transaction continues. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions including the approval of the bankruptcy court.

“Our goal throughout this process was for an expedient resolution so our teams and sponsors could proceed with full confidence,” said Paul Gentilozzi, an Open Wheel partner. “We’re extremely grateful to all of the sponsors, teams, promoters, and fans that have expressed their ongoing encouragement. Their loyalty has been phenomenal; they’ve stayed with us throughout this initiative and have supported us at every turn.

“Effective immediately, we’re ready to begin work to implement our vision for Champ Car in 2004 and for many seasons beyond,” explained Gentilozzi. “Our purchase was with the express intent of supporting our teams and sponsors competing now and in the future.

“Therefore, as a show of strength and good faith, Open Wheel has accepted the liability of almost $2.7 million in 2003 prize monies which we will pay to our teams that elect to participate in the 2004 Champ Car season,” revealed Gentilozzi.

“There’s been a great deal of speculation about car count for next year,” continued Gentilozzi. “We talk to our teams on a daily basis and we’re more than confident that we’ll have a full field of cars in 2004. In addition, we anticipate new team and driver announcements in the very near future.”

Kevin Kalkhoven, an Open Wheel partner and co-owner of PK Racing, was instrumental in the acquisition process. “This was an extremely complex deal,” noted Kalkhoven, former CEO of JDS Uniphase, a leading global supplier of components and modules for advanced fiber optic telecommunications networks. “I pride myself in my knowledge and expertise in acquisitions and mergers, but I was surprised by the complexity of the transaction.

“But I’m positive the agreed upon format is definitely the correct one and one which will allow our Series to grow and flourish in 2004 and beyond,” added Kalkhoven.

OWRS partner Gerald Forsythe has had a long emotional and financial commitment to the Champ Car World Series and is convinced that the asset purchase agreement was key to ensure the Series’ future. “This was absolutely the right move for the future and longevity of Champ Car,” commented Forsythe, who co-owns Team Player’s and is a limited partner of the BAR Formula One team. “I have every confidence that this decision will prove successful.”

In a related move, Open Wheel nominee Richard P. Eidswick has been appointed as CEO of CART, Inc. to see the organization through the Chapter 11 proceedings. During the transition, Eidswick will report to the CART Board of Directors.

Eidswick is co-founder and Managing Director of Arbor Partners, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based venture capital firm which primarily invests in companies focused on the creation of next-generation application software and communication technologies. In addition to capital, Arbor Partners offers clients a comprehensive set of business-building resources including assistance with strategic planning, development of product and marketing strategies, and the establishment of corporate partnerships.

“I’m confident that the Champ Car World Series will emerge from the bankruptcy process stronger than ever,” said Eidswick. “I look forward to working with all parties involved to build on our strengths and explore new opportunities as we position Champ Car for 2004 and beyond.”

The Champ Car World Series 2004 racing season begins on April 18 with its 22nd running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Reigning Champ Car Drivers’ Champion Paul Tracy will return to defend his 2003 Long Beach win.

[TLK]

AHHHHHH----



Indy Racing League Looking Into CART Buyout
Mon January 12, 2004 05:58 PM ET

By Lewis Franck

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Indy Racing League (IRL) is considering a buyout of the assets of the rival Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series, an IRL spokesman said on Monday.

Fred Nation, executive vice-president of communications of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IRL, said no offers had been made yet but the organization had sent a team to CART headquarters in Indianapolis to review the assets.

The CART series, which broke away from Indianapolis in 1978 and went public in 1998, filed for bankruptcy last year and is scheduled to have a hearing leading to the sale of its assets in the last week of this month.

The IRL started its own series in 1995, which includes the prestigious Indianapolis 500, and since then CART has suffered from the defection of major teams and manufacturers to their rivals.

Last year the Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) made an offer to buy CART's assets and a U.S. Federal Judge imposed a deadline of January 23 for alternative offers.

CART operates a successful street course races in the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal as well as at Long Beach, California.

The IRL, until now an all oval series, have stated interest in selected street races and Nation said that starting in 2005 the IRL would have a limited number of them on the calendar.

"There are a lot of interesting assets for sale at reasonable prices," Nation added.

In addition to races, technical equipment and a state of the art mobile hospital will be up for grabs at the sale of assets, which is scheduled for January 28.

OWRS officials were not available for comment on Monday.

[Dutch]

So the feud between Tony George and the Owners is finally ending. With Tony George winning. Now he can stop the charade, put Long Beach, Laguna Seca, Road America, and hopefully some of the other cool CART circuits with the IRL, and Open Wheel Racing in the US can get back on track.

Hopefully the IRL does a better job of selling the series as a whole than IRL or CART did seperately.

[Ryan S]

AHHHHHH----
If the IRL takes over CART, that will kill my interest in American Open Wheel racing.

My interest in F1 has been waning over the last 8 years or so, as the races have become deathly dull and any driver with an ounce of personality is shoved out the door.

Looks like I will be watching Aussie V8's and the WRC this year.

[TLK]

I heard an interview today with Robin Miller who said that Tony George may just be buying CART to kill it. The plan would then be for the IRL to go road racing in 2005. This would force the CART teams to come race for the IRL this season, and help their car count (which is at 17-18). The Trans-Am series would run Long Beach this year.

I'm going to wait and see what happens here. I will say though, I'm out too, if the IRL takes over CART.

[TLK]

CART bidder not happy with IRL moves
OWRS group is determined to thwart Tony George's efforts.


By Steve Ballard
[email protected]
January 13, 2004


News that the rival Indy Racing League is considering bidding for assets of the bankrupt Championship Auto Racing Teams series has left the group of CART team owners whose bid already is in place more determined than ever to succeed.

Paul Gentilozzi said Tuesday that he and Open Wheel Racing Series partners Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven emerged from two days of meetings prepared to do and spend whatever is necessary to get their offer accepted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Indianapolis.

"We're here for the duration. We're not at all intimidated," Gentilozzi said. "We have put thousands of hours into this transaction. We're not going to pack our bags just because some guy is looking to buy a few computers and trailers."

Gentilozzi said he and his partners learned last week that IRL president Tony George had dispatched league officials to inspect the racing assets of CART. George visited CART's local headquarters Monday night.

News of the IRL's interest became public late Monday.

"Obviously, it caught me by surprise since Tony told me months ago he didn't plan to get involved," Gentilozzi said. "He obviously has one thing in mind: to close it down and get rid of the competition. This 11th-hour involvement doesn't seem very honorable to me."

The IRL has until Jan. 23 to submit an offer to the court. Judge Frank Otte has scheduled a sales hearing for Jan. 28 to consider all bids and resolve any outstanding issues concerning the sale.

At the most recent hearing Dec. 29, an attorney for California Speedway -- which faces dueling lawsuits with CART over cancellation of the 2003 season-ending race -- told the court he also represented another potential buyer which he later identified as 88 Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corp.

But Tuesday, ISC spokesman David Talley said "ISC has no present interest in acquiring the assets of CART."

The OWRS offer is for $1.6 million. It also has agreed to assume certain liabilities, primarily prize money owed to teams, that would push the total to around $3 million.

The judge is not obligated to accept the highest bid and is driven by what is best for the company. Since the OWRS group intends to keep the series going, that could work to its advantage with the court.

But the IRL can argue that no reincarnation of a bankrupt series is likely to succeed, and in the long run open-wheel racing and those who make a living from it will benefit from having it exist as one series. The sport has seen a steady decline in popularity since it split into two factions in 1996.

Gentilozzi vehemently rejects that notion. "This isn't about unification," he said. "Tony doesn't want to create one series. He wants to kill one series."

But IRL vice president Fred Nation said the IRL can't kill something that technically is already dead.

"CART's already out of business and has announced its intention not to run the series next year," he said. "The assets of a bankrupt CART are for sale, and since we're looking to go road racing in the next few years, it's a chance for us to buy certain things we're going to have to buy anyway."

Nation reiterated the IRL has made no decision and won't until it completes careful study of CART's existing contracts, which it is allowed to do under a confidentiality agreement. Gentilozzi contends the IRL "doesn't understand the terms of the transaction" and faces a barrage of multimillion-dollar lawsuits if it were to break contracts with suppliers, sponsors and promoters.

"That could be the case and that's exactly why we're performing serious due diligence," Nation said. "We have historically been cautious and methodical in how we approach things. We could well determine this does not make good sense for us."

Finally some good news....

[Craptacular]

Is there any way we can get Tony George arrested for terrorism?

[TLK]

http://www.growthspurts.com/drivee/images/418813479083.jpg

http://www.growthspurts.com/drivee/images/173401243241.jpg

[FishFan]

From what I've heard in Indy, the IRL is only looking to buy some assets. The CART Series was run into the ground and they have things that any racing series would want. I don't see what the big deal about this is. Tony George is not out to kill CART - it's already dead. That's why George struggled with the decision to enter a bid - he did not want to be viewed as someone out to kill an already dead racing series. From a business standpoint, this is a no-brainer for George. He can get some assets that the IRL needs (including the rights to four road races at various sites like Long Beach and Mexico) at a discount price. Why wouldn't he do it? It's too bad that people are still so upset over the split that happened what, 10 years ago? The IRL is here to stay and the CART could not stay above water, financially.

FWIW, the International Speedway Corp. is also interested in purchasing some assets. If you guys are hoping for the OWRS to just get up and running without any problems, then you are going to be disappointed. This is a business.

[FishFan]

Dola. After reading that second article, I see it points out some of my points...

[clintl]

So for close to a decade of warfare, the result might be that Tony George ends with total control of a series that is going to be just like CART was, but with inferior, cheaper cars? Exactly what was the point of all this, other than to George's megalomania?

[TLK]

So for close to a decade of warfare, the result might be that Tony George ends with total control of a series that is going to be just like CART was, but with inferior, cheaper cars? Exactly what was the point of all this, other than to George's megalomania?

Exactly. Every single statement he made when he started the series has been altered. If he thinks he's going to gain fans by not having any competiton he's wrong. If anything he may upset some of current IRL fanbase by staying from the "we don't turn right" format.

For the record, yes, CART is dead. But if TG doesn't interfere, there will there be a ChampCar race at Long Beach this year.....



Edit: Can't spell today...

[clintl]

You know, Tony George might be the only guy in all of sports that can make George Steinbrenner and Al Davis look benign.

[TLK]

Another quote from Gentilozzi:

"I'm sure his intention is to buy a bunch of used racing equipment in an effort to make sure we can't race," Gentilozzi said. "It won't work. My view is, we're going into the last lap and he's a lap down. He doesn't know he can't win."

This is going to get interesting....

[FishFan]

I'm staying out of this one.

Who thinks who is a lap down? Amazing...

[JonInMiddleGA]

FishFan -- it took me a second to sort out the players, but best I can tell, the "lap down" comment came from one of the previous bidders for the CART assets.

I assume it referred to George being late in the bidding process, not to IRL being a lap down to CART or anything like that.

At least, I hope that's what was meant. Otherwise, this Gentilozzi must be some sort of idiot.

[TLK]

Jon is right.... sorry I didn't post the whole article but I was in a hurry.... here's the article.....



Portland gets deadline to commit to CART race

The head of a group trying to buy the bankrupt series isn't afraid of a potential IRL bid for CART's assets

01/14/04

PAUL BUKER

If the Indy Racing League makes a successful bid for CART's assets, where does that leave Paul Gentilozzi and his partners?

And where does that leave Portland?

Out in the cold, obviously. But Gentilozzi, a CART team owner, said Tuesday he is confident that his group will have control of the troubled racing series after a Jan. 28 hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Indianapolis.

Gentilozzi still has Portland penciled in for June 20 on a tentative CART schedule that calls for the season opener April 18 in Long Beach, Calif.

Portland promoter Mike Nealy has been trying to find a major sponsor and gather enough community support to keep the race, which began in 1984. But Nealy's effort has been hurt by the uncertainty of CART's future and the confusion over who will control a series that might not exist in three weeks.

Meanwhile, Gentilozzi said another venue wants Portland's race dates, and, "We aren't going to wait forever. We're going to hang here until we get through the first of February, when we know if we own (CART). So a kind of D-Day for Portland would be Feb. 1. . . . I'm a little confused about Portland. . . . I'm not sure what's happening there."

Gentilozzi said he was mildly surprised at Monday's announcement that Tony George's IRL might make a competing bid for CART's assets. All bids must be submitted by Jan. 23, and Gentilozzi said, "They can't conceivably get prepared to do this in 10 days or less. We've spent thousands of man-hours on this."

The threat of the IRL buying and dismantling CART does not scare Gentilozzi.

"I'm sure his intention is to buy a bunch of used racing equipment in an effort to make sure we can't race," Gentilozzi said. "It won't work. My view is, we're going into the last lap and he's a lap down. He doesn't know he can't win."

Portland city officials have signed off on a 2004 race, assuming Nealy can close the deal with Gentilozzi.

"We want CART to come, and we're still holding a date for them," said Kevin Jeans Gail, the chief of staff for City Commissioner Jim Francesconi, who oversees the Parks Bureau. "We've done what they've asked of us. We've lowered (rental) fees, the Rose Festival has sacrificed, and we've sent a positive message we want them to come to Portland."

[TLK]

Off the topic of the merger, but this goes to the character of the IRL and Mr. George.....


"Engine parts must be available to any competitor at a controlled price, so that has not changed," Mehl said. "We will not allow manufacturers to lease them. That's a difference between what CART does and what we do. If you lease an engine, you don't know what's inside of it, and there's two or three different kinds of them out there being raced. That's not what we're looking for. We don't call that a level playing field. The only way that I'll get my guys to believe that they've got the same thing as that guy, is if they can open this thing up and look inside of it. We will not allow leased engines."
IRL executive director Leo Mehl on November 17, 1998

Without Honda and Toyota's engine leasing program, the IRL would of had exactly six cars racing in 2003


"We anticipate that many of the driving champions attending Champions Day will someday try their hand at driving a Pep Boys IRL car at the Speedway," Nation said. "The IRL is committed to assisting these drivers in reaching the next level in their careers."
IMS vice president of corporate communications and public relations, Fred Nation

In 1998, the Speedway/IRL boys hosted something called "Champions Day," a short-lived attempt to bring short-track sprint guys to IMS for exposure. This experiment at getting them rides in the IRL failed, of course, but the quotes are amusing. I believe the IRL will have exactly one USAC driver in next year's field. Following up on this....


"Take Billy Boat, for example. I've watched Billy all of his career. He's 31 now. I think He will turn out to be one of the finest talents that Indy Car racing has ever seen/ John Menard, who put Tony Stewart in his car at Orlando, asked me where I'd found him, and I was reported to have said "I have 10 more, 20 more just like him" and I do. But it's not me, it's America's short tracks. Our driver A-list includes not only the USAC sprint and midget drivers, but also those from WOO where there are a number of splendid drivers."
Cary Agajanian, USAC VP in charge of the IRL. August 1996 Racer Magazine.

and a more recent quote from the aforementioned Mr. Boat....

"I'd still like to do something in the IRL, and I'm still talking to Panther," Boat said. "Unfortunately, there's very limited opportunities."
Driver Billy Boat

Limited opportunities because the rides that are available are those that went to foreigners and ride-buyers. Not exactly the original vision....

"There were a lot of factors at work. One was the rising cost of Indy Car racing. Another was the road racing bent of that organization. Some of it had to do with the make up of the owners themselves. There were myriad factors that contributed to this change. Then we began to see an internationalization of CART, which is becoming stronger every day.

"Now Indianapolis always had a tradition of welcoming foreign drivers, so I'm certainly not being xenophobic. The great foreign champions really added to the show. That will always happen. We will always encourage it. But NOT to the exclusion of American drivers.

"Last year there were more foreign drivers than Americans. There were six rookies in the race last year, and all of them were foreign. The speedway saw that trend; I think Tony tried to get CART to understand what the Speedway's concern is about the makeup of the product they were bringing to the 500. And I knew from day one - as an outside observer during this time that they were never going to find any middle ground.
Cary Agajanian, USAC VP in charge of the IRL. August 1996 Racer Magazine

Is it me or does this perfectly explain the situation that the IRL is in today....

"The IRL was created for inclusion not exclusion -- and certainly not to be in direct conflict with or to replace any series already in existence. Toward that end, invitations to the 1996 Indianapolis 500 remain open to those caught in the web of Monday's announcement."
Tony George, President, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (11-19-95)

Scratching my head over this one.... He would later announce a 25/8 rule that would insure that 25 of the 33 spots for the Indy 500 would go to IRL drivers. I'll stay away from the we're not trying to replace any series, even though that is what's going on now....


"CART's had a good run," George said. "But we're looking to knock CART or NASCAR or Formula One off the top, too."

George sometimes speaks in convoluted language, and The translation was that he meant not only to topple CART from its pinnacle, but NASCAR and F1 from theirs, too.

"It wasn't meant to be a shot across anyone's bow," George says now. "Everybody asked me what my vision is for the IRL five or 10 years from now, and I stated that we want to be the premier racing series in the world."
Tony George in the "IRL Suddenly Has Become A Force", Orlando Sentinal, September 15, 2002

This is my favorite. If you subtract the Indy 500 from the schedule, the IRL wasn't even the most watched open-wheel series in America. The fact is they can't draw flies to a race outside of Texas and Indy without season-ticket packages that include NASCAR. I'll feel bad for ole' TG when Toyota gets into NASCAR and they bolt the IRL. To compare the IRL to NASCAR and F1 is hilarious.

[FishFan]

A lot changes in seven, eight years, doesn't it? Of course the landscape of racing and the IRL will change from year-to-year. Racing changed from year-to-year before the birth of the IRL. You could take quotes for any industry 7-8 years ago and point out flaws in people's vision. It's business. I don't see the point of all of this?

As for the last quote, I would hope Tony George would hope the IRL is the premier racing series in five to ten years. Even though it wouldn't happen, you need to be optimistic about the future of the series. If you just concede to NASCAR and F1, you will fail Just ask CART about that.

It's amazing that people are still bitter over the split that happened almost 10 years ago. I was bitter when it happned, but continued to watch both series' over the next few years until CART got so boring I couldn't stand it anymore. The IRL had more exciting races and as more and more drivers made the jump to IRL, I had no other reason to even tune into a CART race.

I'm not saying the IRL is the premier racing series in the world, but they have definitely put on a better show than CART over the past two years.

[FishFan]

FishFan -- it took me a second to sort out the players, but best I can tell, the "lap down" comment came from one of the previous bidders for the CART assets.

I assume it referred to George being late in the bidding process, not to IRL being a lap down to CART or anything like that.

At least, I hope that's what was meant. Otherwise, this Gentilozzi must be some sort of idiot.

That makes sense, then.

[TLK]

A lot changes in seven, eight years, doesn't it? Of course the landscape of racing and the IRL will change from year-to-year. Racing changed from year-to-year before the birth of the IRL. You could take quotes for any industry 7-8 years ago and point out flaws in people's vision. It's business. I don't see the point of all of this?

As for the last quote, I would hope Tony George would hope the IRL is the premier racing series in five to ten years. Even though it wouldn't happen, you need to be optimistic about the future of the series. If you just concede to NASCAR and F1, you will fail Just ask CART about that.

It's amazing that people are still bitter over the split that happened almost 10 years ago. I was bitter when it happned, but continued to watch both series' over the next few years until CART got so boring I couldn't stand it anymore. The IRL had more exciting races and as more and more drivers made the jump to IRL, I had no other reason to even tune into a CART race.

I'm not saying the IRL is the premier racing series in the world, but they have definitely put on a better show than CART over the past two years.

I guess the whole point is that the IRL is turning into the exact same thing CART was when Tony George pulled out. He has shown no consistency over the years. Am I bitter? Yes. George took what was once the best series in the world and turned Open Wheel racing into the mess it's in today.

The drivers "jumped to the IRL" were forced by their contracts with their owner or engine manufacturer. Ask Scott Dixon or Dario Franchetti. I can't name one driver that came from CART that wasn't bound by a contract (I guess Manning this year). Dixon and Manning (and I guess Franchetti) have hopes of getting into F-1, and I feel bad for them because they'll never get there through the IRL.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I can't watch IRL races. The cars are ugly and the engines sound like crap. You have to love all the debris yellows at the end of the races. They love to bunch the field up so they can have the last lap photo finish and maybe get on SportsCenter. Thumbs Up Tony.

How about safety. Wanna know how many CART drivers missed races due to injury this year..... 1 and it was a mild concussion. The IRL had 11 injuries, all which were more serious than a concussion including a fatality. What was the IRL's fix to this.... they reduced speeds by about 5 mph and made no changes to the body of the car. Kenny Brack is lucky he's still alive and I really think (despite what he says) that we won't see him in an IRL car ever again. I wish I could say the same for Tony Renna.

There's one very important thing that Mr. George has to realize if he buys CART's assets...... CART's fans don't come with them.....

[TLK]

I don't know how much to read into this, as I'm not a lawyer.... but if this is true this is one of the funniest things I've read in a while.


Major tactical error by the IRL Many readers have written to ask what we meant when we said the IRL has made a major tactical error in making an attempt to bid for CART's assets. Let us explain. The IRL had to sign a non-disclosure agreement in order to peer into all of CART's assets, including their race contracts, which is what the IRL is really after, at least the key ones. Assuming OWRS prevails on the 28th, which we have no reason to believe they won't, the IRL has now locked themselves out of stealing any of CART's existing races for a period, of we believe, 15 years (the terms of the non-disclosure agreement). By having seen the contracts they have confidential information. If the IRL attempts to talk to any of CART's existing promoters about taking over a CART race and replacing it with an IRL race, OWRS will immediately sue them for violation of the non-disclosure agreement for they would have had access to the terms of the existing contract and can use that to their advantage in trying to outbid OWRS. We suspect the IRL will regret what they have done for quite some time.....15 years to be exact. Mark C.

From the paid subscription part of AutoRacing1.com

[TLK]

Here's a link with the history of the CART/Indy Car/IRL split for anyone that's interested.....


hXXp://www.netaxs.com/~gg1/race/cartirl.htm

[SunDancer]

What made CART so great? I love that series in the heyday. Long Beach, Indy, Cleveland, ect. Can a CART-like series exist anymore, or a start-up with the same idea compete?

Also, what's the deal with Formula One? Have they fallen alittle as well? Isn't their rumor a new series to challenge them? Also, why are they not on tv anymore, and is success in the states rising with the addition of Indy? Why do they not run ovals at all?

[SunDancer]

Here's a link with the history of the CART/Indy Car/IRL split for anyone that's interested.....


hXXp://www.netaxs.com/~gg1/race/cartirl.htm


From that site, I found this tidbid quite interesting:

May 1993: Emerson Fittipaldi refuses traditional milk drink after winning the 500 and substitutes orange juice, drawing much criticism.

[SunDancer]

Bump...

[TLK]

What made CART so great? I love that series in the heyday. Long Beach, Indy, Cleveland, ect. Can a CART-like series exist anymore, or a start-up with the same idea compete?

A startup series isn't the answer now. Up until last week, I was behind a merger, now I'm really not sure with the crap Tony George was pulling this week. This would be the ideal merger....

One series that races both on Oval and Road/Street courses. A healthy mix of maybe 8 ovals and 12 road/street courses would work for me. Only the strong survive. If your event doesn't draw, we don't renew your contract.
Tony George has no part in running the day-to-day operation.....
A non-team owner needs to be put in the position of CEO
The cars need to be safe. The crapwagon's aren't cutting it.
28 car fields with the exception of Indy which gets their 33. If there's more then 28 cars at an event, let's make qualifying count with only the top 28 getting into the race.
Use CART's scoring. You shouldn't receive points for just showing up.
Promote American drivers. If assistance is given to some owners, (as is happening in both CART/IRL now) persuade them to put an American in the car. Having said that, the International rivalry is important too. Ideally, I'd like to see a minimum of 8 to 10 Americans for each race.
A better television package that anything CART/IRL have now.


That's off the top of my head..... I'm sure I'll have more to add later....

Also, what's the deal with Formula One? Have they fallen alittle as well? Isn't their rumor a new series to challenge them? Also, why are they not on tv anymore, and is success in the states rising with the addition of Indy? Why do they not run ovals at all?

Formula 1 won't be bigger in America, until they get an American driver in the field. The Indy attendance has gone down year by year. I'm not a fan of the track setup that they use there, but that is one race I'd like to see in person. They don't run ovals because their smart. Ovals are mostly only popular in the US and the risk of injury is so much greater. I believe there is the ASCAR series in Europe that runs ovals, but that's about it.

[SunDancer]

Formula One seems to run very specific track designs. How come they only run one street circuit?

[TLK]

Formula One seems to run very specific track designs. How come they only run one street circuit?

If it's not the right type of street track, it is bad racing. The only reason F-1 keeps Monaco on the schedule, is because it's Monaco. It's a real bad track with hardly any passing zones.

It is talked about that F-1 might return to Long Beach for their American date, after their contract with TG is up. Long Beach, St. Pete and Toronto are the best street circuits on the CART circuit. Vancouver, Denver and Miami fall into the can't pass and alltogether too tight....

[SunDancer]

I love the Long Beach circuit. I think it's the Monaco of the CART/US circruit, with a betetr track.

[TLK]

The IRL Fires Back.....


IRL Responds to OWRS
Written by: Jeff Olson
Indianapolis, Ind. – 1/16/2004

If the Indy Racing League bids on CART’s assets -- and if that bid is successful -- it could be a major step toward reunifying U.S. open-wheel racing, an IRL spokesman said Friday.

Fred Nation, the IRL’s executive vice president for communications, said league officials are in the process of determining what, if anything, they plan to bid on. CART has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from its creditors; Open Wheel Racing Series, a group led by CART team owners Paul Gentilozzi and Kevin Kalkhoven, has proposed to purchase the assets.

Other parties interested in submitting bids must do so by Jan. 23. U.S. bankruptcy judge Frank J. Otte will render a final decision on Jan. 28.

"We have a greater chance of going forward with a unified approach to open-wheel racing on both ovals and road and street courses -- a better chance than anyone else does, in our opinion," Nation said. "The gentlemen who are bidding on the bankrupt CART assets are not responsible for CART’s bankruptcy. They’re trying to resuscitate a failed operation and take it forward with the same failed business model used in the past. We would argue that everyone’s energies would be better spent on a unified approach to open-wheel racing in North America."

Bobby Rahal, who fields teams in both series and is a past CEO of CART, echoed Nation’s sentiments.

"Having one clear leader in the sport, certainly to me, is of great value," Rahal said during an IRL teleconference Tuesday. "If I look back on CART, clearly that’s what it didn’t have. That probably pre-empted or probably produced much of the unfortunate things we’ve seen over the last 10 years. We’re all in this together, and I think if we want open-wheel racing to be what it once was or at least get on the path to what it once was, then we’ve got to all work together."

Nation acknowledged that the IRL is interested in CART’s capital assets but is assessing the value of race contracts and the possibility of penalties from promoters if CART races are canceled. CART’s original season opener in February at St. Petersburg, Fla., has been canceled, and the sanctioning body’s first race of 2004 is set for April 18 at Long Beach, Calif.

IRL officials have toured CART headquarters in Indianapolis, looking at equipment that includes a portable care center, timing and scoring devices and black boxes. Series officials then indicated they were considering a bid.

"There’s little doubt that a lot of that (equipment) would be of use to us," Nation said, adding that the IRL is more concerned about signed contracts and other obligations CART currently has and may still have after bankruptcy proceedings are final.

"What OWRS is saying is they’ll take it all. We’re saying we may not be willing to take that risk," Nation said. "There are a lot of things we’re looking at. We could decide to do nothing. That’s always an option. We could decide to bid on everything or just bid on certain portions."

Kalkhoven said earlier this week that any bid by the IRL would be merely an attempt to destroy the rival series (click here for story). Nation disputed Kalkhoven’s comments, saying any bid by the IRL would be an attempt to strengthen open-wheel racing. However, Nation indicated he wasn’t surprised by the reaction.

"These gentlemen are competitors," Nation said. "We would expect them to do their very best to win this race, if it turns out to be a race. We have come to expect over the years that provocative statements are a stock and trade of whoever is in charge of CART."

The split in domestic open-wheel racing began in 1996, when Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George formed the Indy Racing League and changed the specifications and rules surrounding the Indianapolis 500. Saying, in effect, that they had been locked out of the race, CART teams boycotted the ‘96 Indy 500, and the two series since have run as rivals.

In recent years, most of CART’s high-profile owners have joined the all-oval IRL, including Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi , along with engine manufacturers Honda and Toyota. Last season, IRL officials told teams to prepare for the possibility of road racing in 2004.

"You hear all kinds of rumors about the potential of going road racing," Rahal said. "I think that would be of great value. I think that’s what made open-wheel racing so successful in the 1980s, for example, and early 1990s, was when you had sort of a combination of both. I’m hopeful that road racing is a component of the IRL, but that’s really not up to me."

Nation said it is "highly unlikely" that the IRL would add any road or street races to its 2004 schedule regardless of the outcome of the CART bankruptcy proceedings. He said IRL officials are not in contact with promoters of CART’s most valued street and road venues, including the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Toronto Molson Indy and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

"We don’t really have the ability to deal with the venues to put on those races (in 2004)," Nation said. "First, they’re under contract to CART. Second, our season is complete, our sponsors are complete, our TV schedule is complete. We have a very limited ability to make any changes at this point. If we make a bid and we are successful, we can put on a 2005 season that will incorporate the best of road and street courses with our oval schedule and preserve them in a way that provides a sound foundation."

Nation said a final decision regarding a possible bid for CART’s assets isn’t likely until shortly before the Jan. 23 deadline.

[SunDancer]

Wasn't F1 looking at Las Vegas, using the Strip, as possible US race.

[Ryan S]

Formula One seems to run very specific track designs. How come they only run one street circuit?
Actually, F1 races on two street circuits. The first race of the season in Australia is raced on a street circuit, but it is not nearly as tight as a traditional street circuit.

I also believe that the Belgian and Canadian tracks use public roads for at least part of the track.

[TLK]

Actually, F1 races on two street circuits. The first race of the season in Australia is raced on a street circuit, but it is not nearly as tight as a traditional street circuit.

I also believe that the Belgian and Canadian tracks use public roads for at least part of the track.

I can't believe I forgot about Melbourne..... You're right also about Montreal, but again, a really nice track to complete passes on. I need to brush up on my Formula-1 knowledge because if there is no CART in 04'..... that's what I'll be watching....

[pskov]

Actually, F1 races on two street circuits. The first race of the season in Australia is raced on a street circuit, but it is not nearly as tight as a traditional street circuit.

I also believe that the Belgian and Canadian tracks use public roads for at least part of the track.
Umm, Monaco ring any bells? The most famous street circuit in the world? ;)

[Dutch]

Wasn't F1 looking at Las Vegas, using the Strip, as possible US race.

I doubt F1 was, but F1 does look in a lot of locales. They have even considered building a track near Istanbul. The Turks are very big fans of fast cars but are only curiously interested in F1 at this point.

[TLK]

Wasn't F1 looking at Las Vegas, using the Strip, as possible US race.

I really can't see Formula-1 racing in Las Vegas. They raced their in the early 80's and the track was awful. Granted it didn't help that it was in the parking lot of one the casino's (Ceasar's Palace?). The problem with a race on the strip is that there are way too many ego's involved that would want a piece of the pie. In my dreamworld, a race down the strip, right before nightfall would be money, but I don't think we'll see any group pull it off any time soon. It amazes me that back when F-1 ran Vegas, they had three races in America.... now we have one with declining attendance.

[pskov]

An F1 race at night would be suicidal for the drivers. That won't happen in a very, very, very long time.

Edit for idiotic grammar...

[TLK]

Like I said.... in a dreamworld..... but, I think they could light it to the point where it was safe... plus it's Vegas....

Here's what Cleveland looked like this year, under the lights....
http://www.cart.com/Content/Wallpaper/2003/640x480/20030711W_0001.jpg

[SunDancer]

Is it now a close-oval circruit at Cleveland?

Does NASCAR have a presence at all outside of the US?

Could a good circuit be created out of the Las Vegas, with the strip as the "centerpiece" and start/finish line?

Do you guys think that an American company would help booster the presence if launch a team under an American brand?

[SunDancer]

Umm, Monaco ring any bells? The most famous street circuit in the world? ;)


The other track is Monaco.

[Ryan S]

That won't happen in a very, very, very long time.
I would put money on night races (or evening races at least) happening within the next decade. They are already discussing it.

F1 has noticed that the Brazilian, Canadian and US races get much higher viewing figures than any other races. This is because the races are starting in primetime in Europe, rather than early in the afternoon. These later starts also help boost audience figures in the North American market.

Since racing under the lights has been a success in NASCAR and CART, as well as a host of junior series, it is bound to happen in F1 eventually.

[SunDancer]

Can any current American driver be a solid competitor in F1? Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart?

[TLK]

We'll never find out because there's no way in hell they'd leave NASCAR. Currently the best American with a shot at F-1 is Townsend Bell. I don't think he's anything special, but he brings money and that's important for the drives left this year. He'll probably endup testing this year and who knows.... maybe in 2005. The other name depending on what happens with the CART/IRL situation is AJ Allmendinger. He won the Toyota Atlantic Series this year and Barber Dodge in 2002. He's supposed to race CART this year, but it's up in the air. If he goes to the IRL.... forget about it....

To answer your question in one word though (IMHO)....
Gordon- Yes
Stewart- No

[Dutch]

They are both probably too old and the learning curve is too steep. When they were younger, maybe. But Alex Zanardi was probably a better open wheel racer than either of those two and failed pretty miserably in Europe.

[SunDancer]

What street circuits and road coarses were good on the CART schedule for racing, passing, ect.

[TLK]

What street circuits and road coarses were good on the CART schedule for racing, passing, ect.

CART isn't dead, you don't have to use past-tense :) In my opinion, the best tracks for on the track action are Montreal, Mexico City, Road America, Cleveland and then Long Beach.

The tracks that the IRL will have the most intrest in, if something should happen to CART are Long Beach, Mexico City, Toronto and Vancouver, All of which turn a nice profit for the promotors....

[JonInMiddleGA]

Is it now a close-oval circruit at Cleveland?
Does NASCAR have a presence at all outside of the US?

They've run exhibitions in both Australia & Japan over the past few years.
And there's been one Japanese driver in the Cup series so far (albeit one with minimal impact other than novelty value).

[SunDancer]

CART isn't dead, you don't have to use past-tense :) In my opinion, the best tracks for on the track action are Montreal, Mexico City, Road America, Cleveland and then Long Beach.

The tracks that the IRL will have the most intrest in, if something should happen to CART are Long Beach, Mexico City, Toronto and Vancouver, All of which turn a nice profit for the promotors....

I don't want CART to be "dead", or in the stage it is now. Doesn't CART draw well in its international races? If you bought CART, what would your gameplan be to bring it back up?

[TLK]

They've run exhibitions in both Australia & Japan over the past few years.
And there's been one Japanese driver in the Cup series so far (albeit one with minimal impact other than novelty value).

Chrisitian Fittipaldi debuted in the Cup series this year. I enjoyed Christian through his open-wheel run, but man did he look out of place. I managed to catch the Watkins Glen race and you'd of thought that Fittipaldi had never drove on a road course in his life. Between Kyle Petty (the owner of Fittipaldi's car) and Fittipaldi, it seemed they were off the track every other lap. Just brutal...

The only way I can see NASCAR making a bug impact outside of the US, is if they ran more road courses. I don't think that'd be a bad thing, but would probably upset their core group of fans. I heard though that the ratings were usually high for Watkins and Sears Point, so who knows. I wonder why NASCAR hasn't tried to elevate the Grand-Am series or even try to start a seperate road racing circuit.....

[Dutch]

If I were to buy CART?

1. I would run either California or Michigan (Does CART still run at Michigan?) has my premier race. There would be 2 races here, the season opener would be run here in April and again at the midway point. I would spend aggressively (relative to the ammount of money I could invest) into advertising this race as such.

2. I would run day races until football season starts. Then I would switch the rest of the schedule to night racing (to avoid the viewership loss to football fans right as the season is heating up).

[SunDancer]

If I were to buy CART?

1. I would run either California or Michigan (Does CART still run at Michigan?) has my premier race. There would be 2 races here, the season opener would be run here in April and again at the midway point. I would spend aggressively (relative to the ammount of money I could invest) into advertising this race as such.

2. I would run day races until football season starts. Then I would switch the rest of the schedule to night racing (to avoid the viewership loss to football fans right as the season is heating up).

Still have competiton from football if you ran night races. Why not run night races? They offer a "charge" to fans, and such. Just curious, why Michigan and California would be the centerpieces.

[TLK]

If I were to buy CART.....


Seperate CART from the IRL. IF that means dropping all ovals then do it. The only oval that CART has ran in the past few years that has made money is Milwaukee.
Pick a name and stick with it. It seems every year the offical name of CART changes. This year it was, "Bridgestone Presents The ChampCar World Series Powered By Ford". How about something simple like ChampCar: Formula America?
Establish the CART product in the NAFTA region before going back to Europe and Asia. CART's biggest profit races are in Mexico and Canada. Try to add one more race in each country. Keep Austrailia on the schedule because it's profitable and they've been loyal. When we're doing better in America, then head to Europe and then Asia.
Find a broadcast partner that will actually be a partner. CART pays to get their races on TV now, like an infomercial. There has to be a network that is looking a cutting-edge product. Spike TV is rumored to CART's home for 2004, so hopefully it works out.
Find American drivers that can compete with the foreign drivers. The best way to do this would be to build up the Toyota Atlantic series. They need to make the cars more powerful so the jump to CART isn't so drastic. The drivers coming over from F-3000 have such an advantage, it's not even funny.
Convince Bernie Eccelstone to let CART race as a support series in Montreal and Brazil. This way you get your product associated with F-1 and opens you to a new base of fans, when they realize the CART race was better than the F-1 race.
Start in late February and end the season the first week of September. Race every other week, so casual fans can get into of pattern of knowing when the races are on. That gives enough weekends for a 16 race schedule
Of those 16 races, no more then 5 of them would be on street courses. As discussed earlier in this thread, most street courses are tight and leave little room for passing. That all leads to bad racing.
Find that big race and promote it as such. If it's going to Long Beach, fine, just promote it as the big race. I'd love to see a season ending big race also. That's where my Las Vegas pipe-dream would come in. The final race of the year in Las Vegas on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, with the season ending awards banquet that Sunday.

[Dutch]

Still have competiton from football if you ran night races. Why not run night races? They offer a "charge" to fans, and such. Just curious, why Michigan and California would be the centerpieces.

The viewership on Sunday Night goes way down because most football fans are "footballed out" after 6 hours. But racing enthusiasts would just be getting started and wouldn't feel guilty about missing the Bengals/Seahawks game vs. a full slate of NFL action.

I picked Michigan and California as the Super Speedways and play to the interests of the general racing fan. Remember, you want CART to be big, you are going to have to have a lot of bandwagon fans. If you want it to be niche, they will be on the verge of bankruptcy every year.

[TLK]

The viewership on Sunday Night goes way down because most football fans are "footballed out" after 6 hours. But racing enthusiasts would just be getting started and wouldn't feel guilty about missing the Bengals/Seahawks game vs. a full slate of NFL action.

I picked Michigan and California as the Super Speedways and play to the interests of the general racing fan. Remember, you want CART to be big, you are going to have to have a lot of bandwagon fans. If you want it to be niche, they will be on the verge of bankruptcy every year.

I agree that California and Michigan would be good place to hold a race like that but CART is basically shut-out of both of those venues because their owned by the ISC, who is in bed with the IRL. Also, if it was my series, no super-speedways because they're way too dangerous to run in an open-wheel car.

[SunDancer]

If I were to buy CART.....


Seperate CART from the IRL. IF that means dropping all ovals then do it. The only oval that CART has ran in the past few years that has made money is Milwaukee.
Pick a name and stick with it. It seems every year the offical name of CART changes. This year it was, "Bridgestone Presents The ChampCar World Series Powered By Ford". How about something simple like ChampCar: Formula America?
Establish the CART product in the NAFTA region before going back to Europe and Asia. CART's biggest profit races are in Mexico and Canada. Try to add one more race in each country. Keep Austrailia on the schedule because it's profitable and they've been loyal. When we're doing better in America, then head to Europe and then Asia.
Find a broadcast partner that will actually be a partner. CART pays to get their races on TV now, like an infomercial. There has to be a network that is looking a cutting-edge product. Spike TV is rumored to CART's home for 2004, so hopefully it works out.
Find American drivers that can compete with the foreign drivers. The best way to do this would be to build up the Toyota Atlantic series. They need to make the cars more powerful so the jump to CART isn't so drastic. The drivers coming over from F-3000 have such an advantage, it's not even funny.
Convince Bernie Eccelstone to let CART race as a support series in Montreal and Brazil. This way you get your product associated with F-1 and opens you to a new base of fans, when they realize the CART race was better than the F-1 race.
Start in late February and end the season the first week of September. Race every other week, so casual fans can get into of pattern of knowing when the races are on. That gives enough weekends for a 16 race schedule
Of those 16 races, no more then 5 of them would be on street courses. As discussed earlier in this thread, most street courses are tight and leave little room for passing. That all leads to bad racing.
Find that big race and promote it as such. If it's going to Long Beach, fine, just promote it as the big race. I'd love to see a season ending big race also. That's where my Las Vegas pipe-dream would come in. The final race of the year in Las Vegas on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, with the season ending awards banquet that Sunday.



Wow...Nice ideas. I think I would try to maintain a few ovals. The diversity of CART is what makes it awesome, and really promotes a "marketing" edge. I would go with 10 races in the US, 3 in Canada, 3 in Mexico., to launch the series. I believe in order to build a fanbase in that country, you need to put your product out their. This is why Formula One is so big in Europe. I would agree on a "marquee" race. Also, I would maybe go for a "Triple Crown"-sorta marquee challenge, with an oval, permanent road corse and a street circuit as the three big races. Sorta like the old NASCAR competition, the Winston Million. I would re-build the "development series". I would maybe break it off into three series, with one in each of the three NFTA countries. The focus would be to reduce travel expenses, build up the fanbase in each of the respective countries, and to develop drivers from that nation. Each series could carry only a certain number of foreign drivers. This allows more "homegrown" talent to be produce, and helps create more of a fanbase. Agree with improving the power of the Toyota Atlantic cars. Try to find a marquee sponsor with the dollars and brand.

[sterlingice]

Everytime I see this thread near the top of the screen, it screws with my sensibilities (is it May already?)

SI

[SunDancer]

What is the differnce in the cars and the corses (the road and street tracks) of CART and F1? I know F1 cars are faster, but what else is the differences. Why is it so hard for CART drivers to make the jump, and much easier for f1 drivers to go to CART?

[TLK]

Here's the comparison:

Montreal This Year (time):
CART Pole: Alex Tagliani 1:19.665
F-1 Pole: Ralf Scumacher 1:15:53



Fontana Last Year (2002- last time they raced on the same track):
IRL Pole: Sam Hornish Jr 224.088 mph
CART Pole: Tony Kannan 232.011 mph


It's unfair to compare preformance between CART and F-1. It all depends what team your on. Look at Jaques Villenunve for example. Excellent in CART, won a championship at Williams, goes to BAR and sucks (for lack of a better word).
Mika Salo was decent in F-1, but got stuck on a crappy CART team and didn't do so well.

[SunDancer]

Just curious, how does CART make money? Are they given a slice of the profits, or are they given a fee? Is the losses of the track the track's responsibilities?

[SunDancer]

Jaques Villenunve is out of BAR for 2004 isn't he?

[TLK]

CART makes their money off of promoter fees. A few races CART itself promote's, in which they make the profits/or take the loss from that race. Off the top of my head.... CART promoted Cleveland, Miami and one other race last year. The new OWRS Group which plans on purchasing CART, doesn't plan on promoting any events.


and yes, Jaques is out of BAR and has does not have a ride for next year. He'll probably be watching the Monaco GP this year like the rest of us. :)

[SunDancer]

By not promoting the races, do they not suffer the losses then of the race?

[TLK]

They get a fee from the promoter's and their done. Realistically, the promoter will take a hit the first year and prehaps a few years after that. Regardless, the host city ends up making money from the race fans that come out. This is why St. Pete's and Portland are trying to get races hammered out for 2004.

[TLK]

Here's an artice from Speed that gives the facts about the buyout, CART, OWRS and TG. I thought the article was pretty fair and an accurate assessment of what's going on.....


Critical Days
Written by: David Phillips
Pittsburgh, Pa. – 1/20/2004
David Phillips is a Senior Editor of RACER magazine.

How many times in the past seven months have the words “the coming days are critical to the future of Champ Car racing?” been written in this space and elsewhere? In June came the formal announcement that Championship Auto Racing Teams was in dire financial straights, and, absent a major infusion of capital, there were no guarantees a 2004 Champ Car World Series would be staged. Then came the “quiet” period in July and August when anyone with interested in taking control of CART could have made a proposal to do so. Alone, Gerald Forsythe, Paul Gentilozzi, Kevin Kalkhoven, Jamie Rose and Carl Russo assembled the Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC partnership in the hopes of acquiring CART lock, stock and barrel.

Next? That would have been in late August when OWRS made its bid to buy CART at $0.50 a share followed, at the urging of CART’s Board of Directors, by an offer of $0.56 a share, which the Board accepted. Then came an autumn in which first Rose, then Russo dropped out of the partnership while the Securities and Exchange Commission reviewed the OWRS/CART “merger” plans and Messrs. Forsythe, Gentilozzi and Kalkhoven & Co. prepared to put their bid to a vote by the CART shareholders, even as rumors of an uprising led by Jon Vannini and other disgruntled shareholders percolated from Web sites to race paddocks and back.

But before the shareholders could vote, CART and OWRS adopted new tacks. CART filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of U.S bankruptcy laws and Forsythe, Gentilozzi and Kalkhoven decided simply to buy the assets necessary to run the Champ Car World Series in 2004, principally –- although not exclusively -– the contracts with the promoters of most of the events on the ‘03 schedule.

That, of course, led to December’s hearings during which Road America and the International Speedway Corporation subsidiary 88 Corporation objected to the sale of CART’s assets to OWRS, objections Judge Frank Otte took into account even as he granted conditional approval of the CART/OWRS plan. Those conditions included making the sale subject to the approval of a creditors’ committee and set Jan. 23 as the deadline for competing offers for the CART assets and Jan. 28 as the date for a hearing when, it is hoped, the matter will be resolved once and forever.

Since then, of course, representatives of the Indy Racing League made a less than clandestine visit to the CART offices where they had a look at the books –- among other things -– and signed a non-disclosure agreement. This, in turn, prompted widespread speculation the IRL was planning to tend a competing offer to that of OWRS, an offer expected to focus on the most successful events of the CART calendar, namely Long Beach, Toronto, Montreal, Mexico City, Surfers Paradise and perhaps Denver.

That concept is pretty much is a non-starter for 2004, as there is no realistic chance the IRL, its teams and suppliers could overcome the logistical and financial hurdles necessary to stage five or six additional races this year, let alone five or six road and street races beginning in mid-April at Long Beach. That would effectively mean the cancellation of all or most of those races in ‘04, not to mention the other dozen or so events with which CART has contracts. Add the other liabilities associated with what would, effectively, be the cancellation of the ’04 season -– think Ford and Bridgestone among others –- and the $3 million or so CART now owes its creditors pales in significance.

Although the ISC’s Grand Am series could conceivably integrate an additional half dozen road/street course events into its ’04 calendar, that would still result in the liabilities associated with the cancellation of the remainder of the Champ Car schedule at places like Milwaukee, Cleveland and Vancouver, as well as the obligations to Ford and Bridgestone. Small wonder an ISC spokesman reportedly told the Indianapolis Star last week that the organization “has no present interest in acquiring the interests of CART.”

In the wake of Judge Otte’s rulings, some were quick to paint a gloomy picture for the OWRS plan, in effect assuming that Messrs. Forsythe, Gentilozzi and Kalkhoven were small-time players who have been trying all along to get CART on the cheap and who would fold their cards at the first hint of Tony George or the France family digging into their deep pockets. They also seemed to think that Judge Otte and the creditors committee believe CART and/or its creditors would be best served by the IRL or ISC taking over a handful of headline events and leaving the other events –- and creditors –- twisting in the wind.

However, the fact remains that the OWRS principals are pretty formidable individuals. Fortune estimated Kalkhoven made upward of $246 million from the sale of his holdings in JDS/Uniphase prior to his retirement in Y2K. As chairman and CEO of the Indeck Group, Forsythe builds and operates power plants in the Midwest and the Northeast –- among other things. What kind of numbers does Forsythe deal with? He spent $60-70 million revamping the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The projected construction cost of one of the power plants currently on the Indeck agenda is $966 million. Gentilozzi may not be in quite that league, but his real estate company owns half a dozen office buildings in Lansing, Mich., and recently invested upward of $30 million renovating a couple of them.

Again, the numbers floating about are misleading. It’s true that OWRS bid $1.5 million for the assets of CART, and is on the hook for perhaps twice that amount in debts. But by seeking to run a 2004 Champ Car World Series that in most respects fulfills CART’s commitments to existing promoters, OWRS avoids tens of millions in liabilities that figure to accrue if any of the “cherry-picking” scenarios were to unfold.

If this whole Byzantine process has taught anybody who writes about racing anything, it should be that nobody has all the answers. I will be the first to admit I could be dead wrong about this. It’s not as if Forsythe, Gentilozzi and Kalkhoven are omniscient. It was Forsythe, after all, who spurred much of last summer’s talk of Bernie Ecclestone playing a role in the future of CART; and it was under the auspices of Gentilozzi that Rose and the MotoRock concept emerged as the panacea to all that ails the Champ Car World Series.

If nothing else, the last eight years have shown Tony George is not shy about investing in the Indy Racing League and, when last we checked, ISC has something like $270 million in cash laying around. As for ISC’s protestations that it has no present interest in CART, the operative words there are “at present.”

As has been the case since mid-June, about the only thing that can be said with certainty is “the coming days are critical to the future of Champ Car racing.” Still, if I were a betting man, I’d put my money on OWRS emerging as the winner in the bid for CART’s assets.

[TLK]

Latest release from OWRS.....


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OPEN WHEEL RACING SERIES REAFFIRMS ITS INTENTION
TO CONDUCT A COMPLETE 2004 RACING SEASON

LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 21, 2004) - Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC ("OWRS") today reaffirmed its intention to conduct a full 2004 Champ Car World Series racing season, beginning with the 30th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, scheduled for April 18.

OWRS, according to partner Paul Gentilozzi, has been fully engaged in the planning and implementation of all operational details necessary to conduct the 2004 Champ Car season, as CART, Inc. continues to navigate the bankruptcy process.

"We have letters of intent from the teams representing more than 18 cars, we've got a television package ready to announce, as well as the confirmed 2004 race schedule," revealed Gentilozzi. "We believe the loyalty of the fans, teams, sponsors, and promoters will be justified and rewarded when the current bankruptcy proceedings are completed."

Any other parties submitting a competing bid must do so no later than Jan. 23. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Otte will issue a final decision on Jan. 28.

"OWRS' intentions have been clear from the start," continued Gentilozzi. "We believe in the value of the Champ Car series. Is it imperfect? Yes. Can it be improved? Absolutely.

"The series already has all the basic elements in place," said Gentilozzi. "We have a plan and we will do whatever it takes to restore the Champ Car series to its rightful status as the best open-wheel series. We don't need or want those guys across town.

"The web sites have been overwhelmed with fan comments," explained Gentilozzi. "The momentum is decidedly against unification with the IRL and encourages us to hold firm in our efforts to maintain the forms of racing that Champ Car has established.

"The emotion in support of our efforts is a groundswell that we had not anticipated. The IRL's late game involvement and its admission that it is not prepared to go road racing in 2004 has awakened years of mistrust and anger for the breach in open-wheel racing," concluded Gentilozzi.

OWRS partner Kevin Kalkhoven elaborated, "While we are aware of the interest shown by other parties, OWRS is committed to assuming all the liabilities associated with the bankruptcy. These liabilities may well run into tens of millions of dollars. With an initial commitment of $15 million of working capital and an assumption of these liabilities, OWRS is laying the foundation for the Champ Car series to be successful for many years into the future.

"IRL spokesman Fred Nation is on record, stating the IRL doesn't have the ability to add any street or road races to its 2004 schedule," said Kalkhoven. "The loss of the Champ Car series would mean the teams - all based in the United States - would close down, resulting in the loss of hundreds, maybe thousands of American jobs. Promoters could not hold their events and sponsors would lose any momentum for open-wheel racing in the United States. A great North American tradition would be lost.

"We're confident that our fans, teams, sponsors, and promoters will continue make their voices heard. As we've said before, the IRL wants to bury - OWRS wants to build; that's the difference," concluded Kalkhoven.

[TLK]

Well he did it, FTG went ahead and bid on some of the assets of CART. It seems that there is a third bidder also. Next Wednesday we'll find out what exactly is going on. I think it's pretty clear that he's just trying kill CART. What use could he possibly have for a bunch of engines that don't meet his specifications for his series? anyways here's the latest from Speed....


The Gloves Are Off
Written by: Robin Miller
Indianapolis, IN – 1/22/2004

It appears Indy Racing League founder Tony George will be going for the jugular here next week in bankruptcy court but the principals of Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) say they aren't concerned about what promises to be Bloody Wednesday.

George indicated late Thursday afternoon he had filed a bid to purchase certain assets of Championship Auto Racing Teams in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Jan. 28. OWRS, comprised of CART owners Gerald Forsythe, Kevin Kalkhoven and Paul Gentilozzi, has already submitted a bid to run a series in 2004 using most of the venues on CART's 2003 schedule.

Fred Nation, vice president of corporate communications for IMS/IRL and George's spokesman, claimed the bid was "substantial" but refused to give any details in an email message sent to several IRL constituents.

But SPEEDTV.COM has learned that George is only bidding on the Long Beach Grand Prix, CART's engine lease program and possibly some equipment.

It had been assumed that George's all-oval circuit wanted to take over one of CART's Canadian dates (Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver) and Mexico City, which drew nearly 200,000 on race day last year, in additon to Long Beach.

Since taking over for Formula One in 1984, CART's cornerstone event has been the spring street show at Long Beach. It's the second biggest open-wheel race in this country behind the Indianapolis 500 -- usually drawing more than 150,000 spectators in three days.

Sponsored by Toyota, one of the IRL's engine suppliers, Long Beach is scheduled to celebrate its 30th anniversary April 18 when OWRS opens its season.

The IRL, which competes at Motegi, Japan that weekend, has publicly stated it will not be possible to race on road courses or street circuits in 2004. But there has been speculation that the Rolex Grand American Road Racing Series, owned by International Speedway Corporation and partners with George at several IRL tracks, could also make a run at Long Beach and other CART venues by Friday's filing deadline.

It's also possible that George could offer to pay the LBGP Association several million dollars in lieu of a race in '04 and add it to the 2005 IRL schedule.

But the most critical battle could be over power, literally.

CART owns all the turbocharged Cosworth engines that OWRS plans to use and last year they were leased to the teams by CART. If George, whose series uses normally-aspirated engines manufactured by Honda, General Motors and Toyota, would out-bid OWRS for the engines that would effectively end this eight-year war.

Judge Frank Otte will rule on the bids Wednesday and Forsythe feels confident OWRS will win the right to continue CART's 25-year tradition.

"My read is that the judge will throw their (IRL) bid out because there is no way anybody can come up with as competitive a bid as we have," said the longtime car owner from Chicago who captured the 2003 CART championship with Paul Tracy. "He's got to look at the whole picture and we've got a comprehensive business plan that we've been working on for seven months.

"There are obligations to race promoters, sponsors and investors and the IRL could be looking at huge claims against them. I feel we have all our bases covered. I'm extremely confident."

OWRS has the opportunity to increase its earlier bid of $1.6 million prior to Wednesday's hearing and Forsythe said his group has Plans "A through D" ready.

But one CART owner, who requested anonymity, cautioned that "We may not be prepared for the amount of money Tony will spend to try and kill us."

During an OWRS meeting in Indianapolis last week Kalkhoven said George's intent should be obvious. "He wants to shut us down and we want to build CART back up."

The Civil War that has been IRL vs. CART since 1996, mostly verbal along with some high-profile defections, will bring out the heavy artillery Wednesday. And it's a battle that will likely hold the future of open wheel racing.

[TLK]

On the eve of the court decision we get this..... I've been waiting for owners like this for a long time..... Hopefully everything works out for CART/OWRS tomorrow....


LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 26, 2004) – According to a recent published report, Indy Racing League (“IRL”) president, Tony George, stated his commitment to open-wheel racing while suggesting that his appreciation for the sport surpassed that of the Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC (“OWRS”) partners, collectively.

“Tony (George) has a funny way of demonstrating his commitment to open-wheel racing,” explained OWRS partner Paul Gentilozzi. “His willingness to split from CART several years ago to form the IRL is largely responsible for the tenuous state of open-wheel racing today. His only commitment is to buy the assets to keep Champ Car from racing. Our commitment is to rebuild what he, in essence, has destroyed.

“He claims to have an appreciation for open-wheel racing,” continued Gentilozzi, referencing George’s comments in the Jan. 25 edition of the Indianapolis Star. “But in the end, his intentions have nothing to do with the future of open-wheel competition, but rather the future and profitability of his IRL series. He has every right to bid on the assets, but we take issue with his audacity to veil his intentions under the guise of unification. To challenge our appreciation and commitment to open-wheel racing is a direct assault on our integrity.”

OWRS partner Kevin Kalkhoven reiterated that in addition to commitment and a plan for the future, it will take more than just upfront cash to be awarded the assets. “We will continue the operation of the Champ Car World Series and what could better benefit the creditors, teams, and sponsors,” said Kalkhoven. “We aren’t just buying the assets, but we’re also assuming the liabilities which could amount to tens of millions of dollars.

“In order to adequately compare the two bids, the Court will look at which bid will ultimately deliver the highest distribution to the creditors and which is in the best interest of the estate,” explained Kalkhoven. “The judge will assess the elements of each bid to determine how they influence the total amount of the unsecured claims. Since the IRL bid is purported not to assume the majority of the liabilities, the other promoter contacts would become unsecured claims. The damages suffered would be very real, very significant, and very costly.

“In the end, approval of the IRL bid could dramatically increase the amount of unsecured claims which certainly is not in the best interest of the creditors,” concluded Kalkhoven.

The IRL submitted a last-minute bid for selected CART assets late Thursday, Jan. 22, just hours before the legal deadline. OWRS had previously been approved as a qualified bidder. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Otte will render a final decision on the disposition of the CART assets in an auction set to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in Indianapolis.

[Dutch]

While I agree that Tony George is probably not interested in the best interests of open-wheel racing, I'm split on what should be done by the courts.

Tony George was a part of Indy Cars when they were very, very popular. He has to know the importance of car prestige, racer prestige, circuit prestige, and the importance of international drivers and road and street courses.

Maybe if CART just went away, Tony George would in fact return to this format anyway?

CART was awesome, but it sucked that CART didn't have the Indy 500. That took much too much away from an otherwise good series. And the lack of big name young stars to replace the aging veterans didn't help and won't help and return of CART now.

Actually, as it looks now, it will just be another start up series with no money. Who is going to care about that?

Perhaps Tony George should just be admitted the winner and let give him a shot. If the choice is 2 crappy open-wheel racing series vs. 1 crappy open-wheel racing series (with the potential to be a top notch league again), I think realistically speaking, the only chance in the next 10 years is with a singular unified series under the IRL flag.

I'm sorry I have to say that, but I think Tony has won the fight. And I was a HUGE CART fan.

[Craptacular]

Tony George will rot in hell. The sooner the better.

[TLK]

http://bellsouthpwp.net/g/r/gristim/dummies.jpg

[Dutch]

I know, I know, I'm in a small minority or maybe completely insane. It was just painful to watch CART drive itself into the dirt and watch the IRL survive due to it's cheapness.

Maybe if you change the enviroment, Tony George will change. Getting rid of his arch-rival would be grounds for an different enviroment.

I'm probably wrong, but what other idea's are there? Can CART really be premier while the Indy500 is MIA?

Basically here's the deal. It doesn't matter who's right and who's wrong.

There is only one way to solve this problem and the bottom line is,

American Open Wheel Racing NEEDS the INDY500.

[TLK]

Tony George backed out of CART originally because of all the things that he is building in the IRL, now.

He has made the Indy 500 into a joke (see where this thread all started). HE seems to think that the quality of the field will go up when the remaining CART teams come over. The fact he needs to realize is that the teams that want to run his formula, are already there. The 500 isn't what it use to be and many of the companies that are funding the remaning CART teams could care less about it. Those companies favor the international aspect of CART, which Tony George has shown no intrest in meeting.

If anyone thinks the road racing was bad in CART the past couple of years... wait till' you see the IRL cars on a road course. Here's a quote from the IRL's golden boy:


“I think the IRL cars are probably going to be similar to an Indy Lights car or something, just the way they are balanced and how the engines are. I think it will be good racing. Even a CART car in Long Beach and stuff, it was fairly hard to pass. Whereas you look at Indy Lights races, they were pretty close."
Sam Hornish on IRL cars road racing

Sounds like the road racing community will be taking a few steps back if this transaction goes through.....

To use a poker term.... I'm going all-in with OWRS tomorrow. If they don't come out on top I'm out. I rather have an intellectual conversation with Tony George (and we know that could never happen), than watch them crapwagons putter around the tracks I grew up loving.....

[Dutch]

Well, keep us up to date on what going on, you have provided me a ton of information that I wouldn't actively go out and find. I'm pulling for open wheel racing in general and don't give a rats ass about TG or the big time owners.

[TLK]

It's over.....


OWRS Wins

more details to come..... what a day :)

[TLK]

Here's the day in a nutshell (from crapwagon.com):


9:00am: In the latest court document to be released, CART and the committee have come to the conclusion that OWRS' bid is the most beneficial, and that the IRL's bid does not qualify. Therefore, they recommend that the auction be cancelled.

11:00 am Update:
Court just took a recess.
Creditors committee gave their recommendation; they analyzed both offers and OWRS’ offer was the highest. OWRS made a second bid in which they offered to pay 100% of all creditors if the judge would take CART out of auction. Don’t think the judge is going for that though.

Some numbers for you:

CART (Delaware Corp.) loaned CART (Michigan) $63,000,000
OWRS has offered to pay that back 100%
Judge isn’t concerned with that

Total value of the bids relates to the percentage of debt owed
High 39.79%
Low 24.5%

High 17.3%
Low 7.6%

Judge is putting the hammer to the IRL.

Judge said: “We’re gonna do it, and we’re gonna do it today.”

12:15 Update: The judge has ordered both parties into a conference room, they were told to come out at 1:30 with a decision as to who will buy the company. Keep your fingers crossed.

12:50 Update: Server Crashed, again. This time they are upgrading the RAM and it just might stay up. The lawyers have left the conference room. Don't know what that means, maybe they're hungry. Apparently, TG looks as clueless as ever. I guess now he's finding out what it's like to swim with the big boys.

1:33 Update: IRL just made another offer. Got 20 minutes to confer with promoters. We shall see.

2:00 Update: The IRL has been given 2:50 convince the promoters to accept their offer. If the accept, OWRS can counter, and the game continues. Stay tuned for more updates.

3:45 Update: All creditors are being put on the stand, one at a time. It looks good for OWRS at this point, but we still may have another hour to go. Hopefully, this won't go to day two.

4:24 Update: Members of the creditors committee are getting badgered something awful by TG's lawyers, but are holding fast. It appears that the judge is letting TG control the afternoon so that will be no grounds for an appeal. Funny story: Robin Miller left his seat for a moment, TG on seeing the empty chair quickly sat down in it. Robin came back, made eye contact with TG,causing him to give said seat back to Mr. Miller. Snickers were heard around the courtroom.

5:05 Update: It's over!!! We Won!!! Break out the champagne!

[TLK]

Two important quotes from court today.....

"The sale of CART's assets has been approved to Open Wheel Racing Series with no stipulations attached!"


"Road American and Laguna Seca have withdrawn their objections, and they are onboard with the OWRS plan."

The second one means that OWRS will have 15-16 races this year, including the Vegas oval. Time to get off here and celebrate..... like I said earlier it's been a hell of a day......

[SunDancer]

YAY!

Now what does OWRS accomplish through it, besides getting the series, and what needs to be done to get the series on the right track?

[Craptacular]

They've got to come to an agreement with Elkhart Lake for one thing.

[Dutch]

YAY!

Now what does OWRS accomplish through it, besides getting the series, and what needs to be done to get the series on the right track?

Right now it just means going back to the IRL promoters kicking the crap out of CART. A split series, CART has the road and street courses and no Indy 500. NASCAR wins again.

Hopefully I am wrong about that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Right now it just means going back to the IRL promoters kicking the crap out of CART.
I think you just covered my take.

[TLK]

They've got to come to an agreement with Elkhart Lake for one thing.

Road America was confirmed tonight by PG.

[Craptacular]

Road America was confirmed tonight by PG.

Cool. Maybe I'll go to this year's race. The 'rents live less than 15 minutes from Road America.

[Dutch]

I think you just covered my take.

Jon, I guess that's just the sad reality. CART has some great venues, but damn they suck just as bad as TG at making this sport watchable.

[TLK]

Jon, I guess that's just the sad reality. CART has some great venues, but damn they suck just as bad as TG at making this sport watchable.

It all depends on what you like to watch. I thought CART's product was very watchable last year. This year should be even better with everyone on the grid fielding the Ford/Lola combo. It would of been a lot worse had TG actually won the bid. I'm actually hoping that the IRL adds a road race or two, just so everyone can see how spoiled we are with CART.....

[SunDancer]

Why would it be better with just one chassis/engine combo?

[TLK]

Why would it be better with just one chassis/engine combo?

Well, I'm not a fan of the idea of a spec series, but with OWRS being in the state their in, I gladly welcome it. With everyone having the same equipment, ideally the best driver-team on the track will win the race. Last year the Reynard chasis looked great but was slow and only managed to pull off one win. I can see the owners going with the single combination for this year and next.... after that I'd expect new cars in 2006. We'll see how it all plays out...

[TLK]

ChampCar announces new point system....


CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES ANNOUNCES NEW POINT SYSTEM Thursday, February 5, 2004

INDIANAPOLIS (February 5, 2004) – In a move that will promote strong racing throughout every lap of a Champ Car World Series event and reward those drivers and teams that run up front, series officials today announced a revised points system that will go into effect with the 2004 season.
In the new system, points will be paid to the first 20 finishers with 31 points going to the winner of the event. As has been the case since 1983, the winner will receive four more points than the second-place finisher, with point totals decreasing by two for each place down the order through the top 10. Beginning with the 10th-place finisher, the point total will decrease by one.

“I think this is a good move for the series and will help the drivers a lot,” said 2003 Champ Car World Series champion Paul Tracy. “If you’ve had a day that would have left you out of the points, now you can still get something out of it. It is going to be a very competitive series this year and good finishes are going to be harder to come by so this makes what would have been a bad day, not so bad a day.”

In addition, one point will be awarded to a driver for leading one or more laps in a race, another point will be given to the driver that runs the fastest lap of the race and one point will be awarded to the driver that improves the most number of positions from their place on the starting grid. There will no longer be a point given to the driver that leads the most laps in a race.

As has been the case for the last two seasons, one championship point will be awarded to the leaders of the Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions on road and street courses, while one point will be available for the qualifying leader on oval courses.

“We firmly believe that this new system will be better for our fans,” said Senior Vice-President of Operations John Lopes. “The point for leading a lap will add an element of strategy and the point for fastest lap provides incentive for every driver on every lap, regardless of position.”

All other rules regarding championship points will remain unchanged from 2003. Under the new system, the maximum number of points that a driver could earn on a road or street course weekend is 35. The breakdown of the points system is detailed below.

1st – 31
2nd – 27
3rd – 25
4th – 23
5th – 21
6th – 19
7th – 17
8th – 15
9th – 13
10th – 11
11th – 10
12th – 9
13th – 8
14th – 7
15th – 6
16th – 5
17th – 4
18th – 3
19th – 2
20th – 1


Well it will improve racing at the back of the grid, but their rewarding the whole field..... It'll be interesting to see how this plays out....

[RebelMan]

ChampCar announces new point system....



Well it will improve racing at the back of the grid, but their rewarding the whole field..... It'll be interesting to see how this plays out....

Well, it makes more sense than that lousy playoff system NASCAR is introducing.

[Dutch]

1st place should be weighted more heavily. I'd suggest 50 points for first place and then 27 and down for 2nd back. Reward the winners!!!

[TLK]

Here's some information on what OWRS plans to do with the former CART, from an interview on AutoRacing1.com....

Q. Mr. Forsythe, What are the most urgent issues that must be resolved for the Champ Car Series?

Forsythe: Certainly finalization of the TV package is first and foremost. It should be done shortly. The race schedule is nearly complete and should be issued in about a week and it will include some new international venues.

Paul Gentilozzi and David Claire are going to Seoul, South Korea in a few days to determine if that race is possible for 2004. We are working on seven (7) new venues for the 2005 schedule.

Q. Bernie Ecclestone has stated that 2004 would be the last F1 race at Imola. Would you consider bringing the Champ Car World Series there to replace F1?

Forsythe: We are currently looking at races in Spain and the UK for 2005. We would have to talk to Bernie. If he would bless us taking over for F1 at Imola, then certainly we would consider it.

Q. What are the chances Jacques Villeneuve would return to Forsythe Racing in 2004?

Forsythe: I have not spoken to Craig Pollock about his plans for Jacques in 2004. If they put together something for Jacques in F1 for 2005 and he is available for 2004, we would jump at the chance to bring him back to Champ Cars.

Q. Can you give us the names of possible CEO's for the Champ Car World Series that you are considering?

Forsythe: We will be continuing with Dick Eidswick, the current CEO of OWRS. Mr. Eidswick has a fantastic record managing large companies and we hope to convince him to stay for a long time.

Q. Do you foresee in the future enough room in the world for two international series - Champ Car and F1?

Forsythe: Absolutely. There are so many places vying for a large international event and F1 can't satisfy all of them

"There is definitely a place for Champ Cars internationally. In fact, we are currently looking at more new venues outside the USA than inside. At some point if we have 50% of our races in the USA and 50% internationally, that would be a good mix."

The part about 7 new venues for the 2005 season seems promising.....

[TLK]

Looking good.....


Gentilozzi's latest hints
This is stolen from The Motor Sports Forum

To summarize:
- Ovals will continue, they're shooting for two, and may have to go outside the US to do it.
- CART HQ remains in Indy.
- St Pete back on, Portland is still in flux
- Reconciliation with the dark side is not even on the table
- New sponsors for all teams will be announced in March at the same event
- 18+ cars is very possible
- Rock concerts in June
- New classic car support series possible
- TV in final negotiations

Champ Car World Series Update

...Gentilozzi is upbeat about the future of North American open wheel racing and plans to continue the variety of racing venues that characterized the 25-year-old CART series.

"We would like to do ovals," Gentilozzi said. "We're going to do Milwaukee and would like to do one more in the U.S. But we don't own a lot of oval tracks and a lot of independents don't own them. So we may do ovals in other parts of the world."

There are no further legal concerns regarding the purchase of CART's assets. "It's a done deal," Gentilozzi said. "The headquarters will stay in Indianapolis."

According to Gentilozzi the only deal not finalized for the 2004 schedule is Portland and he predicted they would have a deal done by the end of the week.

St. Petersburg Florida will be back on the schedule May 16, which is a qualifying day at Indianapolis and the date assigned to Las Vegas on the original CART schedule.

For now there is no chance for reconciliation with the Indy Racing League. "That's not even a topic for discussion," Gentilozzi said.

He predicted at least 18 cars will participate and that everyone would have a sponsor, but they will run their 2003 paint schemes until all are revealed at the same time during a press conference the first week of March.

There is a possibility that more than 18 cars will race. "Yes, we've had a lot of guys come out of the woodwork now that they know we are alive," said Gentilozzi.

Multiple racing series will highlight events and a new production based touring-car-type series is being discussed. "Our support base will be, from the beginning, Champ Car, Trans-Am, Toyota Atlantics, and another open wheel foundation series," Gentilozzi said. "We are trying to do a production based tin-top production car deal."

The rock and roll/Champ Car connection will not get started until at least June. "The concept worked," Gentilozzi said. "But we know now we are not concert promoters. We know now how much you really have to pay up front. So we learned a lot."

It took a lot of money to keep CART running during 2003, but Gentilozzi said they were fine as far a 2004 budget.

When asked if they were going to be funding any of the teams Gentilozzi replied, "Just my own."

Gentilozzi left the Chicago Auto Show bound for New York to finalize details for the 2004 Champ Car World Series television schedule.

[TLK]

Gentilozzi left the Chicago Auto Show bound for New York to finalize details for the 2004 Champ Car World Series television schedule.

:edit:

[TLK]

hXXp://www.milenio.com/deportes/nota.asp?id=30569

One step closer to the Vegas race....
(translated)


(translated)
-It does in fact mention Forsythe as owner of the recently created McDonalds Racing Team.
-He's talking to the Wynn Las Vegas for a race to be held in 2005 in their perimeter. They want a track built. It would cost 5million, but he budget for the Casino is 2 billion already.
-The promoter for the Casino used to be a promoter for an F1 race in LV.
The 2004 race could be held in a street course, but not in the Wynn Casino
-The casino will be the highest tower of the strip, 20% higher than the Mandalay. It will have a Ferrari/Maseratti dealer.
-The casino wants the race to be VIP. So that only guys who were invited can actually attend the race. (This has to be changed, maybe put a Super VIP area, but not the whole race, it can't be done)

The other interesting fact out of the article was that Forsythe landed McDonalds as a sponser..... good stuff....

[Dutch]

Keep the updates coming TLK. Muchos Gracias!

[TLK]

These guys are doing good things......


INDIANAPOLIS (February 12, 2004) – Followers of the Champ Car World Series will get their long-awaited first look at the lineup of cars, teams and drivers for the 2004 season as the series unveils its new look on March 8-9 in Long Beach, California.



The lineup of 750hp turbocharged Champ Cars will be on hand for two days in Long Beach, site of the April 16-18 season opener, where the new look of Champ Car will be unveiled for the first time. cars will be revealed to the media at press conferences throughout the two days, along with a series of 2004 driver and team lineups along with sponsor announcements.



“We are delighted that Champ Car has selected Long Beach as the site for this year's preview event,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the teams and drivers as well as the excitement that we all anticipate will be a part of the 2004 Champ Car World Series which will begin with the 30th anniversary Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this April.”



The festivities will open Monday morning and will feature press conferences throughout the two days with Champ Car officials along with other series partners. The preview will end Tuesday evening with a fan event at the Long Beach Convention Center. Fans will have the opportunity to see the new cars and meet all the drivers of the Champ Car World Series as they prepare for the 30th running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.



“We know that our fans have been anxiously awaiting the chance to see what we have planned for 2004,” said 2003 Australia race winner Ryan Hunter-Reay. “We are equally anxious to give the fans a chance to see what we have in store as we gear up for what will be a very exciting racing season.”



A more detailed schedule concerning timing of specific announcements will be released at a later date.

[TLK]

Two pieces of info:

Champ Cars to be featured on History Channel__ The science of Champ Car racing is every bit as vital to the success of the series as anything that happens in the cockpit of a 750hp turbocharged open-wheel race car. The science of safety is one of the key elements in making the Champ Car World Series one of the premier racing series in the world, and the History Channel will give viewers an in-depth look at how technology helps keep drivers safe in an upcoming episode of its Modern Marvels series. The episode titled Race Track Tech, will premiere next Wednesday at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The hour-long show will feature Champ Cars along with other racing series in a behind-the-scenes look at how technicians create the safety innovations that protect drivers. A feature interview with Champ Car team owner Derrick Walker will take viewers through what happened to his team's Reynard machine during a 2002 crash at Surfers Paradise, Australia. The episode will display how all of the safety procedures in place helped keep the drivers safe through a violent multi-car crash.

and

http://www.latphotomedia.com/toyota/gallery/irl/albums/20040128/levitt_sdampan.sized.jpg

This is a new version of the IRL chassis.... doesn't it look awful???

[SunDancer]

What the heck? That is godful ugly. I think CART is mkaing some good moves. Could they build a track, and create a Daytona 500/Indy 500 race? If so what kind of circuit would you think would be worthy of the "super Bowl" race?

[TLK]

What the heck? That is godful ugly. I think CART is mkaing some good moves. Could they build a track, and create a Daytona 500/Indy 500 race? If so what kind of circuit would you think would be worthy of the "super Bowl" race?

That's the thing with a race like Daytona/Indy..... it's a thing of tradition. CART tried to create a big race in 1996, which was the first year of "the split". Although the race at Michigan was decent, it was marred by a pre-race accident that forced seven or eight drivers into their backup cars.

For the company now, it wouldn't be the smartest move to build a new track. Down the road though, I could see it. Gerry Forsythe (one of the OWRS principals) was looking into putting together a track in Cancun last year, but nothing ever happend with it. I think the best thing for OWRS to do now, is build on what they already have. Long Beach and Mexico City are both excellent races and draw great crowds.

[SunDancer]

That's the thing with a race like Daytona/Indy..... it's a thing of tradition. CART tried to create a big race in 1996, which was the first year of "the split". Although the race at Michigan was decent, it was marred by a pre-race accident that forced seven or eight drivers into their backup cars.

For the company now, it wouldn't be the smartest move to build a new track. Down the road though, I could see it. Gerry Forsythe (one of the OWRS principals) was looking into putting together a track in Cancun last year, but nothing ever happend with it. I think the best thing for OWRS to do now, is build on what they already have. Long Beach and Mexico City are both excellent races and draw great crowds.

Very true. I'm curious though, if they ever did decide to create a track specifically for the series, and maybe make it series "big event", what kind of circuit would you see being a "super Bowl"?

[Dutch]

It HAS to be an oval. The unique signature of American racing has always been the oval.

I loved most of the street and road courses of C.A.R.T. except for Detroit (to name one). But to put an American signature on an otherwise international series, you gotta go with an oval. And a big one at that.

[TLK]

Two pieces of news.....


A.J. Allmendinger parlays Toyota Atlantic and Barber Dodge championships into a Champ Car ride.

For the past several months, A.J. Allmendinger and pundits of the Champ Car World Series discussed the concept of the flat-topped, 22-year-old Californian becoming a Champ Car driver.
Clearly, it was only a matter of time before Anthony James Allmendinger would officially become a member of the Champ Car World Series fraternity. In fact, the wheels were set in motion last August in Denver, when RuSPORT team owner Carl Russo declared that his newly-crowed Toyota Atlantic champion would be moving “to the next level” in 2004.

Nevertheless--at least from the outside--it was a long, cold winter, as there understandably wasn’t much news emanating from the RuSPORT camp, despite the fact that the team and driver were hard at work in the race shop and (quietly) on the test track. However, all of that changed with today’s announcement that the 2003 Toyota Atlantic championship-winning team and driver would indeed become the newest competitors to join the Champ Car World Series for 2004.

Finally, Allmendinger has the chance to talk about realizing what he refers to as “the first step” of his dream, as he is officially a Champ Car driver now.

“Really, to be honest, I still can’t believe it,” Allmendinger said. “I’m just starting to get into testing and everything, and it’s starting to hit me. I’ll be honest, it probably won’t even hit me until I’m on that grid at Long Beach on Friday morning practice. For me, it’s the start of a dream come true, because I’ve always said that this is the first part of it.

“My goal was never just to make it to Champ Car, it was to win races and ultimately, win the championship. The way I look at it is this is just the start of it. I still can’t believe it. The concept of what’s happening and actually what position I’m in and how fortunate I am still hasn’t really set in. I know as we get further down the line in testing, and especially when it gets really close to Long Beach, I’ll be so nervous and so excited and won’t be able to sleep, and just everything wrapped into one.”

This is a big step for the American road-racing program and the feeder system of ChampCar. Hopefully Allmendinger lives up to the hype, and hopefully he's competitive this year.....





http://sportsmed.starwave.com/media/rpm/2003/0408/photo/brack_vi.jpghttp://www.aftonbladet.se/sport/0402/10/SPORT-10s88kennystor.jpg

I saw Kenny Brack yesterday on Speed and I couldn't even believe it was him. This is the number one reason why I'm not a fan of the IRL. Tha amazing thing is that Kenny still wants to race this year. The IRL chasis' and ovals do not mix. Here's hoping that they make it through this season without any more serious accidents......

[TLK]

Very true. I'm curious though, if they ever did decide to create a track specifically for the series, and maybe make it series "big event", what kind of circuit would you see being a "super Bowl"?

Here's an article about the last time CART tried to pull-off a Super Bowl race. It's a pretty good read, and after reading it, I understand why the new owners wouldn't so quick to pull something like this off. Establishing anything new costs a boat-load of money, which is why I'm a fan of keeping what they have and building from it.....

http://www.champcar.com/features/sc_f1027a_99.html

[TLK]

Well, we're upon the start of the 2004 open-wheel season.... The IRL runs Homestead this Sunday. Here's an article that covers who will be racing for them this year....

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?id=1739432

F-1 races the following Sunday in Melbourne and then the following weekend is ChampCar's spring-training at Laguna Seca. Let the fun begin....

[TLK]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%" bgColor=#006600>2004 Schedules</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top><SCRIPT> <!-- JavaScript local time conversion --> function localTime(time, day) { var hh = time.getHours(); var mm = time.getMinutes(); var dd = time.getDate(); var days =new Array("Sunday", "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday"); var dn = "am"; if (dd != day) document.write(days[time.getDay()] + " " + dd + ", "); if (hh >= 12) { dn = "pm"; hh = hh - 12; } if (hh == 0) hh = 12; if (mm <= 9) mm = "0" + mm; document.write(hh + ":" + mm + dn); }</SCRIPT><TABLE cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#99cc99>[i][b]Date[/b][/i]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#99cc99>[b][i]Champ Car[/i][/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#99cc99>[b][i]Formula One[/i][/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#99cc99>[b][i]ALMS[/i][/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#99cc99>[b][i]IndyCar[/i][/b]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]February 1[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=)[i]Miami, FL
(Tuesday 27)
Homestead-Miami Speedway[/i]
[size=1]Open Test Tuesday 27 through Thursday 29[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]February 8[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=474)<STRIKE>Sebring, FL
(Wednesday 4)
Spring Training</STRIKE>
[size=1]Wednesday 4 through Friday 6[/size]
[size=1][color=#ff0000]CANCELED[/color][/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]February 15[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=)[i]Phoenix, AZ
(Tuesday 10)
Phoenix International Raceway[/i]
[size=1]Open Test Tuesday 10 through Thursday 12[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]February 22[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=496)<STRIKE>St. Petersburg, FL
Grand Prix of St. Petersburg</STRIKE>
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size]
[size=1][color=#ff0000]CANCELED[/color][/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]February 29[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=miami)[b]Miami, FL[/b]
Toyota Indy 300
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Scott Dixon[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/09dixon.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn.gif[/img][/color] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 02 - 1, 29, 18, 00)),29);</SCRIPT> 1:00pm
[size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]March 7[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Australia)[b]Melbourne[/b]
Grand Prix of Australia
[size=1]2003 winner: David Coulthard[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 03 - 1, 07, 02, 30)),7);</SCRIPT> Saturday 6, 9:30pm </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]March 14[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=474)[i]Monterey, CA
Spring Training[/i]
[size=1]Sunday 14 through Tuesday 16[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]March 21[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Malaysia)[b]Kuala Lumpur[/b]
Grand Prix of Malaysia
[size=1]2003 winner: Kimi Räikkönen[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 03 - 1, 21, 06, 30)),21);</SCRIPT> 1:30am </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=sebring)[b]Sebring, FL[/b]
(Saturday 20)
12 Hours of Sebring
[size=1]2003 winner: Biela/Peter/Werner[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=phoenix)[b]Phoenix, AZ[/b]
Phoenix Indy 200
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Tony Kanaan[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/11kanaan.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img][/color] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 03 - 1, 21, 21, 00)),21);</SCRIPT> 4:00pm
[size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]March 28[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]April 4[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Bahrain)Bahrain
Grand Prix of Bahrain
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]April 11[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]April 18[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=497)[b]Long Beach, CA[/b]
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/cbs.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=japan)[b]Motegi, Japan[/b]
(Saturday 17)
Indy Japan 300
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Scott Sharp[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/08sharp.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn2.gif[/img][/color] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 04 - 1, 17, 16, 30)),18);</SCRIPT> Saturday 17, 12:30pm </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]April 25[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=SanMar)[b]Imola, Italy[/b]
Grand Prix of San Marino
[size=1]2003 winner: Michael Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 04 - 1, 25, 11, 30)),25);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]May 2[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]May 9[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Spain)[b]Barcelona[/b]
Grand Prix of Spain
[size=1]2003 winner: Michael Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 05 - 1, 09, 11, 30)),9);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]May 16[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=496)[i]St. Petersburg, FL
Grand Prix of St. Petersburg[/i]
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=indytrials)[i]Indianapolis, IN
Indy 500 Pole Day[/i]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn.gif[/img]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn2.gif[/img]
[size=1]Time trials Saturday 15 & Sunday 16[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]May 23[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=499)[b]Monterrey, Mexico[/b]
Tecate Telmex Grand Prix Presented by Herdez
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Monaco)[b]Monte Carlo[/b]
Grand Prix of Monaco
[size=1]2003 winner: Juan Pablo Montoya[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 05 - 1, 23, 11, 30)),23);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=indybump)[i]Indianapolis, IN
Indy 500 Bump Day[/i]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn.gif[/img]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn2.gif[/img]
[size=1]Time trials Saturday 22 & Sunday 23[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]May 30[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Europe)[b]Nürburgring, Germany[/b]
Grand Prix of Europe
[size=1]2003 winner: Ralf Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 05 - 1, 30, 11, 30)),30);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=indy)[b]Indianapolis, IN[/b]
Indy 500
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Gil de Ferran[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/06deferran.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img][/color] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]June 6[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=500)[b]Milwaukee, WI[/b]
(Saturday 5)
Milwaukee Mile
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Michel Jourdain Jr.[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/09jourdain.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]June 13[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Canada)[b]Montreal[/b]
Grand Prix of Canada
[size=1]2003 winner: Michael Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 06 - 1, 13, 16, 30)),13);</SCRIPT> 12:30pm </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=lemans)[i]Le Mans, France
24 Hours of Le Mans[/i]
[size=1]2003 winner: Kristensen/Capello/Smith[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=texas1)[b]Fort Worth, TX[/b]
(Saturday 12)
Bombadier 500
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Al Unser Jr.[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/31unser.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn.gif[/img][/color] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]June 20[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=501)Portland, OR
G I Joe's 200
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Adrián Fernández[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/51fernandez.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Subject to final commercial terms, Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=USA)[b]Indianapolis, IN[/b]
Grand Prix of USA
[size=1]2003 winner: Michael Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 06 - 1, 20, 17, 30)),20);</SCRIPT> 1:30pm </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]June 27[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=)[b]Lexington, OH[/b]
Mid-Ohio
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/cbs.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=richmond)[b]Richmond, VA[/b]
(Saturday 26)
SunTrust Indy Challenge
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Scott Dixon[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/09dixon.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn2.gif[/img][/color] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]July 4[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=502)[b]Cleveland, OH[/b]
(Saturday 3)
Grand Prix of Cleveland
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Sébastien Bourdais[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/02bourdais.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=France)[b]Magny-Cours[/b]
Grand Prix of France
[size=1]2003 winner: Ralf Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 07 - 1, 04, 11, 30)),4);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=limerock)[b]Lakeville, CT[/b]
(Monday 5)
Lime Rock
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=kansas)[b]Kansas City, KS[/b]
Indy 200
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Bryan Herta[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/27herta.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]July 11[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=503)[b]Toronto, Canada[/b]
Molson Indy Toronto
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Britain)[b]Silverstone[/b]
Grand Prix of Great Britain
[size=1]2003 winner: Rubens Barrichello[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 07 - 1, 11, 11, 30)),11);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]July 18[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=searspoint)[b]Sonoma, CA[/b]
Grand Prix of Sonoma
[size=1]2003 winner: Leitzinger/Weaver[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/cbs.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=nashville)[b]Nashville, TN[/b]
(Saturday 17)
Firestone Indy 200
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Gil de Ferran[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/06deferran.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]July 25[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=504)[b]Vancouver, Canada[/b]
Molson Indy Vancouver
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Germany)[b]Hockenheim[/b]
Grand Prix of Germany
[size=1]2003 winner: Juan Pablo Montoya[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 07 - 1, 25, 11, 30)),25);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=portland)[b]Portland, OR[/b]
Grand Prix of Portland
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=milwaukee)[b]Milwaukee, WI[/b]
Milwaukee
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]August 1[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=michigan)[b]Brooklyn, MI[/b]
Firestone Indy 400
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Alex Barron[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/52barron.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]August 8[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=505)[b]Elkhart Lake, WI[/b]
Grand Prix at Road America
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Bruno Junqueira[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/01junqueira.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=mosport)[b]Bowmanville, Canada[/b]
Grand Prix at Mosport
[size=1]2003 winner: Biela/Werner[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/cbs.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]August 15[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=506)[b]Denver, CO[/b]
Grand Prix of Denver
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Bruno Junqueira[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/01junqueira.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Hungary)[b]Budapest[/b]
Grand Prix of Hungary
[size=1]2003 winner: Fernando Alonso[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 08 - 1, 15, 11, 30)),15);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=kentucky)[b]Sparta, KY[/b]
Belterra Casino Indy 300
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Sam Hornish Jr.[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/04hornish.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]August 22[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=roadamerica)[b]Elkhart Lake, WI[/b]
Road America 500
[size=1]2003 winner: Herbert/Lehto[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=pikespeak)[b]Pikes Peak, CO[/b]
Honda Indy 225
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Scott Dixon[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/09dixon.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]August 29[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=507)[b]Montreal, Canada[/b]
Molson Indy Montreal
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Michel Jourdain Jr.[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/09jourdain.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Belgium)[b]Spa-Francorchamps[/b]
Grand Prix of Belgium
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 08 - 1, 29, 11, 30)),29);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=nazareth)[b]Nazareth, PA[/b]
Firestone Indy 225
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Helio Castroneves[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/03castroneves.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img][/color] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]September 5[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]September 12[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=508)[b]Monterey, CA[/b]
Grand Prix of Monterey
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Patrick Carpentier[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/32carpentier.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Italy)[b]Monza[/b]
Grand Prix of Italy
[size=1]2003 winner: Michael Schumacher[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 09 - 1, 12, 11, 30)),12);</SCRIPT> 7:30am
[size=1]Formula 3000 support race[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=chicago)[b]Joliet, IL[/b]
Delphi Indy 300
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Sam Hornish Jr.[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/04hornish.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]September 19[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]September 26[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=China)Shanghai
Grand Prix of China
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=petitlemans)[b]Braselton, GA[/b]
(Saturday 25)
Petit Le Mans
[size=1]2003 winner: Herbert/Lehto/Johansson[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]October 3[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=999)[i]Durban, South Africa
Grand Prix of Durban[/i]
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[size=1]Date to be confirmed[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=california)[b]Fontana, CA[/b]
Toyota Indy 400
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Sam Hornish Jr.[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/04hornish.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/espn.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]October 10[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Japan)[b]Suzuka[/b]
Grand Prix of Japan
[size=1]2003 winner: Rubens Barrichello[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 10 - 1, 10, 05, 00)),10);</SCRIPT> 1:00am </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]October 17[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=513)Seoul, South Korea
Grand Prix of South Korea
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[size=1]Date to be confirmed[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=alms&id=laguna)[b]Laguna Seca, CA[/b]
(Saturday 16)
Monterey Sports Car Championships
[size=1]2003 winner: Biela/Werner[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/nbc.gif[/img] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=irl&id=texas2)[b]Fort Worth, TX[/b]
Chevy 500
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Gil de Ferran[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/irl/06deferran.htm)[/size]
[color=#0000ff][img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/abc.gif[/img]
[/color][size=1]Infiniti Pro Series support race[/size] </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]October 24[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=509)[b]Surfers Paradise, Australia[/b]
Lexmark Indy 300
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Ryan Hunter-Reay[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/31hunterreay.htm)[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=f1&id=Brazil)[b]São Paulo[/b]
Grand Prix of Brazil
[size=1]2003 winner: Giancarlo Fisichella[/size]
[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/speedchannel.gif[/img] <SCRIPT>localTime(new Date(Date.UTC(2004, 10 - 1, 24, 15, 30)),24);</SCRIPT> 11:30am </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]October 31[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=514)<STRIKE>Fontana, CA
The 500</STRIKE>
[size=1][color=#ff0000]CANCELED[/color][/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[b]November 7[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=512)Mexico City, Mexico
Gran Premio Mexico
[size=1]2003 winner: [color=#0000ff]Paul Tracy[/color] (http://www.racebyrace.com/drivers2003/cart/03tracy.htm)[/size]
[size=1]Date to be confirmed[/size] </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#eeffee> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[b]November 14[/b]</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ccffcc>[img]http://www.racebyrace.com/images/calendar.gif[/img] (http://www.racebyrace.com/schedules/ical.php?year=2004&series=cart&id=999)[i]Las Vegas, NV
Grand Prix of Las Vegas[/i]
[size=1]Inaugural event[/size]
[size=1]Venue to be confirmed, Toyota Atlantic support race[/size] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[TLK]

Holy shit..... someone is actually thinking....


Champweb.net is reporting:
Las Vegas Streets 02-27 16:29

The latest rumor coming from Las Vegas is that it will host the season ending race (for ChampCar) in a very big way on the streets in front of the Bellagio. They are also working incredibly hard on the event in regards to a conjunction with a concert. Stay tuned...

[SunDancer]

Why is CART running in South Africa?

[TLK]

Why is CART running in South Africa?

It basically comes down to money. SA is willing to pay the $2 million sanctioning fee. The propsed track I saw looks to have a few quality passing areas, which will make for a decent race.


Durban to get world motor race
February 5, 2004

Johannesburg: Durban has been chosen to stage a major international motor racing event later this year.

A company called Racing For South Africa (R4SA) has announced plans to hold a round of the Champ Car World series in a Monaco-style street race in the city.

The event will be the centrepiece of a motorsport programme intended to encourage investment in the country and create employment and educational opportunities.

South African racing driver Stephen Watson, Managing Director of R4SA, said he was concluding negotiations with Open Wheel Racing Series, the organisers of the Indy-style Champ Car World Series, for a five-year agreement to host the event in Durban, his home town.

The US-based championship travels the globe, with events in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Asia and Australia.

Watson said it would be the largest annual sporting event in South Africa. He said the event would generate an estimated R250 million in direct economic benefits and R1.26 billion in indirect benefits.

"Hosting a street race in Durban means we have to create a temporary circuit like those in Surfers Paradise, Australia, and Long Beach, California. These events have been highly successful for their host cities, for 13 and 22 years respectively.

"It will be an immense undertaking. Temporary grandstands have to be erected, concrete barriers, safety fencing, PA systems, security, hospitality suites, press facilities, pit areas, all have to be put in place and then removed after the event," Watson said.


"South Africa has hosted the rugby and cricket world cups and has an understanding of the significant economic benefits events of this calibre deliver.

"These events only come around once every four years and South Africa may only have the opportunity to host them at best once every 20 years or so.

Circuit

"The Champ Car World Series will deliver these benefits every year and will showcase to the world that we have the
capability and first-world infrastructures to accommodate international events of this scale," he said.

Several circuit layouts and locations have been studied in detail by R4SA, and the final design will be formally unveiled next month.

"We will have a potential 700 million global television viewers in key tourism markets for SA tuning into watch this event," said Watson.

"More than 400 000 spectators attended the 2003 Mexico City World Champ Car Series event over four days. And when you take into account how starved Africa is for international motorsport, my fellow directors and I are sure we will have a sell-out crowd too." - Motoring Staff

[Dutch]

Tommorrow is Miami, Indy. I didn't realize just how many of the old CART teams are now permanents over their. Do they still switch between CART and IRL?

[TLK]

Nobody made the jump for this season either way and it doesn't look like any ChampCar teams will be running the Indy 500 this year. The teams that are loyal to ChampCar are the ones that are still there. Bobby Rahal and Adrian Fernandez run 1 car in each series, but are only running the IRL because Honda is supporting them financially. It's important to note that the IRL will only be starting 19 cars tomorrow, which is funny because the perception is that Indy is much better off then ChampCar. I'll go on record now saying that I don't see how the IRL can find 33 cars will start the 500.

[TLK]

wow..... I like how the IRL put all of the crowd in a few sections and then using the pan camera to avoid the empty stands.... nice job :rolleyes:

[Dutch]

It was pretty darned good racing out there today. The old days of Billy Boat being the best driver have vanished. I'd say the quality of drivers gives the Champ Cars a run for their money this year. One more notch in the belt. The Champ guys still have Long Beach, though.

[TLK]

The last 30 laps were decent..... they had a rough run in the middle where they couldn't go more than a few laps without a yellow. What the hell was Dixon thinking when he ran into the pit wall? All in all though decent race...

[Dutch]

Well sure, stupid mistakes, but not like the old IRL we used to love to laugh at. I've seen the CART guys make mistakes like that on cold tires. Plus, I assumed right off that with the additional banking that the old IRL guys were going to wreck on the first turn, so that was an additional surprise. :)

I'm just glad to see American open-wheel racing again. (Only got to see the Indy 500 once and one CART race and nothing else in 2 and a half years in Turkey).

[TLK]

This year I'm going to try to keep a chart of all the business items of all races, because as the year goes on, the information gets harder to find. I'll keep a condensed version up on here.... The attendance column is what was announced, but most figures from both the IRL and ChampCar figures are nomally inflated....

2004 Open Wheel Racing Business Comparison
CARS
Race Track Winner Started Finished Attendance TV Ratings Notes
1-IRL Homestead Sam Hornish 19 14 30,000 (A) 0.9 Marlboro sent out 20,000 free tickets

[TLK]

Subject: 2004 Champ Car Season Premiere Schedule
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2004 18:09:50 -0500

To All Champ Car Media:

The 2004 Champ Car Season Premiere will take place March 7-9 in Long Beach, California. Press conferences along with team, sponsor and driver announcements will take place Monday and Tuesday afternoon at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach, which is located at 333 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Below, please find a schedule for Monday and Tuesday. All events, with the exception of Tuesday's fan activities, will take place in the Westin. The fan fest will be on the arena floor of the Long Beach Convention Center and is open to the media.

All media members that have sent a response confirming their
attendance have been placed on the credential list. Check-in will be at Champ Car registration in the Westin Hotel beginning Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. outside of the Shoreline Room, located on the 1st floor (lobby level). You will need to speak with Nicole Norris or Cathie Lyon in order to obtain your wristbands.

ONLY PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT HAVE REQUESTED STUDIO SPACE FOR SUNDAY'S PHOTO SHOOTS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE SUNDAY ACTIVITIES. THERE WILL BE NO MEDIA AVAILABILITY DURING THE SUNDAY PHOTO SHOOTS.

Please send any questions to Champ Car News Manager Eric Mauk at <mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] or call 317-XXX-XXXX Wednesday or Thursday. From Friday on, I can be reached on my cell phone at 317-XXX-XXXX.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2004 CHAMP CAR SEASON PREMIERE

Monday, March 8 - All events Monday and Tuesday with the exception of the Fan Fest will take place at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach

10:00 a.m. - OWRS partners press conference

10:45 a.m. - Rollout Herdez team, make driver and sponsor announcement

11:30 a.m. - Forsythe Racing press conference

12:15 p.m. -1:00 p.m. - Lunch with Toyota Atlantic drivers, brief Q&A with drivers, President Vicki O'Connor

1:15 p.m. - Rollout Rocketsports, make driver and sponsor announcement

2:00 p.m. - New Champ Car support series announcement

2:45 p.m. - Manufacturer opportunity with Ford

3:10 p.m. - Manufacturer opportunity with Bridgestone

3:45 p.m. - Rollout PK Racing, make driver and sponsor announcement

7:30 p.m. - Patrick Carpentier and Alex Tagliani to participate in
ceremonial puck drop at Monday night's NHL game at the Pond in Anaheim

Tuesday, March 9

9 a.m. - Press conference with Champ Car Racing Operations to discuss new competition rules for 2004

9:30 a.m. - Long Beach promoter press conference

10:00 a.m. - Team Rahal press conference

10:45 a.m. - Fernandez Racing car unveiling

11:30 a.m. - Rollout for Newman/Haas cars, make driver and sponsor
announcement

12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. - Lunch with Trans-Am cars and drivers,
Executive Director John Clagett

1:45 p.m. - RuSPORT car unveiling

2:30 p.m. - TV press conference

5:00 - 8:00 Fan festivities including pit stop demonstration (5:00 -
5:30)


Next week should be a good week.....

[TLK]

The real racing season begins this weekend..... here's somewhat of an F-1 preview lifted from the FIA site.....

http://www.fia.com/FreePress/F1_Guide_2004/Images/Australia.gif

[TLK]

Today was the first day of the Champ Car Season Premiere.... I will give a recap of both days sometime tomorrow night.... real quick though.... here's a picture of Jimmy Vasser's new ride.... it looks very slick, especially compared the IRL picture earlier on this page...

http://www.champweb.net/v2_images_database/gal2004_00/DSC00449.JPG

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I have heard different things about CART coming over here to Vegas ,I would personally buy tickets if it is true ,doesnt matter to me whether the race is at LVMS or a Street course but it will probably be at LVMS since I dont see how they can close down the strip for up to a week ....It would just tie up our horrendoues traffic system here even more .... I would also like an F1 race here since I have always wanted to go to one and see what the whole F-1 hoopla is about .... IRL should make a return here to Vegas too I dont even know why they left in the first pplace .

[TLK]

http://www.champweb.net/v2_images_database/gal2004_00/DSC00471.JPG

Big news today is that McDonalds is back with ChampCar as they will sponser the Bourdias entry.... I'll post a complete wrap-up later.....

[TLK]

Here's an outline rundown of what was announced over the past two days....

-Schedule was officaly announce with two holes that will be filled within the week.


16 Races

April 18- Long Beach
May 23- Monterrey, Mexico
June 5- Milwaukee
June 20- Portland
July 3- Cleveland
July 11- Toronto
July 25- Vancouver
August 8- Road America
August 15- Denver
August 29- Montreal
Sept. 12- Laguna Seca
Sept. TBA- South Africa*
Oct. 17- South Korea
Oct. 24- Surfers Paradise
Nov. 11- Mexico City
Nov. 25- Las Vegas*

-Herdez Competition Announcement
-Mario Dominguez is the only announced driver. Hunter-Reay was in the room, and previous internet reports have said they are still negotiating.

-Forsythe Racing Announcement
-Paul Tracy and Rodolpho Lavin will drive for Forsythe. Lavin will be sponsered by Corona. No sponser announcement for Paul Tracy.
Patrick Carpentier will remain under contract to Forsythe, but will be transfered to another team, as Forsythe couldn't
come up with any sponsorship to run a third car. Carpentier has been a fixture at Forsythe, (for 8 seasons now) so this
wasn't the best news.

-Rocetsports Racing announcement
-Alex Tagliani and Nelson Phillipe will race for Rocketsports. Tagliani will be sponsored by Johnson Controls, while Phillpe (who
will be a series rookie) will be back by LeasePlan. Phillpe will be interesting to watch this year, and Tagliani should
be steady like normal.

-Formula BMW announces it will be a support series to ChampCar


-PKVR Racing Announcement
-It was announced that Jimmy Vasser (former series champ) is now a part owner of the team and will drive for them this year,
alongside Roberto Gonzalez. Both Vasser and Gonzalez's car have a NII logo on them. NII is NEXTEL International, but will
run as NII in the states as to avoid confusion with NASCAR. Big money involved in this deal and two very nice looking cars.

Day 2-

-Rule changes announced
-Champ Car has announced that it has implemented the push-2-pass button for the 2004 Champ Car World Series competition. Below are some of the highlights of what the rules will be for it:
-They will be allowed to use the button for 60 seconds for an entire race. Champ Car will be monitoring a black box with has a chip inside of it, which can not be touched by the teams.
-To put it in perspective, the longest straight in the series is in Mexico City, and that is just 17 seconds long.
-The button will give an extra 2 1/2 pounds of boost pressure, which equals around 50hp.
-The boost button also ONLY works when the throttle is being pushed at 85% or more.
-This has been thought through extremely well and will create a very interesting aspect to the racing.
-Races will be reduced to 1 hours and 45 minutes, as opposed to the usual 2 hour window that they were run in prior. The reason for this is to purchase a 2 hour TV time window, as opposed to a 2 1/2 hour time window.
-There will be mandatory 2-3 green flag stops for each race. However, each driver must have completed his 2-3 stops before 15 minutes is left in the race.
-Teams are only allowed to tinker with parts of the car that are visible. i.e. they can not mess with the undertray.
-Teams are allowed to share parts and pieces without a problem or a rule violation.
-Radio scrambling is NOT allowed.
-Champ Car is going to be extremely strict on the 1 block rule.
-If a driver causes an accident, he will be black-flagged.

-Newman/Hass Announcement
-McDonalds and Newman-Haas Racing have signed a multi-year deal with Sebastien Bourdais as the driver for 2004. They will be advertising Paul Newman's "Newman's Own" salad dressing for McDonalds.
-Bruno Junqueira also was announced as the second driver for Newman-Haas with PacifiCare sponsorship.

-Team Rahal announcement
-Nothing that wasn't already known.... Jourdain in the Gigante car... same as last year
-Team Rahal announced that Danica Patrick will be testing a Champ Car at Sebring on March 26th. This will be her first test in a Champ Car.

-RuSport Announcement
-AJ Allmendinger (American rookie) will driver for them. No title sponsor was announced. However, Red Bull will be AJ's personal sponsor with a helmet design and his suit designed in Red Bull livery.

-TV Deal Announcement
Highlights of the TV deal:
-Bronte (Tag's wife) will be the life style reporter
-Tommy Kendall will be the color commentator
-Bob Jenkins will be in the booth
-Derek Daly will be the pit reporter

-The races will be broadcast by SpikeTV and HDnet at 4:00 in every time zone.
-There will be a 24 episode 1/2 hour show, showcasing Champ Car on SpikeTV. Those timeslots have not been released yet.
-HD Net is going to have Friday and Saturday events televised
-HDnet will also have an Internet site set up for a subscription fee of like $10/year you can get the broadcasts over the Internet.

[Ryan S]

Can you recommend any decent Champ Car forums?

I used to visit 7th Gear, but it looks like that place is a mess now.

[SunDancer]

Wow...McDonald's is a good sponsor to have back. Though, the car needs alittle more red. Any more pics?

As regards to Vegas, could they do it the way Monanco does for F-1. They take down the track at night and put it back up during the day.

[TLK]

Can you recommend any decent Champ Car forums?

I used to visit 7th Gear, but it looks like that place is a mess now.

http://www.champcarfanatics.com/forums/

[SunDancer]

King,
Can you give an overview of the "ladder system", and it's situation this year for CART. I know BMW brought a new series stateside.

[TLK]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=NewsHeadlineDate bgColor=#e67306 colSpan=4>CART Champ Car</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=290>http://www.cart.com/images/Tech/CARTcar.jpg</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>TOP SPEED
Approx. 240 mph HORSEPOWER
Approx. 750

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WHEELBASE
120 - 126" LENGTH
190 - 199"

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WEIGHT
1,550 lbs. CHASSIS
Lola or Reynard

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD background=../images/tech/dotted_line.gif>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><!--ENGINE--><TD vAlign=top width=60>Engine:</TD><TD align=left>Turbocharged, 2.65-liter (161.703 cubic inch) V-8</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><!--<TR>COST <TD vALIGN="TOP">Cost:</TD> <TD ALIGN="LEFT">Champ Car teams spend anywhere from $7-14 million annually.</TD> </TR>--><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<!-- TOYOTA ATLANTIC --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=NewsHeadlineDate bgColor=#e67306 colSpan=4> CART Toyota Atlantic Championship</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=290>http://www.cart.com/images/Ladder/Car_ToyotaAtlantic.jpg (http://www.cart.com/Ladder/ToyotaAtlantic.asp)</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>TOP SPEED
Approx. 165 mph HORSEPOWER
Approx. 240

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WHEELBASE
106" LENGTH
167.25"

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WEIGHT
1,265 lbs. CHASSIS
Swift 014.a

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD background=../images/tech/dotted_line.gif>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><!--PARAGRAPH--><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>In order to develop drivers for the FedEx Championship Series, the CART Toyota Atlantic Championship has developed a race car package that shares the characteristics of a Champ Car while still providing the necessary training-ground format for aspiring young talent.

</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--ENGINE--><TD vAlign=top width=60>Engine:</TD><TD align=left>Non-turbocharged Toyota 4A-GE inline, four-cylinder, fuel-injected, dual overhead cam engine</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><!--<TR>COST <TD vALIGN="TOP">Cost:</TD> <TD ALIGN="LEFT">A Toyota Atlantic team can run the full 12-race season for about a minimum of $640,000.</TD> </TR>--><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--AERODYNAMICS--><TD vAlign=top>Aerodynamics:</TD><TD align=left>Uses similar front and rear wings, as well as downforce-generating sidepods as the Champ Cars.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<!-- BARBER DODGE PRO SERIES --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=NewsHeadlineDate bgColor=#e67306 colSpan=4> Barber Dodge Pro Series</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=290>http://www.cart.com/images/Ladder/Car_BarberDodge.jpg (http://www.cart.com/Ladder/BarberDodge.asp)</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>TOP SPEED
Approx. 155 mph HORSEPOWER
Approx. 265

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WHEELBASE
103" LENGTH
172"

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WEIGHT
1,400 lbs. CHASSIS
Reynard 98E

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD background=../images/tech/dotted_line.gif>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><!--PARAGRAPH--><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>In order to develop drivers for the upper rungs of the Barber-CART Ladder the Barber Dodge Pro Series has developed a racecar that is in many ways a three-quarter scale Champ Car providing the necessary training-ground format for aspiring young talent. All Barber Dodge racecars are owned, maintained and operated by the Barber Dodge Pro Series.

</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--ENGINE--><TD vAlign=top width=60>Engine:</TD><TD align=left>Normally aspirated all-aluminum Dodge V-6, fuel-injected, dual-overhead cam engine</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><!--<TR>COST <TD vALIGN="TOP">Cost:</TD> <TD ALIGN="LEFT">Barber Dodge Pro Series drivers budget approximately $200,000 to contest a full season.</TD> </TR>--><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--AERODYNAMICS--><TD vAlign=top>Aerodynamics:</TD><TD align=left>Uses similar front and rear wings, as well as downforce-generating sidepods as the Champ Cars.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- FORMULA DODGE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=NewsHeadlineDate bgColor=#e67306 colSpan=4> Formula Dodge National Championship</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=290>http://www.cart.com/images/Ladder/Car_FormulaDodge.jpg (http://www.cart.com/Ladder/FormulaDodge.asp)</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>TOP SPEED
Approx. 135 mph HORSEPOWER
Approx. 150

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WHEELBASE
96.75" LENGTH
144"

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WEIGHT
1,100 lbs. CHASSIS
Formula Dodge
R/T 2000

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD background=../images/tech/dotted_line.gif>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><!--PARAGRAPH--><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>The Formula Dodge R/T 2000 is for many aspiring young racers their first taste of a racecar in competition. Designed to be used both as a competitive and teaching platform, drivers begin the long journey of honing their racecraft in these sleek racers. All Formula Dodge R/T 2000 racecars are owned, maintained and operated by the Skip Barber Race Series.

</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--ENGINE--><TD vAlign=top width=60>Engine:</TD><TD align=left>Normally aspirated Dodge in-line four, fuel-injected, single overhead cam engine</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><!--<TR>COST <TD vALIGN="TOP">Cost:</TD> <TD ALIGN="LEFT">Formula Dodge National Championship drivers budget approximately $45,000 to contest a full season.</TD> </TR>--><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--AERODYNAMICS--><TD vAlign=top>Aerodynamics:</TD><TD align=left>Formula Dodge R/T 2000 racecars and Champ Cars both use front and rear wings, as well as downforce-generating sidepods; however, the wings on the R/T 2000 are of the single-element non-adjustable variety.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- STARS OF TOMORROW --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=NewsHeadlineDate bgColor=#e67306 colSpan=4> Stars of Tomorrow</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=290>http://www.cart.com/images/Ladder/Car_Stars.jpg (http://www.cart.com/Ladder/StarsofTomorrow.asp)</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>TOP SPEED
Approx. 125 mph HORSEPOWER
Approx. 45

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WHEELBASE
40" LENGTH
72"

</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#e6e6e6>WEIGHT
375 lbs. (w/ driver)

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD background=../images/tech/dotted_line.gif>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD height=1>http://www.cart.com/images/tech/spacer.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif</TD></TR><TR><!--ENGINE--><TD vAlign=top width=60>Engine:</TD><TD align=left>125 cc</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR><TR><TD>http://www.cart.com/images/clear.gif


The Barber Dodge Series is taking this year off. The BMW Series was supposed to slot in right ahead of the BDPS, which may of led to the decision to call off this year. The Toyota Atlantic series has some talent, but not too many cars. Atlantics should muster more than the 10 cars that the IRL's feeder series put out for it's first race, but not much more. As messed up as open wheel racing is, the feeder systems are even worse. The BMW series will have some promising American from the Red Bull Driver Search, which should make those races interesting. I hope Speed or SpikeTV picks up the BMW series. Formula Dodge and Stars of Tomorrow are good for what they are....
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Craptacular]

Hey, finally a reason to watch HDNet!!

[SunDancer]

Thanks LionKing. I heard that the Barber series was cancelled, no? How does the new series being launched by BMW look, is it looking like it will be a really good series? Is Toyota Atlantic now better suited to make the jump better?
What does this mean-"providing the necessary training-ground format for aspiring young talent."?
It looks like the Barber cars are faster and more powerful, what's the differnet between them and the TA cars, and why is TA ahead of the Series. What are your thoughts on this series? Also, how are the open-wheel sprint cars (dirt and paved) and the drivers of those type of racing able to make the jump? Also, what exactly is the "Stars of Tomarrow" series?

[TLK]

I'll be watching the BMW series this year, but have no idea how it will fare. With a power manufacturer like BMW, the money will be there for the series to succeed. I wish they would have went for a more powerful engine, something between Atlantics and Champ Car. Drivers trying to make the jump, miss Indy Lights. It will be interesting to follow AJ Allmendinger (the Atlantics Champ) this year in Champ Car.

Barber Dodge getting the axe would of been a hit to the ladder system, if the BMW series didn't come into play. I hope Barber does eventually come back, but if it doesn't... no big deal. They are still keeping the BD Driving School Open. I'm not well enough educated on the Stars of Tomorrow cars. I've seen some of there races, but they look like glorified go-karts. I guess they serve their purpose in the ladder system though.

[TLK]

New life style reporter Bronte Tagliani


http://www.earlracing.com/pictures/fanfest/images/IMG_0377.jpg

[TLK]

Looks like there was a nice turnout for the Fan Fest tonight....


Tracy went at length about how TG never looked to save open wheel racing in America and that the clear intention was to destroy the series. He quipped: "I think there's more people here than what showed up to the first IRL race this season".. A good laugh from the crowd. :D

http://www.earlracing.com/pictures/fanfest/images/IMG_0395.jpg
http://www.earlracing.com/pictures/fanfest/images/IMG_0385.jpg

[Craptacular]

This is not good. :(

Surprise move: Champ Cars' Fernandez to IRL (http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?id=1757179)

[TLK]

oh my.... just read that myself.....I'm gonna start digging on this one, and see what's going on....

[TLK]

my understanding of the situation:
-Fernandez was having sponsership problems like most teams. Tecate left him, leaving him with the "Visit Mexico" board as his primary sponser, and that was a low paying deal.
-Fernandez lines up Roberto Gonzalez to drive his second car. Gonzalez comes with Nextel spnsership, which will lower Fernandez's costs for his primary car.
-Kevin Kalkohven (one of the OWRS principals) goes under Fernandez's nose and signs Gonzalez to drive for him.
-Fernandez approches the OWRS guys and asks for help with funding for his primary car, as he feels they owe it to him, because Kalkohven basically poached Gonzo from him.
-Tony George and Honda offer to help Fernandez make to switch to the IRL, knowing they're going to need all the help in the world to get 33 cars for the cINDY 500....
-OWRS refuses to help Fernandez, leaving his only option to bolt to the IRL


Bad night..... I hear Bobby Rahal is next to take Michel Jourdain over to the IRL.... I hope it's not true.... we've come to far for this bull shit to happen now...

[SunDancer]

Bobby Rahal, I though Rahal is a big supporter of the OWRS? Any chance to see these teams maybe try to talk to Jacque Villenue for a ride, just for even a year?

[TLK]

Fernandez and Rahal were the two owners with cars in both the IRL and ChampCar, which made their move easy for TG to convince.... Rahal's camp has denied the rumor so far, but nothing will surprise me....

[JonInMiddleGA]

Looks like Rahal is as least considering it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=ap-champ-rahal&prov=ap&type=lgns

"Jourdain is sponsored by Gigante, a Mexican department store chain. ``They are very concerned,'' Rahal said. ``Adrian is an opinion leader in Mexico and for him to do this speaks volumes.''

[TLK]

At this point (24 hours after the Fernandez news), I want Rahal to leave. He only has one car in the series becauser that's where Gigante wants him to be. He can leave, because from what I hear, Gigante isn't going anywhere. This is turning into one of those, either your with us or against us situations..... If Rahal wants to be a fence-sitter I say... don't let the door hit you on the way out....

[TLK]

If Fernandez thought his decision was going to hurt the Mexican ChampCar community he's sadly mistaken..... Herdez just announced they will add a second car, possibly with another Mexican driving it....


HERDEZ COMPETITION TO ANNOUNCE SECOND CHAMP CAR DRIVER FOR 2004
INDIANAPOLIS (March 12, 2004) - Herdez Competition expanded its effort in the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford to a two-car operation in 2003 and was rewarded with a stellar season in which the team finished sixth in the driver standings. Second-year driver Mario Dominguez became a weekly contender in the Champ Car battles and the team claimed its first ever race sweep when Dominguez and Roberto Moreno finished 1-2 in Miami.
Buoyed by that success, the Herdez team announced Friday that it has chosen its second driver and will renew its attack on the Champ Car World Series title with a two-car effort in 2004. The team, which has won Champ Car races in each of the last two seasons, confirmed Friday that it will make its official driver and sponsor announcement early next week.

“We were satisfied with our results last season, however we have been expanded our program over the winter and we expect to do very well with the program we have built for 2004,” said Herdez Competition Managing Director, Keith Wiggins. We remain committed to Champ Car and are very eager to get the season started at Long Beach.

The Herdez squad had its best-ever Champ Car season in 2003, scoring five podium finishes with Dominguez and Moreno. The team also gave Roberto Gonzalez a one-off chance in Mexico City as a teammate to Dominguez where the rookie scored his first-ever top-10 finish.

[SunDancer]

King, care to give us a run-down of the current lineup (team, driver, sponsor), and your thoughts of the car and the "appeal" they have to the series. CART has a big strike with Spike TV carrying all the races. Are they going to be live? What are the biggest "name" open-wheel drivers not hired right now left? Does CART need to maybe strike a deal with one of these drivers, maybe a Jacques Villeneuve? What are the operating costs of CART this year, and what are the top drivers paid in IRL/CART?

[TLK]

King, care to give us a run-down of the current lineup (team, driver, sponsor), and your thoughts of the car and the "appeal" they have to the series. CART has a big strike with Spike TV carrying all the races. Are they going to be live? What are the biggest "name" open-wheel drivers not hired right now left? Does CART need to maybe strike a deal with one of these drivers, maybe a Jacques Villeneuve? What are the operating costs of CART this year, and what are the top drivers paid in IRL/CART?

Ok, I'll do a full rundown of the current ChampCar line-up tomorrow, when I'm in a better state of mind :) Anyways, why do you thing that they have a strike against them because they're on Spike? Spike is carried on more systems then Speed where they were last year. Also, SPIKE will promote them more that Speed did. All races will be carried at 4 PM, no matter what time zone you're in. I think this is smart on Spike & ChampCar's part, because the viewer will always know when it's on...... Again, not going too deep into the field.... ChampCar needs to land Justin Wilson and Ralph Firman. Both raced in F-1 last year and are rumored to have ChampCar rides lined-up.... we'll see. Villeneuve will be sitting this year out, and (IMHO) won't ever race open-wheel again (I wouldn't put a Le-Mans ride out of the question though).....

[SunDancer]

Ok, I'll do a full rundown of the current ChampCar line-up tomorrow, when I'm in a better state of mind :) Anyways, why do you thing that they have a strike against them because they're on Spike? Spike is carried on more systems then Speed where they were last year. Also, SPIKE will promote them more that Speed did. All races will be carried at 4 PM, no matter what time zone you're in. I think this is smart on Spike & ChampCar's part, because the viewer will always know when it's on...... Again, not going too deep into the field.... ChampCar needs to land Justin Wilson and Ralph Firman. Both raced in F-1 last year and are rumored to have ChampCar rides lined-up.... we'll see. Villeneuve will be sitting this year out, and (IMHO) won't ever race open-wheel again (I wouldn't put a Le-Mans ride out of the question though).....

Sorry, I meant they struck with the deal on SpikeTV (didn't mean it as bad, but as a great move, I am tired :)). Really don't see Villeneuve going back to F1? I am curious, what is Le-Mans? Is that even more prestige then F1?

[TLK]

Sorry, I meant they struck with the deal on SpikeTV (didn't mean it as bad, but as a great move, I am tired :)). Really don't see Villeneuve going back to F1? I am curious, what is Le-Mans? Is that even more prestige then F1?

Don't get me wrong..... The Spike deal is a step in the right direction, but not the greatest thing. I wish that every race was on NBC or CBS, but with open-wheel racing in the crapper as it is, it's not going to happen. I think the deal with Spike will work out for both parties involved. The HDnet part of the deal is intersting as well..... Villeneuve has a shot for a ride with Williams next year in F-1, but it's not too common that someone takes a year off and is able to come back and be competitive..... I honestly believe that Villeneuve is done in F-1.... The Le-Mans race is a single endurance race that Villeneuve said he'd like to win, along with an F-1 championship and CART (ChampCar) Title......

[TLK]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width=450 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=right colSpan=2>http://www.etracksonline.co.uk/News/seoul.gif
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center align=right colSpan=2>Layout of Seoul track unveiled
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center align=right colSpan=2>
MARCH 9, 2004: Reports from the USA suggest that this is the track layout that will be used for the visit of Champ Cars to South Korea in October.

Autoracing1.com reports that this 1.4 mile circuit will be laid out in Hangang Park in Seoul in time for the race on October 17, the week before the traditional Gold Coast event in Surfers Paradise, Australia.

Promoted by KMC (Korea Motorsports Center), the race is expected to be held until at least 2008. Hangang Park is on the banks of the River Hang and close to the World Cup football stadium.

An official announcement of the final track layout is expected soon. It is expected that in future years the track couldbe extended to around 2.0 miles.



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
This will be huge also.... although the track is small in length, there are many passing zones, which should lead to a good race...

[TLK]

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines
Written by: Robin Miller
Indianapolis, IN – 3/13/2004



Tony George recently enlightened readers of The Indianapolis Star with the revelation that 33 cars "is only a number" and that if the traditional 11 rows of three isn't reached this May it's no big deal because quality out-ranks quantity anyway.

Oh yeah, he's also been thinking about shortening the field for some time.

In the aftermath of these preposterous pronouncements, three things immediately came to mind:

a) Publicity director Fred Nation, who crafts many of Tony's thoughts and talking points, had fallen into a deep coma while listening to his boss make a lunch-time speech and wasn't able to moniter The Star's interview.

b) Tony had obviously lost the last page of his notes.

c) The grandson of Tony Hulman really and truly just doesn't get it.

The man who sucked the life out of the Indianapolis 500 in 1996 by dividing open-wheel racing clearly has no conception of what made May so special, so intriguing and what making this race meant to a driver, a mechanic or an owner.

His lack of respect for tradition and history is only topped by his incredible ignorance and arrogance.

Think not? Let's review his legacy.

In 1996, he insulted every driver who ever busted his butt or lost his life trying to qualify at Indianapolis by guaranteeing 25 of the 33 starting spots for members of his "league."

In 1997, Nissan wasn't up to speed but instead of letting open competition rule, George desecrated another tradition by adding two cars and starting 35 in order to make sure Infiniti was represented. It took a minimum speed and it wasn't the fastest 33, just the politically correct 35. And that was after sending Scott Harrington on a late afternoon banzai where he crashed going three mph faster than he needed to but IRL officials neglected to let him in one "the deal."

In 1998, George reduced practice and qualifying (one weekend) because there weren't enough professional teams to run all the laps required to fill up two weeks of practice -- and two hours on ESPN every day.

In 2002, Barry Green went through an appeal process and, according to those inside the room, proved that Paul Tracy had passed Helio Castroneves before the yellow light came on and therefore won the Indy 500. A few weeks later George announced there could be no appeal because IRL vice president of operations Brian Barnhart's word was gospel. His explanation was cut short when he couldn't find the last page of his explanation.

Last May, for the first time in modern history, there was no bumping at Indy because as soon as the field reached 33 on Sunday at 4:30 p.m., qualifying was over. Jeff Ward had a car but the unwritten rule in Gasoline Alley called for no more attempts. So it didn't matter how fast you went, four laps was the only criteria. And another Indy tradition went down in flames.

Faced with the fact there may not be 30 cars this May (until last week's calamity in Champ Car) because the IRL has failed to generate enough interest after eight years, George has declared that 33 cars in nothing more than a nebulous number.

You know, kinda like 11 for football, 9 for baseball and 5 for basketball. Why not the Mudville 7? Or The Fab Three? Heck, just doctor up those old recordings and have Sid Collins saying: "The fastest 26 cars in the world come down for the flying start."

When George said he was uncomfortable with some of the quality in past races he showed again how little he appreciates the spirit of what helped make Indy such a national treasure.

If George thinks 33 is just a number with no meaning then maybe he should ask his good buddies Roger Penske and Al Unser Jr. how it felt not to be one of those 33 in 1995. Or Bobby Rahal, who missed the show in 1993. Better yet, ask Phil Krueger, Steve Chassey and Roger Rager how satisfying it was to qualify some ****box they also worked on.

Indy used to be about innovation, finding the right combination and putting everything on the line to make the show. It could be the defining moment in a driver's career. Now, because of George's vision, it's a spec race that only requires four laps at any speed and it can't even draw enough interest anymore to fill the field.

He predicted there was an ocean of car owners when he formed the IRL but it turns out there's not even a small pond. Before George drove a wedge into open wheel, Indy never had to be concerned about selling tickets, drawing crowds, a shortage of cars or a lack of atmosphere.

When Tony was handed the keys to the Speedway in 1989, longtime racing writer George Moore wondered aloud: "Now we'll see if this place (IMS) is bulletproof."

We all laughed. You can't screw up the Indy 500.

Well those of us who revered Indy aren't laughing anymore.

It's sad to see the continuing demise of this great event under George's misguided leadership and it's just as painful to know how little he appreciates Indy's history.

Gentlemen, start your engines. So what? It's only four words.
I'm loving it..... :)

[TLK]

well this is it..... for anyone that has been following the story, I think it hits the climax over the next seven days.... here's an interesting post from the AR1 message boards, from somebody who claims to be an insider.... take it with a grain of salt, we'll see how accurate this ends up...


Rumor Recap? (post #1)

Although, I do not post to message boards regularly, I thought I would share a recap on some rumors. Dispel some, add some and bring it all into perspective as Monday approaches.

Rahal-Gone. Maybe as early as Monday. Not as big a hit as people think because Kevin has a trick or two up his sleeve. Michel and Gigante going with him.

RuSport-No problem here. Committed and not going anywhere.

Haas-This depends on Rahal for the MOST part. But this might be one of Kevin's tricks.

Paul Gentilozzi-This is the one that is not getting ANY play anywhere, but could blow up tomorrow. Who knows. Here it is-he is out. Not out of ChampCar, but out as part of the OWRS group. This weekend was spent behind closed doors trying to figure out how to do this cleanly. I think more will erupt on this in the next 24-48 hours.

The War-This is bigger than the bankruptcy mess. Penske, George and Co. have declared war. The goal-no Long Beach. I am surprised here too that this not getting more play. This is the battle royale that will decide the future, plain and simple. And in the IRL's eyes, this can not be decided by a judge. Just money. Tony, Penske and Honda are funding this battle. The goal, a few succesive "shock and awe" blows to create confusion and "excitement". End game-take 5 owner/car/team combinations within the next 10 days.

Car count- the quiet goal now is 16 at Long Beach.

Kevin-He is the LEADER of the OWRS group now. Should have been all along as an aside. Paul Gentilozzi is a non-factor as a result of wrangling that took place this weekend. This is now Kevin and Gerry's show. Oh, and Mario's too.

Did I say Mario? Yes. Mario Andretti is in "Effect" replacing Paul. Again, another good move. This will gain steam over the next 24-48 as well.

Odds-The perception within is that OWRS has an 80% chance of taking the flag at Long Beach even with defections from Haas or Rahal or both. How? It was touched on in other posts-$$$$. Yes, Kevin's money will come into play straight away. Again, the goal is 16 and it is very achievable with Kevin quietly making sure the teams can answer the bell. Privacy is a good thing in a mess like this.

Carp-He will be in a Forsythe seat. The initial goal was Rahal, but the Rahal decision is made. The good news though- he will take the flag at Long Beach.

Cancun-The IRL will be in the streets of Cancun in 05. Its done. This is temporary while a permanent course is constructed.

The OWRS approach-it is going to change dramatically over the next 24-48 hours. Better, HONEST, PR as a result of Kevin now calling the shots. The ability to eat a bit of crow and help us fill in the blanks will turn out to be the saving grace. The Paul G. days are over. Kevin and Gerry are calling the shots while relying on Mario to be the "ambassador".

The contracts-No promoter cares about 18. Plain and simple. If they get to 16, all will be forgiven. There is no concern over the contracts. Its the promoters call and they have made it.

The Saviour- Kevin. Plain and simple.

My credibility- NONE. I just ask that you read between the lines and report back about my accuracy by this time next week.

[SunDancer]

Who's Kevin again? Just curious, could IRL be charged with a lawsuit similar to one the NFL faced by the USFL?

[TLK]

Kevin Kalkohven, one of the three owners that purchased CART/ChampCar. I feel that he was kind of brought into the situation, not knowing what was involved. As time went on, and the purchase went through, he realized what he was up against in Tony George. Now, he's protecting his investment and will insure that this season goes as planned. He's the right man for the job, as he has more money then he knows what to do with....

[SunDancer]

Thanks King. Is he a car owner at all? How much is he worth, or where did he make or still make his dough?

[TLK]

Kalkohven owns the PKJ Racing team, which fields Jimmy Vasser and Roberto Gonzalez. He made his money in the telcom industry and got out while it was still profitable...... do a google search on him and you'll find many articles....

[TLK]

I promise this will be a crazy week for open wheel racing..... there's so much stuff being reported, I have no idea what to believe. I feel confident that ChampCar will answer the bell at Long Beach with 18 cars, and if they can pull that off, they've defeated TG and his minions (Honda)..... I have it on good authority that there will be a "holy shit" announcement by the end of the week.... stay tuned....

[TLK]

everything I'm hearing is good for ChampCar...... Rahal will not jump to the IRL for for 04' (:().... As many as four teams have stepped up and have said they will run an extra car to make make-up for Fernandez's leave....Also, Fernandez has said he wants to run the two Mexican races for ChampCar..... here's hoping they don't allow him to.....

[TLK]

Rahal did move his ChampCar team to the IRL, but Gigante and Michel Jourdain turned down his offer and stuck with ChampCar :) if nothing else, all the fence-sitters are gone..... Dale Coyne confirmed that he will run 2 cars this year, increasing the rumor that there will be more than 18 at Long Beach... only 31 days until the green flag

[aej]

From Pitpass.com

Dixon shines on F1 debut

26/03/2004

Jenson Button might have topped the timesheets at today's third, and final, day of testing at Paul Ricard, but it was reigning IRL Champion Scott Dixon who made everyone sit up and take notice.

The youngster, who spent his day getting used to the car and working on basic set-ups, was fourth quickest, posting a best time just 0.206s slower than his teammate Ralf Schumacher.

Climbing out of his car the youngster, who has been racing on ovals for the last two years, complained of stiff neck muscles: "I haven't turned right for a year or so!" he said with a grin.

"I've had a really enjoyable day," he added later. "And, in general, I'm pleased with how it went.

"Unfortunately, I had a problem with the gearbox this morning so my time in the car was limited. When the team fixed the problem I was happy with how it went at the end. I would have liked to have had a few more runs in the car as I think I could have gone quicker but I'm now looking forward to the next test in Barcelona."

[TLK]

Scott Dixon will never race in a Formula-1 event..... No inside information..... just a strong opinion.....

[Ryan S]

Scott Dixon will never race in a Formula-1 event..... No inside information..... just a strong opinion.....
IMO, it all depends on Ralf Schumacher.

If he stays with Williams, Dixon will never get a shot at F1, but if he leaves I think Dixon and Webber will be driving for Williams next season.

[Dutch]

Scott Dixon will never race in a Formula-1 event..... No inside information..... just a strong opinion.....

Why is he driving F1 cars anyway?

[TLK]

Dixon had a test with Williams to keep him happy. Chip Ganassi has a strong relationship with Williams, dating back to the Zanardi deal. Dixon would rather not be racing in the IRL, so he was promised a F-1 test, which is exactly what he got. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't see it mentioned in the earlier article but, Dixon was 3 mph off the speed of a normal F-1 test driver. In my opinion, their are about eight or nine better options for Williams out there...... I'd go as far as to say they'd be better off to bring JV back.....

[TLK]

Dixon suffered a small gearbox glitch this morning, and had a new engine fitted for his afternoon runs. He suffered with his neck muscles (quipping: "I haven't turned right for a year or so!") and has promised to work on his fitness before his next test at Barcelona next month.

"The big thing was getting used to the speed on the car on these tyres," he added. "It is a strange feeling. Grooved tyres have totally different characteristics [to slicks]. The car is very much on the edge, but most of the time is very nimble. It feels nice to drive – it is a proper race car."

Dixon with the quote of the week......

[TLK]

I haven't been around enough to update all the team news that's going on.... but here's where CART stands with a month to go before Long Beach.....

<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1 width=790 bgColor=#99ff99 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Announced Cars & Drivers</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamHerdez.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num55.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car55.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameDominguez.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelDominguez.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicDominguez.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagMexico.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top 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align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamPKVR.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num12.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car12.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameVasser.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicVasser.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagUSA.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 align=center border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableCell"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamPKVR.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num21.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car21.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameRGonzalez.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicRGonzalez.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagMexico.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 align=center border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableCell"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num09.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car09.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameJourdain.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelJourdain.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicJourdain.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagMexico.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 align=center border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableCell"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamNewmanHaas.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num06.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car06.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameJunq.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelJunq.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicJunq.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBrazil.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 align=center border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableCell"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamNewmanHaas.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num02.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car02.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameBourdais.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBourdais.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBourdais.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagFrance.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 align=center border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableCell"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamRuSport.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameAllmendinger.gif http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicAllmendinger.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagUSA.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamCoyne.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamCoyne.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar2.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamConquest.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Num34.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/Car34.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameWilson.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicWilson.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagUK.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamConquest.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameSperafico.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicSperafico.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBrazil.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1 width=800 bgColor=#9ad1ff border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Likely Rides</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamWalker.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamNewmanHaas.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar3.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1 width=800 bgColor=#ff9999 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Possible Rides</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamRuSport.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar2.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamFittipaldi.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamWalker.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar2.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamHemelgarn.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NumBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/CarBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameCar.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBlank.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1 width=800 bgColor=#c49fff border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Drivers in play </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD align=right>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamConquest.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/LeftBracket.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameHaberfeld.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicHaberfeld.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagBrazil.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD align=right>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamFittipaldi.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/LeftBracket.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameMazzacane.jpghttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicMazzacane.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagArgentina.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD align=right>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamWalker.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/LeftBracket.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameMacri.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicMacri.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagCanada.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD align=right>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamWalker.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/LeftBracket.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameValiante.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicValiante.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagCanada.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD align=right>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamCoyne.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/LeftBracket.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameKeohane.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicKeohane.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagIreland.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=800 border=0 dwcopytype="CopyTableRow"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD align=right>http://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/TeamCoyne.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/LeftBracket.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/NameEnge.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/HelBlank.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/PicEnge.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/FlagCzeck.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gifhttp://homepage.mac.com/smcphail/images/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[aej]

I don't see it mentioned in the earlier article but, Dixon was 3 mph off the speed of a normal F-1 test driver.
...whatever that is. He was less than 2mph slower than Button's fastest time, less than a second, and faster than four other test drivers, three of whom have close to 150 GP starts between them. He was within 0.2sec of Schumacher in the other Williams. Testing times are pretty academic though with the variation in work being done by different teams and drivers in any one session.


In my opinion, their are about eight or nine better options for Williams out there......
If he goes well at Barcelona as well, don't be surprised to see Dixon with a Williams test contract for '05, if only to keep him out of the reach of other teams.

I'd go as far as to say they'd be better off to bring JV back.....
Much as I'd like to see it, that won't happen. There are plenty of better VFM younger drivers out there. Frank and Patrick are well known for spending their money on the cars not the drivers and even Willi Weber is talking down Ralf's price for next season to try and keep him at Williams.

[TLK]

My problem with the whole Dixon thing is that he doesn't deserve to even be mentioned for that ride. What has he done? Well he won IndyLights and is the defending IRL champion. The IRL races all ovals, while F-1 doesn't race ovals. Whe Dixon moved up after his IndyLights championship..... he sucked (for lack of a better word) in CART. With Chip Ganassi, who was a good CART team, he finished 8th..... not too impressive if you ask me. Based on the past year's racing in the US, the only person that deserves mention for F-1 is Sebastian Bourdias....

[aej]

My problem with the whole Dixon thing is that he doesn't deserve to even be mentioned for that ride. What has he done? Well he won IndyLights and is the defending IRL champion. The IRL races all ovals, while F-1 doesn't race ovals. Whe Dixon moved up after his IndyLights championship..... he sucked (for lack of a better word) in CART. With Chip Ganassi, who was a good CART team, he finished 8th..... not too impressive if you ask me. Based on the past year's racing in the US, the only person that deserves mention for F-1 is Sebastian Bourdias....

What he's done and how good he is are, almost, entirely different factors. I'm not up on CART and IRL these days (or really since Mario was a lad in USAC!) but not everyone can make the switch, in either direction, with the same level of competitiveness. I'm neither pro- nor anti- Dixon, just interested in the way his Ricard performance has been talked up on this side of the pond. Williams don't usually give test drives to people they aren't serious about, unlike some of the cash-strapped teams at the other end of the grid. With Dixon, Rosberg Jnr. and Piquet Jnr., among others, in the pipeline and Pizzonia seemingly back to his pre-Jaguar form they may have a surplus on their hands in seasons to come.

[TLK]

:drunk speak:

I really don't like Dixon in that ride. I honestly don't think he can hang. Above mentioned were, Rosberg and Piquet.... both of which I'd have drive my car before Dixon... I also think that Pizzonia, Ricardo Sperafico, Marc Gene...... among others........deserve a shot before dickenson ( :) )

[TLK]

FULL 18 CAR FIELD CONFIRMED FOR 2004 SEASON

INDIANAPOLIS (April 8, 2004) – Fulfilling the promises made throughout the 2004 preseason by Champ Car World Series co-owners Paul Gentilozzi, Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe, the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford announced Wednesday that it had a full field of 18 cars slated for a full season of competition in 2004.

Veteran Champ Car team owner Derrick Walker announced Thursday that he would be fielding a Ford-Cosworth/Reynard/Bridgestone for the full 2004 Champ Car World Series season, bringing the number of confirmed cars to 18. Walker will be running Champ Cars for the 14th season with the team coming back after a strong 2003 campaign that was its best year since 1999.

“We have always maintained that we would have a full field for 2004 and men like Derrick Walker, Carl Haas, Eric Bachelart, Dale Coyne, Carl Russo and the entire Herdez ownership group have demonstrated their commitment to building the best open-wheel racing series possible,” said Gentilozzi. “The entire Champ Car community has done an incredible amount of work in getting to this point and we’re confident that the 2004 season will be a tremendous success.”

The additional car for Walker – whose driver and sponsor lineup will be announced shortly – strengthens an already talented driver lineup in 2004. The current driver roster includes two former Champ Car titlewinners, three FIA International F3000 champions, two Toyota Atlantic champions and eight drivers that have won Champ Car races. Eight of the last year’s top 10 in the Champ Car standings are returning, accounting for 90 percent of the race laps led a season ago. To date, the 2004 driver lineup has accounted for 53 Champ Car victories, 49 poles and 150 podium finishes.

“Our fans will be rewarded for their unwavering support with a driver lineup that will be far stronger than anyone has anticipated,” Kalkhoven said. “Not only do we have proven stars like Paul Tracy, Jimmy Vasser and Bruno Junqueira, but the younger drivers have proven themselves in Formula 1, F3000 and Toyota Atlantics. Justin Wilson, A.J. Allmendinger and Sebastien Bourdais are the next crop of Champ Car superstars and fans will enjoy watching them establish their own legacies in our series.”

“We are very pleased to have put a full field of cars together for 2004,” said Forsythe. “There have been so many entities that have been instrumental in getting us to this point. Our corporate partners, sponsors, teams, promoters, the Champ Car staff and the fans have worked very hard and we will give them a series to be proud of in 2004 and beyond.”

The 2004 season will open April 18 with the 30th anniversary of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Champ Car fans can follow all the action on Spike TV and HDNet, and can keep up to date with all of the happenings surrounding the Long Beach event by visiting www.champcarworldseries.com.



I hope to have a full 18 car preview to the season up sometime Sunday..... I'm happy as hell that I have a race to look forward to on the 18th.... Plaese tune into SpikeTV or HDTV and watch the race, you will enjoy it.....

[Craptacular]

edit: In case anyone else doesn't want to scroll to read it in TLK's post.

FULL 18 CAR FIELD CONFIRMED FOR 2004 SEASON

INDIANAPOLIS (April 8, 2004) – Fulfilling the promises made throughout the 2004 preseason by Champ Car World Series co-owners Paul Gentilozzi, Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe, the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford announced Wednesday that it had a full field of 18 cars slated for a full season of competition in 2004.

Veteran Champ Car team owner Derrick Walker announced Thursday that he would be fielding a Ford-Cosworth/Reynard/Bridgestone for the full 2004 Champ Car World Series season, bringing the number of confirmed cars to 18. Walker will be running Champ Cars for the 14th season with the team coming back after a strong 2003 campaign that was its best year since 1999.

“We have always maintained that we would have a full field for 2004 and men like Derrick Walker, Carl Haas, Eric Bachelart, Dale Coyne, Carl Russo and the entire Herdez ownership group have demonstrated their commitment to building the best open-wheel racing series possible,” said Gentilozzi. “The entire Champ Car community has done an incredible amount of work in getting to this point and we’re confident that the 2004 season will be a tremendous success.”

The additional car for Walker – whose driver and sponsor lineup will be announced shortly – strengthens an already talented driver lineup in 2004. The current driver roster includes two former Champ Car titlewinners, three FIA International F3000 champions, two Toyota Atlantic champions and eight drivers that have won Champ Car races. Eight of the last year’s top 10 in the Champ Car standings are returning, accounting for 90 percent of the race laps led a season ago. To date, the 2004 driver lineup has accounted for 53 Champ Car victories, 49 poles and 150 podium finishes.

“Our fans will be rewarded for their unwavering support with a driver lineup that will be far stronger than anyone has anticipated,” Kalkhoven said. “Not only do we have proven stars like Paul Tracy, Jimmy Vasser and Bruno Junqueira, but the younger drivers have proven themselves in Formula 1, F3000 and Toyota Atlantics. Justin Wilson, A.J. Allmendinger and Sebastien Bourdais are the next crop of Champ Car superstars and fans will enjoy watching them establish their own legacies in our series.”

“We are very pleased to have put a full field of cars together for 2004,” said Forsythe. “There have been so many entities that have been instrumental in getting us to this point. Our corporate partners, sponsors, teams, promoters, the Champ Car staff and the fans have worked very hard and we will give them a series to be proud of in 2004 and beyond.”

The 2004 season will open April 18 with the 30th anniversary of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Champ Car fans can follow all the action on Spike TV and HDNet, and can keep up to date with all of the happenings surrounding the Long Beach event by visiting www.champcarworldseries.com.

[TLK]

Indianapolis, IN – The residents of Manhattan awoke to something new today, the sound of an 750 horsepower Champ Car, with Herdez driver Ryan Hunter-Reay behind the wheel.

Preparing for the 2004 Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, Champ Car’s television partner, SPIKE TV filmed three commercials over five hours this morning in Times Square. The streets were blocked and the cameras were rolling as Hunter-Reay screamed through America’s most famous street, “This is definitely what they call a once in a lifetime experience,” exclaimed Champ Car’s most recent race winner. “This is my first time in New York City. I arrived last night and my eyes were big, but to be driving a Champ Car down Times Square this morning with hundreds of people smiling and cheering us on, it was unbelievable.”

Spike TV is the new home of Champ Car and Hunter-Reay is impressed, “what was accomplished today is an example of the dedication and expertise the Spike crew and Adam Friedman have committed to Champ Car. The fans, sponsors, teams and drivers; we are all in for a treat, the 2004 season kicked off today at the Crossroads of America.”

The pre-season preparations are finished and the Herdez crew is ready, Ryan Hunter-Reay and his teammate Mario Dominguez will take the green flag for the first time this year next week during round one of the 2004 Champ Car World Series at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. For more information visit www.TeamHerdez.com.


http://www.motorsport.com/photos/champcar/2004/gen/champcar-2004-gen-mk-0124.jpg

[Ryan S]

In other news, MotorsTV will be showing Champ Car live in the UK this year.

Woohoo! No more Eurosport, and their habit of preempting Champ Car to show badminton or marathon running. I only saw about 3 or 4 races last year because of Eurosports terrible scheduling.

[TLK]

Well, it's race weekend. I've been meaning to do a write-up of the full field but have been working 12 hour days, making it about impossible. I'll try to get some sort of a preview up tonight.....

[SunDancer]

What time is the race? I cant wait.

[TLK]

4:00 PM EST on Spike.... today

[SunDancer]

4:00 PM EST on Spike.... today

Anyone give a preview of Long Beach and the field for this year?

[TLK]

Here we go............

[SunDancer]

Damn, I missed the end of the race (second half).

[TLK]

Champ exec: Las Vegas announcement is close
By Brian Hilderbrand
<[email protected]>
LAS VEGAS SUN

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Champ Car World Series co-owner Paul Gentilozzi said Sunday the series is "real close" to announcing a season-ending race in Las Vegas in November.

Gentilozzi said he hoped to make an announcement concerning the race "within two weeks."

Gentilozzi, however, would not say where the open-wheel racing series is looking at staging a race, only that it would not be at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"If we race in Vegas, it wouldn't be an oval -- I promise you that," Gentilozzi said after Sunday's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

It is believed that the series has been in talks with the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino about holding a race on its property, but Gentilozzi would neither confirm nor deny that.

"We have (identified a site), but I couldn't say (where it is)," Gentilozzi said. "We have a couple options, actually, and we're going to have to pick something real soon.

"We're a little tight on time but if it doesn't happen this fall, certainly it'll happen in the spring -- but the weather is pretty good the end of November there," Gentilozzi said.

"It takes four months to promote a race properly and to do the proper engineering. The way we're going to do this event, it needs to be done right -- we don't want to make a mistake."

The 2004 Champ Car schedule has an open date in November for a season finale and Gentilozzi said Las Vegas would be an ideal site for the series to end its season and hold its awards banquet.

"Vegas is a special place," he said. "There were a lot of people from Vegas here today, looking at the Long Beach tradition, and we're hoping to push something forward there real quick."

The Champ Car series (known then as CART) last raced in Las Vegas in 1983 and 1984 on a modified oval in a parking lot at Caesars Palace. The Formula One World Championship also raced twice on the Caesars Palace circuit in '81 and '82.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/s.../516711684.html

Sounds good.....

[TLK]

It was confirmed today that ChampCar would be racing in Long Beach in 2005, avoiding a strong push from the IRL to take the race over...... chalk up another win for the good guys

[edit]
For the record the Long Beach ChampCar race drew more than the first three IRL races combined..... I ask... how is the IRL winning this war?

[TLK]

It's May folks..... if you're the religious type..... say a prayer for all of the IRL drivers in Indy this month.....

[TLK]

ESPN.com news services

<!-- template inline -->Two teams who have competed in the Indy Racing League since it began eight years ago cannot afford to race in this month's Indianapolis 500, the Indianapolis Star reported.



Those teams -- PDM Racing and Hemelgarn Racing -- have not found sponsors or raced yet this season, but news that they will not even run at Indy makes filling a 33-car field more difficult. Neither team has missed the Indy 500 since the IRL's inception.



According to the Star, PDM Racing has closed up shop and is for sale. The team launched IRL star Sam Hornish Jr. (http://rpm.espn.go.com/rpm/driver?id=shornishjr)'s career eight years ago.



As for Hemelgarn, the newspaper reported the 1996 Indy 500-winning team (with Buddy Lazier (http://rpm.espn.go.com/rpm/driver?id=blazier)) is without sponsor and looking at alternatives that could include the rival Champ Car series. (Added in by TLK: Please no.... stay away Mr. Hemelgarn, even though from what I hear, it will happen)



<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=5 rowSpan=2><SPACER type="block" width="5" height="1"></TD><TD width=195>http://espn.starwave.com/media/auto/2000/1018/photo/a_lazier_i.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD width=195>Buddy Lazier won the 1996 Indy 500 with Hemelgarn Racing; they also won the IRL title in 2000.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



"If you can't do Indy, it's really difficult to fill in just for the other IRL races," Hemelgarn general manager Lee Kunzman said. "We're in the racing business, so if I want to keep my (crew), I've got to find a place for them to race.



"What I'm looking for is survival."



Those who contend the cost to run a car in the IRL has gone too high will see this as another example of a smaller race team being priced out of competition. While engine lease costs are not divulged by the league or its engine manufacturers, media reports have put the cost anywhere between $350,000 and $500,000 for one race.



Lazier won the 2000 IRL season championship with Hemelgarn, but was released at last season's end and is still seeking a ride for the 500. Lazier has four top five finishes in the Indy 500 for the highest average finish in the race since the IRL formed.



Hemelgarn Racing, which formed in 1984, will continue to run driver Paul Dana in the IRL's Infiniti Pro Series, according to the Star.

[TLK]

nice vision Tony..... :rolleyes:

[TLK]

http://home.cfl.rr.com/ocalacomputers/2004indy500poster%20copy.jpg



Too good not to post...... credit goes to what's left of crapwagon.com

[TLK]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=501 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#343d91 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=33>Fisher Gives Lesson To Morning Audience

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD width=501><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=501 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=1 bgColor=#343d91 rowSpan=3>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/modules/images/pixel.gif</TD><TD rowSpan=3>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/modules/images/pixel.gif</TD><TD>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/modules/images/pixel.gif</TD><TD rowSpan=3>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/modules/images/pixel.gif</TD><TD width=1 bgColor=#343d91 rowSpan=3>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/modules/images/pixel.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/modules/images/pixel.gif</TD><TD><TABLE width=260><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/news/2004/series/images/sfisher-280-05032004.jpg

<TABLE borderColor=#ffffff borderColorDark=#ffffff borderColorLight=#ffffff border=1><TBODY><TR><TD borderColor=#000000>More About Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher Bio (http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/drivers/driver_bios.php?driver_id=12) :: Sarah Fisher 2004 Stats (http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/stats/driver_detail_stats.php?driver_id=12&y=2004) :: Sarah Fisher Photos (http://www.indyracing.com/indycar/photos/search.php?driver=Sarah+Fisher&search=driver)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>By indyracing.com Staff
indyracing.com

Monday May 03, 2004

Sarah Fisher gave an enthusiastic Charles Gibson, co-host of ABC-TV's "Good Morning America," an overview of an IRL IndyCar® Series car during a segment on the show on May 3.

Fisher, the third woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500, was precluded from giving Gibson a ride in the IRL Experience gas-powered two-seater on the streets of Manhattan because of a persistent rain. But the precipitation didn't dampen Gibson's enthusiasm.

"What does it feel like going 220 mph?" was one of Gibson's many questions during the segment in front of the ABC-TV studios.

"It's a lot faster than you think," said Fisher, who will open practice for the 88th Indianapolis 500 on May 9 and attempt to qualify for her fifth 500-Mile Race on May 15-16 in the No. 39 Bryant Heating & Cooling Dallara/Toyota/Firestone she will drive for Kelley Racing.

"What sensation would I feel going around a track at 220 mph?" Gibson said.

"It's like a passenger plane when it takes off; that's what you feel," said Fisher, who drove the two-seater around the block a few times before the rain began.

Gibson, holding an umbrella over himself and Fisher, said: "Let's just put the top up."

The appearance was one of several for Fisher and IndyCar Series drivers Scott Sharp and Dan Wheldon in New York on May 3-4. Sharp and Wheldon will be interviewed on ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza” (7-9 a.m. EDT) and will be guests at a luncheon from noon-2 p.m. (EDT) at the ESPN Zone on Times Square on May 4.

Other IndyCar Series drivers also will be making appearances across the country on May 3 and 4. Adrian Fernandez and Bryan Herta will be guests at a luncheon at the ESPN Zone in Anaheim, Calif., on May 3. A.J. Foyt IV and Darren Manning will be guests at a luncheon at the ESPN Zone in Chicago on May 4.

Fisher’s first two 500-Mile Race starts were with Walker Racing, in 2000 and 2001. Each race she finished 31st. In 2002, she drove for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and qualified ninth at 229.439 mph, a record for a woman at the Speedway. She wound up 24th despite completing 196 laps. Last year, again with Dreyer & Reinbold, she placed 31st.

“There are only a couple of drivers who are in that arena hired in good quality, first-class stuff,” Fisher said. “And that makes me so happy to be hired on at Kelley (Racing).

“It’s really exciting to be part of a team that has a reputation of doing well at the Speedway. Even though it’s only one race for right now, I’m going to make the best of that one race as I possibly can.”
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


anyone else find it funny that the IRL brings out it's two-seater in New York..... about a week or so after ChampCar did the same thing? go figure....

[Dutch]

Open Wheel racing is dead, or at least in hybernation. That Long Beach Grand Prix was horrible, the racers were horrible, the history was shot and destroyed.

As much as all the "true" racing enthusiasts like to bash Tony George, they forgot one thing. The Indianapolis 500 made open wheel racing.

Like I've said, until a re-unification or one of the leagues completely folding, open wheel racing in America will continue to be dead.

We can pray and wish for the IRL to fold at this point all we want, but the reality now is that the best chance open wheel racing had was when CART was on the ropes.

That chance was blown, and the re-unification process will be drug out until absolutely nobody cares anymore.

[TLK]

GORDON DROPS IN AT WILLIAMS
Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 May , 2004, 15:59

NASCAR star Jeff Gordon attended the Spanish GP as speculation grows over Williams’ 2005 driver line-up.

Gordon tested a Williams F1 car last year in a publicity stunt that also saw Juan Pablo Montoya drive a NASCAR racer.

Although he has said that he is too old for F1, this has not stopped speculation that he would jump at the chance if offered a top drive.

Gordon said: "I have had more opportunities to go to F1 in the last three years than I had when it was more realistic.

“Anybody who is a competitive driver feels we could do the job. That confidence is what makes us winners.

“If I got an offer from Ferrari or Williams I would have to think really hard. It would take a great deal of dedication.

“It would involve moving from the US, and a life change with totally different work-out and training and testing. It would involve learning the tracks, the competitors, the cars and so on.

“Maybe a 21 year old guy would be willing to do it but I am not so sure for a guy more towards the end of his career.

“Driving the Williams-BMW at Indianapolis was the thrill of a lifetime and I must admit that I was a bit frustrated after that because the cars are incredible. They do all the things I want my car to do in NASCAR!"



Gordon’s hopes of an offer from Ferrari are practically non-existent but, with two drives likely to be available at Williams next year, there is a slim possibility that the team might try to pull off a real coup and sign him up.

It would be a brilliant marketing move for the team and for the sport in general and could open the way to new sponsors across the United States.

However, such a deal would be fraught with risk for both driver and team, making it a remote possibility at the very best.

Williams are far more likely to opt for someone with an established F1 pedigree such as Mark Webber.

If they decide to take a risk on an untested driver, they are more likely to opt for IRL champion Scott Dixon, who tested for them twice earlier this year.


This would be huge for F-1 in America. I hear Williams may throw as much as $75 million his way.... will be interesting to see if he bites...

[TLK]

Open Wheel racing is dead, or at least in hybernation. That Long Beach Grand Prix was horrible, the racers were horrible, the history was shot and destroyed.
I agree with you the Long Beach was bad....... but the Monterry race was much better today and we'll have a hell of a points battle on our hands.... don't judge a whole fromula on one race......

[TLK]

oh and the Indy 500 had no bumping today..... 33 cars and nobody else..... I can't wait to see the ratings from the 500 next week.....

[General Mike]

Bump for the Indy 500 today...

[TLK]

Bump for the Indy 500 today...

why?




:)

[Pyser]

i never even read this thread, but even 3 years later, remember the title.

so, bump!

[FishFan]

IRL 1, Champ Car Series 0

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/SPORTS0107/802220517

[sterlingice]

This thread makes me a little sad

SI