Forsythe - OWRS
has some big plans for Champ Cars Revealed
in exclusive interview by CorsaNews
February 5, 2004
Gerald Forsythe
In an exclusive interview with our
colleagues at CorsaNews in Italy today, Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS)
principal Gerald Forsythe had some interesting things to say about the future
plans that OWRS has for the Champ Car World Series, including some big plans to
take the Champ Car World Series internationally in a big way. This
interview is published here in its entirety.
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 [Editor's Note: Where have you heard that before?].
"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."
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