Merger off for time being
Did Champ Car consider the IRL's needs when designing the new DP01? "We would have been crazy not to," one source close to the development told AutoWeek. The larger normally aspirated Honda engine will fit into the DP01 with some rear bodywork modifications and a speedway package has been conceived for the ovals if necessary. However, Honda should be asked to bring out their 2.65L turbo engine if there is a unification.
08/07/06 The 2007 Grand Prix of Denver and beyond could be sanctioned by an organization with one of the following names:
IndyCar World Series.
Indy Champ League.
Champ Car Indy Racing League.
In the name of a long-awaited merger between the Champ Car World Series and the Indy Racing League, they all sound good. And this time, it doesn't sound like just a dream.
Before the Indianapolis 500 in May, merger negotiations between Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven and IRL president Tony George nearly led to a settlement. Both parties say more meetings are on tap.
"The merger talks progressed a long way," said Kalkhoven, whose series competes this weekend in the fifth Grand Prix of Denver. "We never had final resolution on key issues, but the major thing that happened (negatively) was that everything became public and outside interests got involved, and then it was no longer Tony and I talking."
IRL vice president Fred Nation said George is not commenting on merger talks, but added the IRL founder is encouraged.
"They have had some conversations, and they will be having more conversations – ongoing dialogue, if you will," Nation said. "It's important that both parties keep talking. The issue is when something can be concluded. 2007 is closing in on us fast, with new schedules and new chassis and things.
"But both Kevin and Tony have publicly indicated that they want to keep talking and put a good deal together. And a good deal is more important than just a deal."
In addition to interference from outside interests, Kalkhoven said his meetings with George ceased once the circuits' seasons heated up.
"At this moment it's very difficult to do anything because both series are actually engaged in racing," he said. "As the season tails off a bit, we'll get back together." More at Denver Post
07/17/06 Honda's top U.S. motor sports official warned over the weekend that time and patience are running out to reconcile open-wheel racing in this country.
Robert Clarke, president of Honda Performance Development, offered that assessment after hearing nothing from Indy Racing League founder Tony George that tells him a merger with the Champ Car World Series is in the works.
Clarke and George met at Clarke's request prior to Saturday night's Firestone Indy 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.
"Time is our enemy in this process," Clarke said minutes after the meeting ended.
Clarke said his enthusiasm for a merger has waned since he completed a sequence of meetings with all IRL and Champ Car teams during races in Richmond, Va.; Portland, Ore.; and Kansas City, Kan. Clarke said each team owner offered support for a single open-wheel entity, something Honda has been pushing since before it joined the IRL in 2003.
"The fact is, the two are still talking, still communicating. But nothing's happened, and it's been the same (for a while)."
Bobby Rahal, who fields a three-car IRL team, once was CART's interim leader. He isn't surprised by the lack of recent developments.
"I have to say, having been down (the unification) road numerous times, I wasn't all that hopeful to begin with," he said. "I had dreams (that it would happen), but not much hope."
Clarke said Honda is committed to supplying IRL engines and marketing support through the end of the 2008 season — through 2009 if league officials can add at least one more engine manufacturer. But he acknowledged such an arrangement is a blessing and a curse to the unification talks.
That's because George has the security of knowing he has Honda on board, and Honda can't threaten to leave if unification talks stall. Clarke said all he can do is offer support to the process.
"As much energy as we've put in to understanding the needs of both sides and trying to push this thing, that decision has to be made by Kevin and Tony, and they have to do it at their own pace," Clarke said. "Neither of them embraces (the need for unification) at the level we do, I can tell you that." More at Indy Star
07/08/06 This Toronto Star article offers a good overview of the obstacles that lie ahead for a potential merger.
07/08/06 Paul Tracy would like to see Champ Car and IRL merge into one open-wheel racing circuit, but isn't optimistic it will happen soon.
The veteran driver heaved a sigh when asked about a recent report in the Indianapolis Star that IRL owner Tony George and Champ Car's counterpart Kevin Kalkhoven had reached an ownership sharing agreement.
"Obviously it was a big hoax at the last race about a merger, that it all was signed, sealed and delivered, but it was all a hoax," Tracy said.
"There's a lot of things happening in the media that get blown out of proportion. It's going to take time. I don't see it happening for next year."
07/07/06 Another reader writes, Well Tony George got his month of May publicity again- NO surprises here. It's time that Champ Car began to market the series and make it the product that we fans know it is and has always been. Brian Kellione, Colorado Springs, CO
07/07/06 A reader writes, It should be no surprise as to the outcome of this attempt to reconcile US open wheel racing. Take the racing out and you are left with the "human" aspects of the problem which include egos and a child's sandbox. The IRL is a bunch of egos with a lot to lose in a merger where it is easy to sabotage and blame it on others. Whereas Kevin, Gerry and Paul have used a good business foundation to grow a series. Egos cannot handle real world capabilities. Egos are easily manipulated and TG's is like a palm leaf in a light breeze. The loudest calls for a merger come from IRL teams that were once CART. CCWS teams are moving forward to build their teams and series for 2007 with a great deal of sunshine. Any further delays from the IRL camp of egos only continues their misery. Unfortunately 3/4's of the decision makers cannot overcome the ego of the last 1/4th and thus the problem continues and it looks to go through 07 as well. Greg W, Renton, WA
07/07/06 Sources tell AutoRacing1.com that merger talks between Champ Car and the IRL are not going anywhere and not to expect a merger anytime soon, if not for years. The source tells us that Tony George is being pressured by too many factions trying to influence the deal and it's causing problems, rumors and a general level of uneasiness. We hear Kalkhoven is ready to throw his hands up in disgust and frustration.