Road America could be special in 2006

A reader asks, Now that Champ Car returns to what could become its signature event besides street races (Long Beach is great but we are trying to copy it in other markets. My company purchases a suite at Long Beach). Champ Car should do everything in its power to make Road America a world class event – similar to the street races but different – and I believe special – just as the Indianapolis is different from all of the other IRL events.

Growing up, what made the Indy 500 special (before Tony ruined it for the lifelong fan like myself) was it drew drivers from all over the world, speed & risk were in the air, and it was a long grueling event. My fondest memories are sitting and listening to it with my father.

Therefore – I believe that they should make Road America a long event – maybe even 500 miles (I believe that would make it the longest open wheel street / road race in the world) but even 300 miles would be good.

Further – since I believe that it is going to be after the IRL season, somebody – somehow – should invite or encourage some of the IRL teams to participate – just as some Champ Car teams have participated at Indy. This of course may not be possible – particularly this year as the last of the Lolas are used.

This would be the last Champ Car race in the US for the season and it should finish with a bang – maybe it should even be worth a few more points than a normal race – therefore giving extra meaning to it as Champ Car goes to its out of the country races that set the finale up for the championship run.

What are your thoughts? Carl Forshage, Pasadena, Ca.

Dear Carl, Some good ideas here, but it is your last one that is key because drivers (heroes) draw fans not race distance. We hear that 'many' Champ Car teams will be looking to run a third car at most Champ Car races late in the season in 2006 because the need for their backup car past the end of the season will be gone. Hence we expect to see a whole plethora of extra drivers running a Champ Car race late in the season, especially after the IRL season has ended and drivers are looking for a challenge. You can also expect a lot of F1 wanna bees lining up at the door for a shot. Mark C.