Can Team Australia concept work for all of Champ Car?

A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1, I read your article about mimicking the Team Australia concept and while I understand the intent, given the makeup of the existing teams, I don't see how it is possible to convert them into teams based on countries that Champ Car races in. Help me understand. Josh Levinbred, Carlsbad, CA.

Dear Josh, As you point out, it won't be easy, and nothing says that the existing teams have to convert to a country-based team unless it makes sense, as it did in the case of Walker Racing and the Team Australia marriage.

Let's examine what geographically-based teams are needed, be it a new team that comes into the series, or an existing team that adopts a country.

Venues/Countries
Australia – Team Australia already in place with Walker Racing
Canada – Forsythe Racing was the defacto Canadian team when they had Players backing and it worked well. Champ Car must find the next Players.
China – potential Beijing race in 2007, Chinese driver in Champ Car a must for 2006, Team China a goal for 2007
Japan – Potential Otaru race in 2007, Japanese driver a must in Champ Car for 2006, Team Japan a goal for 2007
South Korea – Inaugural race in Ansan in 2006, South Korean driver a must in Champ Car for 2006 ahead of race in October. Team South Korea a goal for 2007.
Mexico – Already two races in Mexico, currently have two full-time Mexican drivers, Team Mexico a goal. HVM was the defacto Mexican team and for awhile it worked until the sponsorship dried up. Where is Carlos Slim when you need him?
USA – Champ Car has several existing teams that can adopt the Team USA or a City title. For example, Newman/Haas Racing could be Team Chicago USA. Several teams can adopt a Team Indy – I, Team Indy – II, etc. title. RuSPORT can be Team Denver USA since they are based near Denver.
Others – With DHL and Timo Glock, Rocketsports is halfway there with Team Germany. We can see Champ Car racing in the Middle East someday. Perhaps a Team Dubai? Champ Car has two French drivers in Bourdais and Philippe, so someday perhaps a Team France.

Bottom line is that every team should adopt a country or a city that Champ Car races in….as it makes sense because this will generate local pride, and local media attention, something that is so important for every successful venue. Champ Car said it was going to use this strategy, but has not focused on it yet. We assume they will take a harder look at this in the off-season. Mark C.