Houston GP not part of merger

After owners of Champ Car and the Indy Racing League completed an agreement in principle Friday that will unify the sport for 2008, the Grand Prix of Houston announced that the 2008 event will not include the Champ Car World Series.

Statement from Michael T. Lanigan, owner/chairman of the Grand Prix of Houston:

“We were surprised by today’s announcement, but as stakeholders and fans of open-wheel racing we are pleased that there is now one unified open-wheel racing series in the United States. Due to the complicated and last-minute nature of this unification, the Houston date could not be accommodated for 2008. However, I had a very encouraging conversation with Tony George today and we are excited about the prospect of bringing this new series to Houston in 2009.

We are very comfortable with the idea of holding our 2008 event with the American Le Mans Series headlining our weekend festivities, but need to explore the possibility of bringing on additional racing events and attractions to enhance the weekend. We have some issues to work through with our partners including Reliant Park and the American Le Mans Series, but we are excited about 2008 and we expect more details to follow soon."