Champ Car/IRL merger talks break down again

UPDATE #2 "As long as Honda won’t move Motegi, there won’t be a merger," Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven told The Associated Press on Friday. "It’s certainly a major hurdle, but not the only one.

"I believe there are significant advantages in doing (the merger), but I believe there are also significant advantages in not doing it. At this moment in time, there are no discussions until they move Motegi."

The story originally was reported by speedtv.com. The IRL spokesperson John Griffin was more optimistic about the negotiations with Kalkhoven and Champ Car co-owner Gerald Forsythe.

"This thing is moving forward, but there’s still some work to be done. I don’t know how long it’s going to take," he said. "We are looking to add some teams and some races. (Retired Honda racing boss) Robert Clarke and Tony are going to head to Japan to talk to the Japanese about coming off their date."

02/08/08 “As long as Honda won’t move Motegi, there won’t be a merger," Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven told The Associated Press on Friday. “It’s certainly a major hurdle, but not the only one. I believe there are significant advantages in doing (the merger), but I believe there are also significant advantages in not doing it. At this moment in time, there are no discussions until they move Motegi."

02/08/08 There is no way this was going to happen in 2008 anyway, but it's unfortunate that Champ Car and the IRL could not reach some sort of agreement for 2009 or 2010.

Statement from Kevin Kalkhoven & Jerry Forsythe, Champ Car co-owners:

Unfortunately, leaks and media reports about a possible unification of Champ Car and the Indy Racing League (IRL) have significantly hampered discussions. Over the past three years, we have fielded and offered several proposals regarding unification of the two premier U.S.-based open-wheel racing series, but we have been unable to reach an acceptable solution. Discussions currently are at a standstill, and we therefore are proceeding with plans to continue as Champ Car.

[AutoRacing1 Editor's Note: We never thought this deal was even remotely possible for 2008, the issue of conflicting race dates between Long beach and Motegi, Japan being one of many deal breakers. 2009 or 2010 makes a lot more sense.]