[Seadog]

Personally, I think those Champcar guys bring nothing to the table, but I guess it will be good for the sport?

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...e-at-hand//P2/

[openwheelKT]

I agree they bring nothing to the table. However, as long as those clowns have NO say in the scheduling of events going forward, I'm fine with it. They have no clue on how to attract fans. I'd say the IRL has that problem too, but not to the same degree.

I think if TG waits until '09, he can have everything for free. I don't think there would be much left after this year. I'd personally wait, but it's not my money.

[Seadog]

Originally Posted by openwheelKT I agree they bring nothing to the table. However, as long as those clowns have NO say in the scheduling of events going forward, I'm fine with it. They have no clue on how to attract fans. I'd say the IRL has that problem too, but not to the same degree. I think if TG waits until '09, he can have everything for free. I don't think there would be much left after this year. I'd personally wait, but it's not my money.

As AJ would say, "this is quite true". ChampCar is on life support right now. And IndyCar could have the remains next year of ChampCar for free.

Other than Paul Tracy, who is a has been, and Graham Rahal, who knows who these drivers are? F1 wannabes and kids with ca$h.

You are correct - I do not see that they bring much to the table - other than car count - which is what is needed. It would be nice to see Paul Tracy going at it with the Ganassi and Penske guys....however - the Champ cars are much more "trick"....and although I think Honda is awesome - I would love to see a day when we have 4 different powerplants and 4 or 5 different chassis again...

[openwheelKT]

Originally Posted by Seadog As AJ would say, "this is quite true". ChampCar is on life support right now. And IndyCar could have the remains next year of ChampCar for free. Other than Paul Tracy, who is a has been, and Graham Rahal, who knows who these drivers are? F1 wannabes and kids with ca$h.

You're right on that. There's only two things I'd take from Chump Car. Paul Tracy and Newman Haas. That's it. Rahal comes with Newman Haas which is a win win. While I'm not a Tracy fan, he does stir the pot. Might make a good rival with a few drivers.

Bottom line is, the war is over. Now it's when and how going forward. People beat up TG all the time, but at least he TRIED to bring Indy Cars back to what they were. The early IRL days were a sprint car fan's dream from a driver standpoint. There were still some dirt guys that got the Indy one off when the split happened. If it got back to at least that, I'd be happy. If a driver could run the whole USAC schedule and run Indy, that's perfect IMO anyway.

[Mud Packer]

How many times have they been "close" to a deal and it didn't materialize?:headbang This all sounds good but I will believe it when I see it. I don't trust Kalkovan & Forsythe and I personally feel Champ Car won't make the whole season this year anyway. I don't feel that the CCWS has much if anything to offer the IRL. About the only race that makes much sense to me would be Long Beach. After that the pickings are slim. JMO.

IF this does come to fruition - this would be the next best thing to happen to openwheel racing..(the best would be for the IRL to embrace the midget and sprint drivers again) and it may even bring more sponsors in. If a company wanted to get brand recognition via a professional sports league - they could probably (im guessing) fund a top-team indycar for about 8 to 10Million dollars annually - AND get the Indy 500.....I am guessing a top-team in NASCAR is roughly 15 Million? If they do reunite, in two or so years they would probably have a nice television package - this may be tempting for companies that spend millions in NASCAR to run in the back....

[openwheelKT]

Originally Posted by Mud Packer How many times have they been "close" to a deal and it didn't materialize?:headbang This all sounds good but I will believe it when I see it. I don't trust Kalkovan & Forsythe and I personally feel Champ Car won't make the whole season this year anyway. I don't feel that the CCWS has much if anything to offer the IRL. About the only race that makes much sense to me would be Long Beach. After that the pickings are slim. JMO.

I'm not saying that because of this story. This kind of story has been written about 20 times since '95. You said it yourself, they probably won't make it through this year anyway. That's why I say it's over whether they take this deal or not. To me from their side it's a no brainer. Take what you can get now or go on like you have been and have nothing to show for it when you are out of business.

This is the first story I've seen where both have said they are working and want to get together. In the past it's been, we would like to get there, but there are a lot of things to work out. There's nothing else to be worked out, because Chumpcar has nothing left. It's take it or out of business for them.

[Ovalmeister]

You're right on that. There's only two things I'd take from Chump Car. Paul Tracy and Newman Haas.

I doubt you'll see Paul Tracy. He has stated many times publicly he will never again run in the IRL. (remember the Paul/Helio Indy win controversy?). Plus, I think he is seeking other options anyway. I saw him the other day on Speed channel, running in one of those CORR off road races. During his interview he stated he was looking at this series for the future. And didn't Paul Newman swear off ever going back to Indy? I thought that deal a few years back was just a Carl Haas thing. (When Bruno J. got hurt in turn two?) I could be wrong.
David.

[RacinFool]

I feel that there are a couple teams that could accent the IRL. Newman Haas being one. Other than that I'm not sure about wether there are any tracks that Chump car could bring along that would fit the IRL.:confused: