IRL/ChampCar Merger On The Horizon?

[DanicaRules]

Well, I know its been talked about quite a bit but the merger between these 2 series may become a reality and possibly soon.

New Reports are stating that Indy Car President Tony George has approached the owners of the ChampCar World Series with a very strong offer.

ChampCar owners appear to be happy with this deal. Below is the deal that the IRL has offered ChampCar

1. Free Dallara chassis.
2. Free Honda engines.
3. These ChampCar races at Long Beach, Toronto, Edmonton, Mexico City and Australia would be absorbed into the 2008 IndyCar schedule.

If it doesnt happen this year, good chance for 2009.

[EIR Loe.307]

That's great offer for Champ Car AND if Indy continues those races outside the US great exposure for the IRL.

[Ryan]

Take it!

It's probably as good a deal as you'll get.

Do you have a link to the story about this?

[DanicaRules]

Here you go Ryan...

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/champcar/42686/

If they merge, I wonder if Sebastien Bourdais will come back to ChampCar ??:)

[EIR Loe.307]

If they merge, I wonder if Sebastien Bourdais will come back to ChampCar ??:)

He just stepped into the TOP of all motorsport, why would he go back down.

[DanicaRules]

He just stepped into the TOP of all motorsport, why would he go back down.


Well top being an opinion...;):lol:

He may want to race against some of these IRL drivers and the IRL has Danica.:D

[Ryan]

Well top being an opinion...;):lol:

No, it's not really.

[EIR Loe.307]

Well top being an opinion..

No, it's fact. Do you see IRL spending or getting anywhere near the amount of $$ and viewers???

[Driverdb]

If they merge, I wonder if Sebastien Bourdais will come back to ChampCar ??:)

Only if he gets fired, I'd say.

[DanicaRules]

The merger could only help with getting sponsors and more money. Plus there would be more drivers for Danica to beat.:D

[Mekola]

The merger between Champ Cars and IRL is very attractive, I want it too, but if I could put a small suggestion: they should break the spec-series mentality.
It would be great if Dallara AND Panoz were the two chassis providers for an unified series.

[Radar]

There isn't room for both series and a merger between both would be the best solution. I can't see champ car surviving too many more years the way it is run at the moment.

[Driverdb]

they should break the spec-series mentality. It would be great if Dallara AND Panoz were the two chassis providers for an unified series.

I agree with that. It's all becoming spec-series nowadays it seems. Different chassies adds another nice element to the mix.

[Ryan]

I agree with that. It's all becoming spec-series nowadays it seems. Different chassies adds another nice element to the mix.

It won't work in this case though.

The Panoz is not designed for oval racing. And in the mean time it would likely blow the Dallara away on the road courses.

They need to pick one, as a base model, and then let others design their own around the specs of the one choosen. And since George seems to have the leverage here It's unlikely he'd allow the Panoz to survive.

[Driverdb]

It won't work in this case though.

The Panoz is not designed for oval racing. And in the mean time it would likely blow the Dallara away on the road courses.

Yeah, but my thought was for a newly design IRL Panoz and not the current Champ Car one. :)

[Harakimi]

I'd like to see this happen, with that way I think the series would attarct European drivers and audience also. Atleast it would be more respected here as merged series than these two separate series are now. :)

What was the case with chassis' before cart divided itself to irl and cc?

[Driverdb]

What was the case with chassis' before cart divided itself to irl and cc?

If I remember correctly there were Lolas, Reynards and Penskes in 1995.

[EIR Loe.307]

Depending on the amount of road courses you could possibly have one mfg for ovals and one for road courses. You would basically end up with current IRL cars for Ovals and current CC cars for road courses but one set of drivers mixed from the 2 series.

[Lizardfolk]

I have a question if ChampCar and IRL do merge would that mean we'll lose an oval open wheel league?

[EIR Loe.307]

I have a question if ChampCar and IRL do merge would that mean we'll lose an oval open wheel league?

Hell no. you'll end up losing most of the Champ Car schedule.

[KillerNut]

I have been following this story all day, and I am happy to hear this, if it actually happens.

First post, so please be easy, but this is the best thing that could happen to the sport which has been put at an extrodinary competitive disadvantage for a long time.

The sponsorships should get stronger, along with the competition and exposure. I don't think it can become NASCAR anytime soon, but hopefully it can be taken more seriously with combining the fan bases, interests, names, etc.

With the sport combmined, I think Michigan, and maybe California come back on the schedule, as long ovals.

I imagine Mid-Ohio will be dropped, and I expect they would like to be at 25-30 races?.

What else do you think will change (looking forward to '09 since this year will just be a scramble).

Hopefully I well be welcomed. Can't wait for Homestead, NASCAR just doesn't do anything for me.

[saltysurprise]

What else do you think will change (looking forward to '09 since this year will just be a scramble).

Hopefully I well be welcomed. Can't wait for Homestead, NASCAR just doesn't do anything for me.

No need to worry:thumbsup: Welcome!

I think everyone is glad they can stop holding their breath, now that most of the dust has settled (sort of:lol:). It is good, yet going to be contentious news in some camps. But all in all, I think the majority are embracing the idea.

As for what I think will change.. That's really hard to speculate at this point. I do know what I'd like to see though.. A more evenly rounded schedule (roads and ovals) and a lot less 'We're two camps' mindset.

And your not alone on the NASCAR mentality:cool: You either love it or hate it. Take it or leave it..

[DanicaRules]

I dont think they will drop Mid-Ohio. That is a great place to watch a race. Im going back this year.

[Ryan]

Reports now say a deal to unite in 2008 is almost done.

According to a report on SpeedTV.com, significant progress has been made with regards to unifying open-wheel racing. However, the one major hurdle standing in the way of a 2008 merger is finding a new date for the current IRL race in Japan.

"It's as close as it's ever been to being together, but we don't know if we can get across the goal line," said George.

Among the Champ Car teams however learned opinion is divided.

"Are you kidding me?" said (Eric)Bachelart. "I just spent a million dollars on a new car and spare parts and this news hurts because I know the value of money. I'm all for one series but I wish it would be 2009."

Canadian racer Paul Tracy says if a merger happens this year, Champ Car teams will be at a definite disadvantage but its a small price to pay to bring everyone under one roof. "I think we'd all be happy if we're back together and the fans would be happy to see all the best drivers in one race."


Quotes from TSN.ca

[EIR Loe.307]

I've been hearing more and more about how the Long Beach / Motegi dates are possibly going to be the deciding factor. It's up to Motegi to move their date since Long Beach is pretty locked in being a street course. There was mention that due to some of the financial states of the top CC teams, they might jump ship to IRL which leaves CC doomed. That move would almost be a merger in itself.

[DanicaRules]

Tony George is in Japan talking to them and hopefully getting the Twin Ring Motegi race set back 1 week.

Also the latest is that Champ Car or OWRS will file for bankruptcy tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 12th. This could seal the deal for the merger.

[Ryan]

Tony George is in Japan talking to them and hopefully getting the Twin Ring Motegi race set back 1 week.

TG has given the Motegi organizers 3 options:
1) Move the race to August
2) Move it to the end of the season as a non-points race
3) Cancel it this year and pick it back up in 2009

[KillerNut]

Champ Car is Dead!!!!:D

Finally, it is over. I have no doubt after reading ESPN's stories that it is over.

They are bankrupt, the teams know it, they certainly will not compete, so if the teams want to race, and keep their people employed, the only option is going to be the IRL. This couldn't be better.

I feel confident that their are no other options.

The details, from my perspective, now are meaningless, I am just glad we can move forward now.

Look for an anouncement tomorrow.

[saltysurprise]

Champ Car is Dead!!!!:D

They are bankrupt, the teams know it, they certainly will not compete, so if the teams want to race, and keep their people employed, the only option is going to be the IRL. This couldn't be better.

The details, from my perspective, now are meaningless, I am just glad we can move forward now.


I don't think the death of a series, that many people enjoyed, is anything worth cheering about:mad: Give your friggin' head a shake! This is a HUGE problem. The arrogance and the 'my shit don't stink-everyone else sucks' attitude of the typical IRL and NASCAR meat-head:thumbsdown: (Of course there are exceptions to the rule).

And what do you mean WE can move forward?:huh: You're a bloody IRL fan!! There is nothing for you IRL fans to move on to! You'll just keep doing circles as fast as you can. Big figgin whoop!:rolleyes: Move forward my ***! It's the CC fans, drivers and teams that will have to move on. And what kind of support are you and the other IRL skip-jacks going to show? NONE! All hail IRL.. Gimme a @$%&ing break:rolleyes:

Forgive my rant, but your cheering a DEAD series is totally asinine.

Anyone care to argue with me?? Bring it on. Now I'm pissed:mad:

[Ryan]

I don't think the death of a series, that many people enjoyed, is anything worth cheering about:mad: Give your friggin' head a shake! This is a HUGE problem. The arrogance and the 'my shit don't stink-everyone else sucks' attitude of the typical IRL and NASCAR meat-head:thumbsdown: (Of course there are exceptions to the rule).

And what do you mean WE can move forward?:huh: You're a bloody IRL fan!! There is nothing for you IRL fans to move on to! You'll just keep doing circles as fast as you can. Big figgin whoop!:rolleyes: Move forward my ***! It's the CC fans, drivers and teams that will have to move on. And what kind of support are you and the other IRL skip-jacks going to show? NONE! All hail IRL.. Gimme a @$%&ing break:rolleyes:

Forgive my rant, but your cheering a DEAD series is totally asinine.

Anyone care to argue with me?? Bring it on. Now I'm pissed:mad:

*Starts a round of applause*:thumbsup:

[KillerNut]

The reason I am happy is because a unified open wheel series is exactly what is needed to finally turn the sport around. There is no doubt in my mind that the open wheel version of the sport will grow with, more competitive teams, more personalities, legacies etc resulting from the end of Champ Car, and it's teams, being absorbed into Indy Car. The US sport will grow, and be stronger, it may never be as big as NASCAR, but I do believe it can grow beyond the "after thought" stage both series were in.

Champ Car/CART was going to die, it was a matter of time, this is the end of them hurting the sport by not going away. If it was the other way around, I would feel the same way. It's not, and I don't care. The Indy 500 will be better, their will be more interest, if you can't see the good in that, then I again feel sorry for you.

If you can't enjoy oval races, I also feel sorry for you, but to me the appeal of the indy car series has been the fact that both styles of racing are a part of the series. I feel confident road courses will not go away on the Indy car circut. I guess you can turn off you TV, and not go to those races, if it bothers you that much.

F1 has all road courses, and I like that. The reason is mostly because the Cars are superior, which makes the racing is more interesting because of it. Maybe if you can't get behind an unified open wheel racing circut, that includes some ovals, you should take your loyalties there. From my view Champ car was nothing more than a poor mans F1 series anyways. That was just my view, if you liked it, you liked it.

Please don't take offense, if you are a fan of the sport, I think things are about to get better, that is what I am happy about.

If you still want to be mad, be mad, but I am happy

[saltysurprise]

The Indy 500 will be better, their will be more interest, if you can't see the good in that, then I again feel sorry for you.

If you can enjoy oval races, I feel sorry for you, but to me the appeal of the indy car series has been the fact that both styles of racing are a part of the series. I feel confident road courses will not go away on the Indy car circut. I guess you can turn off you TV, and not go to those races, if it bothers you that much.

F1 has all road courses, I like that, mostly because the Cars are supperior, and the racing is more interesting because of it. Maybe you should take your loyalties their. From my view that is what Champ car was, is a poor mans F1 series.

Please don't take offense, if you are a fan of the sport, I think things are about to get better, that is what I am happy about.

If you still want to be mad, be mad, but I am happy

I'm not MAD, and you've COMPLETELY missed my point.
Bold #1- There were far more road courses in CC than IRL, so you lost me there:huh:

Bold #2- My apologies that you haven't been around long enough to know how I feel about ovals. If it were up to me.. I'd have banned the boring bastards a long time ago:thumbsdown:

So if the CC was the poor man's F1, what does that make every other open wheeled series on the planet??

And yes.. I DO turn off my TV for ovals. I love my motorcycle racing, but I can't even watch the half ovals they run at the 'Precious' Indy circuit:rolleyes:

[KillerNut]

I'm not MAD, and you've COMPLETELY missed my point.
Bold #1- There were far more road courses in CC than IRL, so you lost me there:huh:

Bold #2- My apologies that you haven't been around long enough to know how I feel about ovals. If it were up to me.. I'd have banned the boring bastards a long time ago:thumbsdown:

So if the CC was the poor man's F1, what does that make every other open wheeled series on the planet??

And yes.. I DO turn off my TV for ovals. I love my motorcycle racing, but I can't even watch the half ovals they run at the 'Precious' Indy circuit:rolleyes:


Again if you hate Ovals, then you don't get it, I guess that is just an opinion.

The apeal to me is cars going at all out 200mph plus driving with wheels inches, knowing if they touch disaster can hapen, but if you don't push for glory, then you will surely lose. To me that is pretty exciting, but again if you don't get it, you don't get it.

The fact that road courses will not go away, even if there were more in Champ Car, seems to me should be viewed as a positive.

Finally what makes Indy Car more than just a poor mans F1 Circut is the ovals. It add a different driving, set up, and bravery dynamic, that I think if you give a chance you could find entertaining.

If you aren't mad you sound mad, and your "smiles" tell a different story.

Sorry I don't know if this is going anywhere, so please just agree to disagree, but from my view point this is a very good thing, not just because Indy Car won the dispute, but because unification is a very positive step toward the reawakening of the sport.

[saltysurprise]

Again if you hate Ovals, then you don't get it, I guess that is just an opinion.

The fact that road courses will not go away, even if there were more in Champ Car, seems to me should be viewed as a positive.

Finally what makes Indy Car more than just a poor mans F1 Circut is the ovals. It add a different driving, set up, and bravery dynamic, that I think if you give a chance you could find entertaining.

If you aren't mad you sound mad, and your "smiles" tell a different story.

Sorry I don't know if this is going anywhere, so please just agree to disagree, but from my view point this is a very good thing, not just because Indy Car won the dispute, but because unification is a very positive step toward the reawakening of the sport.

Fair enough.. And I do 'get it'. I just don't find it (most of the time) particularly fascinating. But thats just me;) And few others:whistling:

At this point I don't know what we're arguing about:lol: I guess my big rant from your original post was your (at least it seemed to me:wonder:) notion that the IRL had all the brains, talent, blah, blah... I've seen that perceived attitude from a lot of folks in my time here regarding ovals.

I'm not arguing the fact it's better off for OWR-American style, and I hope that one day it could at least be a 50/50, road/oval schedule. My orginal beef was that you basically said 'Yippee!:D No more Champ Car!:D'. I think Ownership and management totally failed the series and no one could, or was willing, step up and make it work. Can't blame the fans if there is no coverage. Can't blame the drivers because the promoters do a lousy job.

Fwew!! Sorry Killer:D ;) :lol:

[Ryan]

I agree with you that a diversified series, with road, street, and oval circuits. However I don't agree with the way in which the 2 series are being merged.

The Dallara-Honda is a step backward from the Panoz-Cosworth technologically, competitively and especially aesthetically. A number of the ovals on the IRL circuit were built according to basically the same blueprint, such as Kansas, Iowa, and Kentucky, or Michigan and Fontana. Drop Kansas, Iowa, and Fontana, and add Road America, Laguna Seca, and Burke Lakefront Airport (Cleveland).

Also because he proposed the deal and it was accepted on his terms, Tony George is going to think of himself as the saviour of American open wheel racing. I find it difficult to accept this considering the period 1992-94 was the golden age of American open wheel racing, but then Tony George could take a hit to his ego and initiated a split. And regardless of how well this "merge" works out it will never again attain the level it had in the early 90's.

[DanicaRules]

This got ugly in here pretty quick.

Oh, and I too think the merger will help both series. However, they will not give up ovals. I, for one, like many race fans, prefer oval races. As I said before, nothing like 3 wide going down a track. Simply awesome!:thumbsup:

[EIR Loe.307]

The merger that was/is? supposed to take place would have added more road courses to IRL. I think it would be a good compromise to have mixed 60/40 Oval Road in the unified series. You keep the IRL base and bring in the CC fans as well.

[DanicaRules]

Twin Ring Motegi is willing to move the date back if needed. They also were willing to postpone it until 2009 if necessary. Good news for the merger.

[DanicaRules]

The latest news is from a story from Robin Miller....

The story indicates that many of the existing Champ Car team owners have confirmed they have been told they should cease work on their DP01 Champ Cars, and that they would be receiving Dallara IndyCar chassis later this week.


Kevin Kalkhoven of ChampCar is in England but expects an announcement today or tomorrow.

Let's wait and see.:o

[Ryan]

TSN.ca, Canada's most reliable sports network, is reporting that a deal for 2008 is done.

Officials from the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series have finalized plans to unify the two series following two weeks of intense negotiations

Canadian Paul Tracy says he has been informed to show up in Indianapolis later this week for a seat fitting in a new Dallara chassis, which is the equipment of choice for the IRL. He also expects to be at the IRL's first open test in Florida next week.
Several other Champ Car teams said they have been told to stop working on their current Panoz chassis and to expect delivery of a new car in the very near future.

[saltysurprise]

TSN.ca, Canada's most reliable sports network, is reporting that a deal for 2008 is done.

It also looks as though the only race we'll have is friggin Edmonton!:rolleyes::banghead: EDMONTON!?!? Are you kidding me?? It was the worst of the bunch!:sick:

With a little luck, they'll eventually come back to Vancouver:thumbsup::wonder:... I'm not holding my breath:rolleyes:

[DanicaRules]

Well, it looks like its official now...

Officials from the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series struck a preliminary agreement Tuesday to fold elements of the Champ Car World Series into the IRL IndyCar Series.
An official announcement is expected Thursday.

[DanicaRules]

There are a minimum of 8 cars from ChampCar to be added to the IRL grid this year. So the number of cars will be at least 24. Much better.;)

The teams that are definite from ChampCar are..

Newman/Haas/Lanigan - 2 cars
PKV - 2 cars
Forsythe - 2 cars
Walker - 1 Car
Conquest - 1 car

There will most likely be 19 races on the 2008 schedule.

[DanicaRules]

The latest news is that there will be at least 26 cars on the grid for the opening race at Homestead-Miami.:thumbsup:

[EIR Loe.307]

I hope Midland USA is in the bunch. If not they need to go to GP2 or make another run at F1.

[Ryan]

I hope Midland USA is in the bunch. If not they need to go to GP2 or make another run at F1.

I assume you mean Minardi USA...:confused:

[EIR Loe.307]

I assume you mean Minardi USA...:confused:

Oops. Hahaha. Yes, that's what I meant. Derrr. :o

[Ryan]

Minardi already has a team in GP2.

[EIR Loe.307]

Minardi already has a team in GP2.

I just mean that I want to see Doornbos somewhere. (to be more accurate) As long as it isn't NASCAR!

I think his F1 ship may have sailed though. Like I said, I'd like to see the team get in on the merger.

[Ryan]

One team that likely won't be making the move, is Rocketsports Racing, which is run by Champ Car co-owner Paul Gentilozzi. He says he simply can't make the financial numbers work for him and that his newly signed driver, Enrique Bernoldi, and his sponsors have no interest in oval racing.

[DanicaRules]

One team that likely won't be making the move, is Rocketsports Racing, which is run by Champ Car co-owner Paul Gentilozzi. He says he simply can't make the financial numbers work for him and that his newly signed driver, Enrique Bernoldi, and his sponsors have no interest in oval racing.


If he doesnt move then thats his loss.:)

The official announcement is scheduled for this Friday, Feb. 22 at 11:00 AM

[Lizardfolk]

What's the new schedule for IRL?

[saltysurprise]

What's the new schedule for IRL?

I've looked practically everywhere, and the 'updated' schedule hasn't been posted anywhere yet:wonder: We may know tomorrow after the 'official' press conference..

Stay tuned:thumbsup:

[DanicaRules]

What's the new schedule for IRL?

As salty said, probably will be announced tomorrow or early next week. However, I believe there will be 19 races on the schedule. So 3 more will be added this year. It could change but this is the latest coming from Indy at this time.

[DanicaRules]

Right now, the latest buzz is that the Indy Car race at Twin Ring Motegi and the ChampCar race in Long Beach will be going on the same weekend. If this is the case, this will be the last race for the panoz cosworths. It seems that the Twin Ring cant switch in October like it wanted due to the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
No matter which race, a driver runs, both races would count in the championship points for the merged series. Im sure if this happens, you will see the IndyCars running at Twin ring obviously and ChampCar running at Long Beach. However, if a champcar driver doesnt have much oval experience, then would be a good time for them to run at the Twin Ring to get some experience.

If this happens, its a crazy mishap and a minor "bump" in the merged series but definitely no means to stop the merger because of it.

[Ryan]

Right now, the latest buzz is that the Indy Car race at Twin Ring Motegi and the ChampCar race in Long Beach will be going on the same weekend. If this is the case, this will be the last race for the panoz cosworths. It seems that the Twin Ring cant switch in October like it wanted due to the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
No matter which race, a driver runs, both races would count in the championship points for the merged series. Im sure if this happens, you will see the IndyCars running at Twin ring obviously and ChampCar running at Long Beach. However, if a champcar driver doesnt have much oval experience, then would be a good time for them to run at the Twin Ring to get some experience.

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

You have them use the Dallara's for a couple races then they have to dust of the Panoz's at a high cost, run them once and put them away for good. How many teams do you think will show up for that?

What a joke that would be.

[DanicaRules]

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

You have them use the Dallara's for a couple races then they have to dust of the Panoz's at a high cost, run them once and put them away for good. How many teams do you think will show up for that?

What a joke that would be.

Unless they get a final agreement with that weekend before it gets here, that could be a crazy weekend. We will have to wait this one out.:confused:

[Ryan]

There's no way they should do something like that. Choose one or the other.

[DanicaRules]

Its official now! This coming out of IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)..

Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George and owners of the Champ Car World Series have completed an agreement in principle that will unify the sport for 2008.
Gerald Forsythe, co-owner of Champ Car, signed an agreement in principle Feb. 22 in Chicago, joining his partner, Kevin Kalkhoven. George signed the agreement Feb. 21.

[Ryan]

TSN is reporting this as well now.

Done deal!

[KillerNut]

Still happy.

The press conference ,I read, is scheduled for Wednesday. I assume that things will be clearer then.

Homestead Practice is that day.

Still happy.

If you go to IRL's site they have made it very clear that it is finally over.

If you ask me this reunification was hard, but getting open wheel back to the level it belongs is going to be more difficult. They need to keep their ESPN/ABC contract, but more than that, they need to get another network behind them. Speed=Fox would be ideal. Even if they put in on FSN, it would get the buzz out there more.

Still happy.

Graham Rayhal may now have a new fan, I am looking for a driver, and soon enough he will drive for RL.

[Driverdb]

Great that it seems to be sorted now.

By the way. Does anyone know what will happen to the Atlantic championship? They've been having large grids recently and it has a lot of history so it would be a shame if it was dropped completely with this new merger.

Perhaps they will team up with ALMS or something.

[DanicaRules]

Great that it seems to be sorted now.

By the way. Does anyone know what will happen to the Atlantic championship? They've been having large grids recently and it has a lot of history so it would be a shame if it was dropped completely with this new merger.

Perhaps they will team up with ALMS or something.

As it appears now, the Atlantics survived and will still be around. The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May will still host the Grand American Sports Car Series along with the Atlantic Championship and Formula BMW.

So the Atlantics may be run with the Grand Am Sports Car series events.

[NetOz]

Well this unify is better for the sport, IRL and champcar always were fighting each other for sponsors and stuff like that.... maybe now my interest in IRL might be bigger

[Lizardfolk]

I was told that if CART had never split than NASCAR wouldn't be as big as it is now. It's good that they are back together. This time I'll take interest in IRL :D

BTW what's the new schedule?

[DanicaRules]

I was told that if CART had never split than NASCAR wouldn't be as big as it is now. It's good that they are back together. This time I'll take interest in IRL :D

BTW what's the new schedule?

Will probably be announced this Wednesday. As of now, its looking like 19 races for this season.

[DanicaRules]

Well, the IndyCar Series held thier official press conference today down in Miami. All in all, we didnt learn much of anything new than what was already leaked out. This was the official announcement to confirm the merger and probably stop a lot of rumors.
The key points were that the following races will be added to the IRL schedule this year..

Edmonton, Alberta and Surfers Paradise, Australia.

ChampCar teams will run at Long Beach this year during the same weekend that the IRL teams will be running at Twin Ring Motegi (April 18-20). This will be the last race that ChampCar uses the DP01 chassis, after this, its all Dallaras. Both events will count for the series championship points and prize money.

Conquest Racing was the only ChampCar team that was mentioned specifically for bringing a 2 car team for the season opener. Others are preparing at this time to be ready for the opener. I think the following teams will be confirming very soon...
PKV, Walker, Forsythe, and Newman/Haas.

Partial season teams announced were..
Thomas Scheckter -Luczo Dragon Racing
Sarah Fisher -Sarah Fisher Racing
Milka Duno - Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Additionally, meetings are on-going with the following...

ChampCar teams wanting to make the switch
With ESPN for coverage of acquired events
With reps from the racing events that are to be acquired

Note: ChampCar Atlantics will still exist with a 12 race schedule.

[Lizardfolk]

So this is two ovals and a road course?

[DanicaRules]

So this is two ovals and a road course?

No, the courses that were added are street courses.

[saltysurprise]

So this is two ovals and a road course?

DR forgot a comma. It's only 2 races.

Edmonton?!?!:banghead: Lame:thumbsdown:

[Ryan]

I think Sebastian Bourdais summed up my feelings about this unification quite well.

"It's not a merger, it's the death of Champ Car and the IRL taking over - the schedules, cars, everything. It's the cars (the IRL teams) have been running around with for five years, so what are the Champ Car teams going to be able to do? Nothing...

Even if they start working on the cars now, the season's going to be over by the time they start to be half-competitive...

Hopefully they will change the cars quite quickly because otherwise it's going to be a slow death for all the teams that try and make (the switch) happen...


How do you find sponsors when you're running at the back? It doesn't matter if you're Newman/Haas or anybody else...

Newman/Haas is going to get it figured out somehow, but when you look at how badly Andretti-Green struggled for two years to get to Penske and Ganassi's level - and that was with their resources and four cars - I think it's a bit more complicated than people seem to think. It's horrible...

[DanicaRules]

I like Sebastien, I will be pulling for him in F1, however what he fails to mention and I know he is smart enough to realize it, is that if the champcar teams didnt go to the IRL, they would go out of business this year. ChampCar was dying, you cant deny it. This move may have happened fast but it was necessary to save some teams.

I think this response is true to the fact that the teams switching will struggle a bit. It will be a tough year for them. These statements as with many other champcar fans when it comes to the unification, they typically give out emotional responses. Its a hard time to see a series fold, I can understand that. Therefore the responses tend to show negativity towards the IRL and that the move was bad when clearly it had to happen.

The IRL would have survived, ChampCar wouldnt have.

[KillerNut]

I agree. The first year was going to be difficult no matter what. If they had a full year to prepare they would have complained about not having enough time to prepare and test.

Indy car teams said they would help the Champcar teams get up to speed. That will be one good thing. Champcar has engineers, and will be able to do testing, all they want, especially at Indy. This will be a year for improvement for those teams, looking more toward 2009.

Finally I have heard that in 2010 ther will be a new body type, and possibly new engine programs.

This will really bring everyone to equal footing.

[Ryan]

This will really bring everyone to equal footing.

If it takes 2 years before there's equality there won't be any of the old Champ Car teams left anyway. Most of them are in dire straits financially now, as Bourdais said, they won't survive 2 years at the back.

I'm not saying the merger shouldn't have happened, but why didn't it get done in October?

My thinking is Tony George has set it up for the Champ Car teams to fail.

[Harakimi]

So how are they going to race, do they have one car for all the races or are they going to switch rides between road courses and ovals?

[DanicaRules]

So how are they going to race, do they have one car for all the races or are they going to switch rides between road courses and ovals?


All races will be ran in Dallaras except Long Beach, just for this year only. The champcar teams will run that race in the DP01's for the last time. Then its all Dallara from then on.

Now even with Dallara's, the cars are set-up different when racing on ovals and then on road courses.

[EIR Loe.307]

So how are they going to race, do they have one car for all the races or are they going to switch rides between road courses and ovals?

Same as they do now in IRL when they go to road courses.

[JoStream]

Same as they do now in IRL when they go to road courses.

But from what I understand is that they will use one car for consistency purposes :wonder:

[Ryan]

Derrick Walker's Team Australia will not be making the change and will close operations, and it looks like Minardi USA is close to shutting down as well.

Who's ready for a 5 car field at Long Beach?

[DanicaRules]

Derrick Walker's Team Australia will not be making the change and will close operations, and it looks like Minardi USA is close to shutting down as well.

Who's ready for a 5 car field at Long Beach?

Will Power from that team is heading to KV Racing to run in the IndyCar Series.

[KillerNut]

Did you all read about the forsythe partnership with conquest? This is to be a partnership going forward in the Indy series? I would bet that this means there will be a way that they will be able to figure out a way to get Paul Tracy a ride.

[DanicaRules]

Yes, I see it highly likely that Tracy will be the 2nd driver with Conquest. Conquest has already announced Franck Perera as their 1st driver with a second soon to follow, which Tracy is a good candidate. Both of these drivers will be at the champcar teams testing at Sebring next week.

[EIR Loe.307]

Any new news on Doornbos and Minardi USA?? :wonder:

[Ryan]

Any new news on Doornbos and Minardi USA?? :wonder:

Paul Stoddart has confirmed Minardi USA will not be moving to the IRL.

[Lizardfolk]

Paul Stoddart has confirmed Minardi USA will not be moving to the IRL.

Minardi USA will be returning as HVM motorsports and Ernesto Viso as driver

[EIR Loe.307]

Hmmm, I just heard not an hour ago that they will NOT be returning until 2009 or 2010 with the new chassis but that someone from the team was going to remain in management etc. Not sure.

Just went online and I'm still confused. Lol. Looks like HMV will be the IRL name and for Long Beach it will be Minardi-USA.

[DanicaRules]

Read the thread IRL Silly Season 2008. The front page is updated with the latest rumored and confirmed drivers and teams.:)

Im trying to keep all the posts on drivers and teams within the silly season post, this way they arent all spread out over 2 threads to confuse everyone and less chance of double posting the same information.

[Lizardfolk]

Hmmm, I just heard not an hour ago that they will NOT be returning until 2009 or 2010 with the new chassis but that someone from the team was going to remain in management etc. Not sure.

Just went online and I'm still confused. Lol. Looks like HMV will be the IRL name and for Long Beach it will be Minardi-USA.

Ya, I'm confused too. But pretty sure that HMV will be Minardi with Viso. Dont know what'll happen with Doornbos. He may not like going in circles as much as those of the American continents

[Ryan]

Ya, I'm confused too. But pretty sure that HMV will be Minardi with Viso. Dont know what'll happen with Doornbos. He may not like going in circles as much as those of the American continents

I'm sure Doornbos would do it, any driving is better than no driving, but I heard his sponsors have no interest in oval racing, so whoever employs him won't get any money.

[Lizardfolk]

He might go back to F1. Isn't he a test driver for Red Bull?