IRL/Champ Car Merger Update: Motegi Talks Positive | FerrariChat
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IRL/Champ Car Merger Update: Motegi Talks Positive

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by RP, Feb 12, 2008.

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  1. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
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    #1 RP, Feb 12, 2008
    (from autosport)

    Senior Honda advisor Robert Clarke is optimistic that an agreement on the Indy Racing League's proposed merger with Champ Car will be reached after promising talks were held in Japan yesterday.

    IRL officials were hoping to convince the Japanese manufacturer to agree to move the race at its Motegi circuit to another date, to allow the Champ Car round at Long Beach on April 19 to be incorporated into the IRL schedule.

    American newspaper the Indianapolis Star today suggested that Honda have accepted one of IRL boss Tony George's suggestions for a rescheduled event, after Clarke told them: "It was a good meeting. I don't see any reason not to be optimistic."

    Clarke refused to confirm that any deal had been reached, saying that George must answer the questions.

    But the series boss gave no further comment to the Indy Star than "nothing is going to happen quickly, if at all."

    George is due back in America later today to discuss the result of the meeting in Japan with other senior IRL and Champ Car officials.
     
  2. stever

    stever F1 Rookie
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    #2 stever, Feb 12, 2008
    Speed reports that new hires are told to try to get their old job back, others are clearing their desks as bankruptcy looms.
     
  3. TCT

    TCT Formula Junior

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    #3 TCT, Feb 12, 2008
    I really hope this happens and the USA has a solid, growing and even more exciting open wheel series.
     
  4. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

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    #4 greyboxer, Feb 19, 2008
    Autosport reckons confirmation today Tuesday
     
  5. yzee

    yzee F1 Veteran
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    #5 yzee, Feb 19, 2008
  6. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

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    #6 Simon^2, Feb 19, 2008
    12 years too late.

    Now lets see how long until the current unified series can return to former open-wheeled glory...
     
  7. yzee

    yzee F1 Veteran
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    #7 yzee, Feb 19, 2008
    Some will pee and moan for a while about some faring better than others. Some owners are also race promoters on both sides so some of them will be hurt. But at least sponsors and manufacturers that want to be involved have better vision of where their $'s going. A new car was to be introduced in 2010. Best case would be a spec that could be met by several chassis designs and engines from several manufacturers. Hass is still Lola USA? Maybe Ford would come back and buy Cosworth back from KK. He probably needs the $.

    24 cars with 19-20 races in 2008. First test at Homestead Feb. 27-28.
     
  8. Ambassiatore

    Ambassiatore Formula Junior

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    #8 Ambassiatore, Feb 19, 2008
    +1...very late, but they MIGHT find a way back if some consistency shows up...along with big names...I hope it works, because if it doesnt, what is left?
     
  9. normv

    normv F1 Rookie

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    #9 normv, Feb 19, 2008
    Hello, so what happens to Panoz. thanks Norm
     
  10. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

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    #10 futureowner, Feb 19, 2008
    Great news, the only bad things are:

    1.) No mention of Road America anywhere

    and

    2.) The Panoz was a much better car imo
     
  11. yzee

    yzee F1 Veteran
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    #11 yzee, Feb 19, 2008
    I think in time they will have to end up back at the best roadcourses. Trying to set a schedule for 2008 will be a task in it's self. I have heard rumors of a 2nd event at Indy using the road course in the future. Road America should certainly be on the schedule at some point.

    The Panoz is a better car but to use it when the IRL is absorbing CC is probably impossible. Look to 2009 for a better thought out schedule, and 2010 for an improved car and variety of engine manufacturers. The kick may be what kind of a long term deal TG has with Honda.

    It's all good so far.
     
  12. Gilles27

    Gilles27 F1 World Champ

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    #12 Gilles27, Feb 19, 2008
    That, and we can't really expect everything to fall in line perfectly this soon. Maybe (hopefully?) they'll discuss chassis for '09 and beyond with Panoz.
     
  13. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

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    #13 futureowner, Feb 21, 2008
    I'm (maybe hopefully), thinking the Panoz will end up being the new IRL car because:

    1.) The IRL is switching to paddle-shift for this year (the DP01 is a paddle-shift car)

    2.) The DP01 was designed with an eye towards oval racing as well (even though Champ Car had no ovals on its schedule when this car was conceived)

    3.) The DP01 is an American car, I would think the IRL would try to use it as a selling point to fans that it's an all-American car series, the only such major series in the US

    It just seems that this all happened to fast, I think that this process of merging has been in place for quite awhile....maybe it's just me being skeptical though.
     

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