It’s a Matter of Opinion
Written by Allan Brewer · March 4, 2006
What will the future hold for the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series? Will there be a United States Grand Prix in 2007?
This is my opinion, based on what I’ve heard from individuals here in Indy and read in the media (including this site) over the past two weeks, as rumors of reunification have circulated and Bernie has floated a Vegas venue for Formula One.
IRL and CCWS: We’re close. Or at least we were before the news broke. There are egos involved in this, big egos. Tony George needs some room to heal the wounds he’s suffered. The IRL was his dream, and the dream of others whose influence on him is palpable. He put himself voluntarily in the line of fire as its champion.
Tony’s courage in doing so doesn’t change the fact that it didn’t work. As he works through denial, anger, guilt and finally acceptance there is no amount of publicity and prodding that can force that healing faster. This process will be done when it’s done–no sooner.
I’ve heard credible talk that the courses and races, the chassis and engines, and the schedule for 2007 has been negotiated and is on the table. It’s waiting for some signatures. I believe what I’ve heard is true now. I also believe Tony George will do this when the right alignment of respect and dignity for his dying love-child can be achieved.
Both sides understand the war cannot go on. It’s not just the money. It’s equally about the way NASCAR is steamrolling everything in sight. It’s about how open-wheel racing is marginalized into the sports consciousness now. They both know reunification has to happen if the sport at its highest levels is going to survive.
USGP: Don’t look for the sound of high-revving V-8’s beyond this summer. Publicly, the decision on next year’s U.S. Grand Prix hinges on how well the event fares this coming holiday weekend in July. But under the surface, the egos are again in play.
Bernie would have you believe that he has the clout to take his race and leave for Las Vegas. Don’t believe it. Ecclestone shot himself and F1 severely in the head, not foot, last summer with the debacle at the Speedway. Bernie, in typical B-fashion, has erased that scene from his memory banks and is blithely off to his next gig Bay-bee.
Unfortunately for fans, Ecclestone has shown in the past and will show again in the future that F1 plays to only his piper. If he gets the kind of reception from the Speedway in July that I anticipate he will get, the deal is done. There just won’t be a USGP anymore.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Fastmachines.com, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or Formula 1 Management.
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I’d love to see the USGP at Watkins Glen.
As far as the unification, I don’t think it is going to happen. Tony has already shot down the idea.
Hi DJ!
Tony’s denial makes things interesting, for sure, but it’s part of the process you go through toward acceptance. Stay tuned!
Thanks.
Allan
In my opinion, the only question is, will each series hang in there long enough to kill both of them. I used to be a HUGE open wheeled fan. Now, I can’t name any CART (sorry, I don’t even know there new name) other than Paul Tracy and other than Danica and Andretti Green, I can’t tell you much about the IRL.
Let’s get the unification done before both of you die.
As far as tracks go I’m with DJ, the Glen or Laguna Seca would be just perfect. Unfortunately F1 does not work that way so if TG were to loose the USGP we’re off to that city in the desert with the neon lights.
If Bernie goes to Vegas in ‘07 the race should be held in the parking lot of the Circus Circus casino. What could be more appropo?
Unfortunately the Glen and Laguna are too remote for the F1 gypsies with insufficient amenties that the “circus” has come to expect.