[Phils20]

In what I hope is good news for the open wheel fans, me among them, this was just posted on ESPN!

I hope it's the real deal!!

ESPN - IndyCar, Champ Car reach agreement on merger - Open-Wheel

[WestCoast]

This is GREAT news, let's hope it doesn't take too long to bring it back to the exciting series that it used to be back in the early 90's. Giving F1 a run for it's money and talent.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by WestCoast

This is GREAT news, let's hope it doesn't take too long to bring it back to the exciting series that it used to be back in the early 90's. Giving F1 a run for it's money and talent.

How about the FIA making the Indy 500 an FIA points race, as they did a half decade ago? We might see how Hamilton does on an oval?

[DOF_power]

It won't give F1 any run for its money. The fiscally conscious Renault team spend more money for their 2005 or 2006 double then TG for the last 12 years. As for global audience/ratings, F1 won't be reached by any other form of motor-sport anytime soon.

As for making the Indy 500 a world championship event once again I'd agree, but there would have to be a good equivalence formula.

[WestCoast]

Originally Posted by DOF_power

It won't give F1 any run for its money. The fiscally conscious Renault team spend more money for their 2005 or 2006 double then TG for the last 12 years. As for global audience/ratings, F1 won't be reached by any other form of motor-sport anytime soon.
.

Your right, but now as "one" entity, it should re-validate them as a respected and credible series once more. Maybe even making it a viable alternative to F1 for some once again, as in the golden age of Mansell, Fittipaldi, Zanardi, Brundel, etc.

[DOF_power]

Well I do hope so.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by WestCoast

Your right, but now as "one" entity, it should re-validate them as a respected and credible series once more. Maybe even making it a viable alternative to F1 for some once again, as in the golden age of Mansell, Fittipaldi, Zanardi, Brundel, etc.

You will probably disagree with me on this one but what the new organization needs is a "name" driver from another series to bring it some notoriety and validation.

My prediction is that will come in 2010 with Tony Stewart. Last Monday, on Tony's SIRIUS show he and Matt Yoakum were interviewing Roger Penske. The talk got around to Roger's success at Indy. That talk eventually went into changing the date or time of the Indy start in order for drivers to "Do the double; run both races. All three agreed that was a good idea.

Then the conversation when something like this:
Tony: Boy, I'd sure like to win the Indy 500. That's been my dream since I was a kid.
Roger: Well Tony, if you ever decide to drive in the 500, or come to IRL, I can furnish you a car capable of winning.
Tony: That's a great offer, Roger. Thanks. I might take you up on that one.

I will be surprised if Tony re-signs with Gibbs on a full time basis.

The way I see it, if Tony goes, the series can get some kind of a TV deal, because Stewart's movement will become THE talk of the sports world. If Tony goes, and the series gets a TV deal and pays some real money, then I look for some of the notable open wheel converts to NA__AR who have been stymied by the stupid and unfair Chosen 35 Rule to return to their roots.

Know what? Being an Indianapolis native (30 miles north, actually), I hope and pray I'm even close in my predictions.

Now, if they'd just put the engines IN FRONT of the driver, where they belong! (Sorry, DOF...I just had to take that shot. <VBG>)

[WestCoast]

[quote=Bob Tanner;250451]You will probably disagree with me on this one but what the new organization needs is a "name" driver from another series to bring it some notoriety and validation.
quote]

I agree, Stewart going to the IRL would be the equivalent of Montoya going to Nascar.
The existing drivers are old news as far as advertisers/sponsors are concerned. (Danika excluded)
Now if they could get Michael Schumacher out from retirement.