RA responds

[indycool]

Sheboygan Press latest:

http://www.wisinfo.com/sheboyganpres..._9703393.shtml

[¡As-de-mim!]

RA is back on, according to a certain website

[¡As-de-mim!]

6:15 p.m., April 11, 2003
The dispute between CART and Road America that led to cancellation of the race at the Wisconsin track is close to resolution, according to intermediary Mario Andretti.

"I think we're just about there," the racing great said Friday before qualifying for Sunday's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. "We should have an arrangement next week."

A spokeswoman for Road America confirmed Andretti's involvement. CART declined comment.

Andretti said he asked Chris Pook, president and CEO of CART, for permission to attempt to mediate the dispute.

The Champ-Car circuit filed suit against Road America in February, contending the track in Elkhart Lake failed to make its first of three payments of sanctioning fees for the 2003 event.

The race, scheduled for Aug. 3, was subsequently canceled by CART.

Road America filed a countersuit against CART on Monday, alleging the open-wheel racing body broke its contract with the track when it canceled the race.

"From the standpoint of the split, each side had a compelling argument," Andretti said. "But, to me, the arguments did not address the big picture – what the fans want.

"There were a lot of reasonable people involved. Everybody wants it to work again. I just said, 'Let's find a solution.' "

Andretti had hoped to make an announcement this weekend that the race will be back on the schedule, but said more time was needed.

"There's a lawsuit that needs to be dismissed," he said. "I think we're in pretty good shape, though."

Track spokeswoman Cheryl Barnes said Road America also was hopeful that a settlement could be reached, and praised the efforts of Andretti. He has been dealing with track president George Bruggenhies.

"We couldn't think of a better ambassador for Road America than Mario Andretti," Barnes said. "We're hopeful that Mario and George Bruggenhies will be able to come to closure on a contract."

CART has raced at Road America annually since 1982. Road America's current contract with CART began in 1999 and expires after this season.

[macdaddy]

"From the standpoint of the split, each side had a compelling argument. But, to me, the arguments did not address the big picture – what the fans want."

Mario... You Da Man.