Merger Imminent?

[mountainstar]

Originally Posted by climb

Back to multiple mountainstar and d.r.t. & other harsh posts about TG:
I understand your position, you're all but stupid and see very well that the term "merger" is an euphemistic excuse to define what's a real collapse of CC and definitive prevail of IRL.
Whenever the "merger" happens (2008 or 2009) it's just CC teams migrating to IRL and IRL just picking the CC best events to enrich their schedule.

You've been very passionate supporters of CC and now you're cannot stand the current situation, even though it's the best solution available for the AOWR

BTW: italiaracing reports (in english)http://italiaracing.net/notizia.asp?id=17955&cat=3[/url]

something interesting about Derrick Walker

Believe what you want. The irl is struggling for sponsors and some say only 13 cars may be on deck for homestead. tony george is moving fast because he needs to fill his field and quick. Champcar teams will just be the latest lemmings in the long line of out of business and bankrupt former irl teams. This sell out is only for tony's immediate gratification. When has tony ever moved so quick on a deal? Or put so much effort in?

The saying goes "FOOLS RUSH IN".

I think they are going to make a huge mess out of this by rushing it so quick. Rather than putting in place a proper structure and schedule for 2009, it's going to be a mess and lawsuits are apparently on deck already. I think people are foolishly underestimating that you only get one shot to do this right and bring the public back.

In terms of the irl prevailing I think you're dead wrong. It's a hollow victory. There is almost nothing left to fight over. Almost every fan is gone. Almost every sponsor is gone. Every car manufacturer. Many venues as well. What did you win? If the irl was so great it wouldn't need anything champcar has right?

I read an interesting blog last night:

http://popoffvalve.wordpress.com/

At one time I thought that an open wheel merger could be accomplished with mutual respect and dignity, that there could be a return of all people in the sport to the same venues at the same time, and that we could all enjoy our passion again while enjoying being together. As the years passed, this hope faded, but I still thought that merger, though no doubt difficult and painful, would probably lead to the best outcome in the long run. Now, I am not so sure. I dare not think what the next week will bring for American open wheel racing. I feel that many fans are probably feeling the same way, hoping for the best, while fearing the worst. If things happen as they are rumored to, I am afraid that what we will see on opening day at Indianapolis will be the racing equivalent of the period between WWI and WWII. A cease fire, a truce, perhaps even a treaty, but a situation so hateful and full of resentment that only a fool would believe the war is over.

[indycool]

ms, it depends on who's doing the rushing. KK is the one talking about ultimatums and deadlines and the like as if he's wagging the dog. He's also talked out of both sides of his mouth.

Do we really know who's doing the rushing and why?

[luke]

Originally Posted by indycool

ms, it depends on who's doing the rushing. KK is the one talking about ultimatums and deadlines and the like as if he's wagging the dog. He's also talked out of both sides of his mouth.

Do we really know who's doing the rushing and why?

I love the way you like to take shots at KK and CC at anytime you can.

[icemachine]

So no word out of Japan yet?

[Knowlesy]

*struggles to see the need to get defensive/offensive*

[paul-collins]

This thread is done until there's actual news.

[luke]

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...or-bankruptcy/

Miller saying CC will file bankruptcy in 24-48 hours.

[icemachine]

Maybe Miller releasing that news will force Champ Car to cancel their bankruptcy filing

[luke]

[climb]

Originally Posted by icemachine

So no word out of Japan yet?

Yes, this seems to be sorted out

http://italiaracing.net/notizia.asp?id=17967&cat=3

[climb]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Believe what you want. ...

Yeah, that's what I usually do!

I have to guess you believe what others want?

[icemachine]

Curt Cavin's story has a bnit more detail/speculation - Motegi and Surfers as non Championship races?

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...4/1010/LOCAL14

[johntt]

Clarke optimistic of merger.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65096

[indycool]

I would imagine the sources for Italia racing may well be at Dallara, which may well have received some orders.

[mountainstar]

Everybody is still at work today at Champcar. Still waiting to see what happens.

[mountainstar]

Various rumors posted today elsewhere say that SJ has told staff 2008 is on and apparently there will be a Board of Directors meeting tomorrow with a budget for 2008 to be approved. Looks like Kalkoven may exit though.

Several people have called Laguna and Long Beach and they say Champcar is still on deck.

I guess we will find out by the end of the week.

If it does go though I'm definitely going to be at as many races as my schedule will allow.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Everybody is still at work today at Champcar. Still waiting to see what happens.

As would be the case in any business that still continues to function. Until it is closed, it is open.

The filing of bankruptcy is likely to be public as early as tonight, but certainly by the end of the week. I'm sorry for those who are holding out for some hope, but it simply is over now (or will be in the next day or so).

[icemachine]

So I guess we know tommorow. I'd been curious if there was a falling out betwen KK and GF

[Knowlesy]

It is for the best anyways. I'd rather Champcar did this than try to struggle on for a final year. 12 car grids would not be a fitting way to bow out.

[mountainstar]

Apparently robin miller reported champcar carries on for 2008 with Forsythe being the main man. Hopefully we will know more before the evening is out.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Apparently robin miller reported champcar carries on for 2008 with Forsythe being the main man. Hopefully we will know more before the evening is out.

Robin cracks me up sometimes.

You have to wade through whatever he talks/writes about, and try and figure out which half is the truth, and which half isn't. I have to wonder, does he do this on purpose, or is he often misled by others to keep him from actually getting the whole story correct....

[mountainstar]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Robin cracks me up sometimes.

You have to wade through whatever he talks/writes about, and try and figure out which half is the truth, and which half isn't. I have to wonder, does he do this on purpose, or is he often misled by others to keep him from actually getting the whole story correct....

Probably only 3 or 4 people in the world know the whole story right now, but it looks like something happened today. I'm sure it will become apparent what exactly is happening within a few days.

I have no opposition to a unified series, but the half assed rushed way it was being done was going to make a mess. I think it would do more harm than good. I'd rather see a proper structure and schedule in place for 2009.

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

I have no opposition to a unified series, but the half assed rushed way it was being done was going to make a mess. I think it would do more harm than good. I'd rather see a proper structure and schedule in place for 2009.

I agree, but what would be left of Champ Car now since Miller broke the story. Trying to run a CC series now would not be wise.

I think Champ Car should merge as one, not teams moving this and then some in 09.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Probably only 3 or 4 people in the world know the whole story right now, but it looks like something happened today. I'm sure it will become apparent what exactly is happening within a few days.

I have no opposition to a unified series, but the half assed rushed way it was being done was going to make a mess. I think it would do more harm than good. I'd rather see a proper structure and schedule in place for 2009.

Who knows how many people know the whole story, and very few will ever know it anyway. Yes, it would seem as though something happened today, and we shall know what that is, and what it means over the next few days.

As far as this being rushed, I agree that this hasn't been done optimally for the best light to be portrayed on Open Wheel moving forward. I can only speculate that someone capitulated here at the last minute, not liking what they saw, or finding out that entries/monies weren't what was expected.

I wrote in this very forum a number of months ago, that it was over. I believe I wasn't the only one who had that opinion. If I could see those signs months ago, I can only wonder why others didn't. Really, the writing was on the wall, and this should have been completed in the last months of 07', before teams bought new cars, arranged for new sponsors, tested new drivers... and basically wasted time, energy and money on a pointless endeavour. I agree the timing was off, but running an 08' season, in the manner it was shaping up, really wouldn't have reflected any better than the way this has unfolded. Ok, it's over, and the result isn't optimal, but the sooner Open Wheel can "try" and repair all of the wounds and damage done, the better.

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Really, the writing was on the wall, and this should have been completed in the last months of 07', before teams bought new cars, arranged for new sponsors, tested new drivers... and basically wasted time, energy and money on a pointless endeavour.

As with previous mergers though, you needed to have a back up plan, a bargaining point as you will. New cars, sponsors, drivers were needed if a merger didnt go through.

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

I agree the timing was off, but running an 08' season, in the manner it was shaping up, really wouldn't have reflected any better than the way this has unfolded.

Prior to the Miller story, the ChampCar team and driver line up was shaping up ok. Sebring brought out the teams and put on some impressive performances that were setting up the season.

Add to that, the IRL at the same time didnt have anymore than 14 cars confirmed puts things in a better perspective.

Since the story broke, everything has regrettably spiraled to the point of ridiculous.