Petition for a Unified Series

DNQ · 10 May 2003, 08:29 (Ref:595181)

We all have our own views on the CART vs IRL war, and we all have differing opinions...but there is one thing I am sure we can all agree on:

There has to be just ONE series of top level open wheel racing in the United States. There are two ways this can happen: through the death of one of the championships - or the better option, re-unification. If you are the for the latter, then I encourage you to sign this petition that has been set up:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/oneindy/

Webmasters are encouraged to display this URL at their websites.

Dov · 10 May 2003, 13:59 (Ref:595370)

Good for you, DNQ. I just signed the petition. I'm hoping that CART/IRL fans who remember how good OW racing was before 96 and would like to see it again, will do the same.

BootsOntheSide · 10 May 2003, 14:07 (Ref:595376)

That's 16 signitures so far, hopefully we can get a good number together.

DNQ · 10 May 2003, 14:12 (Ref:595379)

Well I only started a few hours ago, and have only posted on a few forums, but I am sure it'll gather steam as time rolls on. I managed to get 1000 signatures or so (and counting) in a "Save Lakeside" petition, and that is certainly not as big an issue as this, so who knows.

Jack Man · 10 May 2003, 14:17 (Ref:595384)

17 now. spread the word borthers and sisters.

Snrub · 10 May 2003, 16:32 (Ref:595462)

Obviously we all want it but as I've said before, in negotiation compromise must be made. What can CART compromise to the IRL? What compromises will the IRL make when they precieve themselves as the near victors and CART near death?

Omega99 · 10 May 2003, 16:42 (Ref:595470)

You got 20 now, and you'll get more now that it's daytime in North America.

Vive la revolution, eh comrades?

Dov · 10 May 2003, 17:13 (Ref:595491)

Quote:

Originally posted by Snrub
Obviously we all want it but as I've said before, in negotiation compromise must be made. What can CART compromise to the IRL? What compromises will the IRL make when they precieve themselves as the near victors and CART near death?

So does that mean you have signed the petition or you will sign the petition?? CP and TG will have to compromise...it's up to the fans now!

Lee Janotta · 10 May 2003, 17:33 (Ref:595506)

Aside from a few zealots, the IRL fans seem to feel just as let down as we do.

Jay · 10 May 2003, 17:44 (Ref:595512)

lol.. I"m all for a unified series, but not under the terms that those in power would like to see. Which for the IRL, is to just absorb Cart or kill it off.

Technically this should be in the cool sites forum as well.

Snrub · 10 May 2003, 19:48 (Ref:595632)

I before I posted I signed (#19), but I can't see how things are going to work out.

macdaddy · 10 May 2003, 19:55 (Ref:595641)

Great work, DNQ. But I'm afraid that it's like petitioning for a merger between Honda and Toyota. They provide similar products, but they are mortal enemies. CART has too many fabulous venues to ignore, and TG doesn't seem to be willing to relinquish any control whatsoever. I will, however, sign the petition. It's just that I think it's too little, too late.

macdaddy · 10 May 2003, 19:59 (Ref:595644)

Off-topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread...

Just tuned into SV to watch Germany quals. And I was just treated to an advertisement to watch the Indy on ABC. So much for SV being 100% behind CART.

Terrible.

Edmonton · 10 May 2003, 20:09 (Ref:595648)

Quote:

Originally posted by macdaddy
Off-topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread...

Just tuned into SV to watch Germany quals. And I was just treated to an advertisement to watch the Indy on ABC. So much for SV being 100% behind CART.

Terrible.

Then cart should advertise during the Indy 500,and if ABC refuses to let them they should sue the network.

Dov · 10 May 2003, 20:10 (Ref:595649)

That's why we need Mario, Foyt, Emmo, Mears and Gurney involved with the negotiations...because they will represent the best interests of the fans.

rush1 · 10 May 2003, 20:52 (Ref:595671)

I think its a little too late for all this. The low car count in the IRL is not good but Castroneves, Kannan, De Ferran, Andretti, Brack, Dixon, Scheckter, Takagi and others all have a shot at winning the pole. All are full time participants in the IRL save Vassar. Dario will be coming back. I don't need to name all the corporations who have left as well.

Unlike 1996 or 1998, CART has little to bargain with in 2003. One car manufacturer and no big name drivers. The company also loses millions each quarter. And I doubt drivers like Bourdais, Junquiera and Jourdain will return the series to its former glory. That is if they can stop the money leekage.

macdaddy · 10 May 2003, 21:00 (Ref:595676)

Thanks for clearing that up.

Lee Janotta · 10 May 2003, 21:47 (Ref:595710)

If we unify, it won't be with the management of either series remaining much intact. The impetus has to come from the fans, the promoters/venues, and the team owners. Tony George needs to be dumped in Lake Michigan, Pook needs to go back to what he's good at, being a promoter, and guys like Mario, Emmo and Foyt have to provide the leadership. Maybe Pook can be kept on as a Bernie of sorts, handling the business side, but not in the leadership role.

CART has great venues, though, and credibility the IRL just doesn't. Promoter IMG were nearly run out of town here when it was leaked that they were negotiating with the IRL! Clevelanders demanded CART, and I'm sure it's the same in many other cities.

macdaddy · 10 May 2003, 21:57 (Ref:595720)

Good post, Lee. I remember the furor over the Cleveland GP. It sure didn't take long for IMG to change it's tune. You're sure it's the same in other cities? I can only speak for one, but I haven't been to MIS since 2001.

Lee Janotta · 10 May 2003, 22:08 (Ref:595727)

Well, Toronto for one?

Long Beach for another? Or Miami? Surfer's? How about Milwaukee?

I can't say for sure, but I get the feeling they're all loyal.

The IRL's main weakness, and CART's main strength, is the audiences they draw at the venues.

Aus.CARTfan · 10 May 2003, 22:15 (Ref:595732)

Guys CART have a great product better than the IRL. TAke the Surfers indy last year we had almost 300,000 people attend. There is no way the IRL would get that sort of attendance except for there Indy 500.
C.A.R.T TO LIVE FOREVA!!!!!!!!!

Liz · 10 May 2003, 22:25 (Ref:595745)

I agree we should have only one open wheel series. It should be Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

Unification can only come after Tony George has gone to join the Choir Invisible.

Before that this is like signing a petition to get Pat Robertson to be Ambassador to the UN. Or Chinese declared the second language of Canada.

Jordi · 10 May 2003, 23:36 (Ref:595790)

I'm number 31. I personally think this will go nowhere, because there are too many interests ahead of us, the fans, but we lose nothing trying. The targets are: Mario, Dan or someone like that noticing this petition, and making it reach a respectable number.

DNQ · 11 May 2003, 00:54 (Ref:595819)

Hmmm 33 is a bit slack, I think I'll have to get this sent out to a lot more forums/websites. I remember my 'save lakeside' petition had more signatures after this amount of time. Anyone, keep it coming folks, spread the word...I'm afraid we've got to have at least 5,000 signatures before we can send this...

camcartfan · 11 May 2003, 03:31 (Ref:595858)

I will not sign because the title says to return it to "Indy Racing." Not with a trademark owned by Tony George.

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