Open Wheel Racing Merger Finally a Reality

Contributor Written on February 26, 2008

The owners of the Indy Racing League and Champ Car (Tony George and Kevin Kalkhoven) have scheduled a news conference at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday (tomorrow) at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Of course it is expected the two will announce a merger of Open Wheel Racing under the banner of the Indy Racing League.

It will be interesting to see how this merger results in terms of a blend of oval and road course open wheel racing formats and whether or not this long awaited unification can bring a renewed interest to Indy Car Racing in the United States. NASCAR has gained so much popularity during these 10 years since the split in open wheel racing that has fractured and nearly ruined the fan base since the split between CART and the IRL some ten years ago.

I still love open wheel racing—and believe me, there is nothing like seeing a field of a dozen or more cars roaring out of turn four down the straight of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wheel to wheel. It's still the most exciting sight to see in motor racing or any sport for that matter.

For sure it will take some time for some fans to return but getting back to one series will go along way in making the series more exciting which is what will get fans back.

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written on February 26, 2008 Sports