Tony George, the chief executive officer and founder of the Indy Racing
League, addressed the media Friday afternoon to provide insights into
his discussions with Kevin Kalkoven and the rival Champ Car World
Series. "Kevin and I have had fairly frequent communication since
December, but I think it is safe to say that they are very early in the
get-to-know each other stage," he said with a tone of optimism.
George said the two series heads have had a number of meetings, and
they have exchanged emails and telephone calls. "So far I have tried to
focus on what we both need to do to understand each other. Kevin is an
interesting guy, and I've enjoyed getting to know him. For a long time,
I have been one of those who believed it would be nice if open-wheel
racing was unified."
The IRL founder said he has partners and others that he is accountable
to, as does Kalkhoven. "It is nice to talk with Kevin because I think
he's the one that shapes the thinking over there, and he's the one I
should be developing a relationship with."
Asked for a timeframe for a potential reunification, George added, "I
think it is certainly possible, but I think we're a long way from there
at this point. I think everyone would like to see it happen sooner
rather than later, but it is not something we can resolve in a few
weeks or a couple of months. I consider every conversation we've had,
and every exchange, to be positive and with an eye toward moving things
forward. It is not a question of how long it may take to get there."
He didn't believe the unification could be done in time for the 2007
season, but left the door open for it. "I suppose if all the stars,
moons and planets were aligned, it could be possible, but what are the
chances of that? There's reason to be hopeful, but I would caution
everyone from getting their hopes too high. If we have a bunch of big,
hairy issues, then it will be a problem."
George said both groups agree on the major issues. "I think we both
appreciate diversity in schedules and circuits and having a combination
of road and street and ovals. We've always thought that road racing
would be part of the Indy Racing League calendar sooner or later," he
said.
In closing, he reiterated his stance that the negotiations should
continue on a relaxed and deliberate pace, and without undue media
attention. "It is going to be very difficult, and I hope it doesn't
become a weekly issue. This sport is tough, because it is a delicate
balance between sport, business, entertainment and technology. You've
got to find the right balance and not let any one drive it."
IndyCar Series champions Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon said they support
the efforts to unify the two series. "I think it will be good for
everyone involved, and we can add more races to the schedule. Added
Dixon, "It is what everyone has hoped for, for a long time. Most of us
miss road racing, which is what we grew up with." Should it happen,
Dixon would like to see a 50-50 split between oval and road course races
while Wheldon's preference would be a 60-40 split.
As the 2006 racing season fires up, it is more than likely that the
subject of open-wheel reunification will be the focus of constant
attention. It will be just like the silly season that focuses on drivers
that may be changing teams, only with more overall significance.
