Originally Posted by EagleEye
Just as I said that the Antonio Ferrari deal was not going to happen, and the Gelles deal was not going to happen, I actually talk to the players.
Carl Haas has a sponsor for two cars for the the IRL next season. He is tired of the fighting withing CCWS, lack of promotion, low TV ratings, and he's getting on in age and wants to win a 500. There is also several question marks in regards to CCWS for next seasaon and beyond. Newman wants no part of the IRL, and there is some discussions going on there. At the momment, they do not have the funding to continue in CCWS (save for Carl's $$) while they have a free ride in the IRL with a major spronsor. I talked to the rep for the company, who confided its a "done deal" for the year. Not just the 500. Big company, familiar name.
Thus, it will come down to PN, and if he puts more money in the team to keep it in CCWS, or what is left of it. If there are some major changes withing CCWS, and PL puts additional funding into the team, they could remain, again, if the series can make it. KK has indicated he does not want to pay $10 million/year for TV, but that is another thread, for another day.
The bold above (Marco not leaving AGR, and Wilson leaving Rsport) are, 100%take it to the bank, sure things.
Carl was at the 500 and F1 race. He has partnered with the speedway and Kyle Krisoloff's (Kyle is part of the George/Hulman clan) deal. There is a lot going on at the momment. Not that the IRL does not have some issues, but their marketing department gets a huge thumbs up. They are getting their message out. CCWS, is not.
The best thing to do? Get those TV ratings up!
100% agree on the aero package for Richmond. It needs to be changed. Champcar had some fantastic races on ovals of all sizes in the late 80's, early 90's. They tweated the package a bit in the late 90's to make it more interesting, with some level of success.