Reports from various reliable sources are confirming that a deal to unify Champ Car and the Indy Racing League has finally been completed and confirmation of the merger could be announced as soon as today or tomorrow.
Indy Racing League boss Tony George's offer of free chassis and engines, plus $1.2 million for any Champ Car team that will contest the full IRL season is believed to have been taken up by at least five teams.
Newman/Haas/Lanigan, PKV, and Forsythe are expected to enter the IRL with two cars each, while Walker, Conquest, and Dale Coyne Racing are likely to field one each. Pacific Coast Motorsports are believed to be heading for the American Le Mans Series while the faiths of Rocketsports and team Minardi is not yet known.
Already, Champ Car veteran Paul Tracy is believed to be in Indianapolis for a seat fitting before heading to Homestead for the first IRL test of the season on February 27-28.
The Long Beach Grand Prix will still be presented at his original date while Montegi will be presented later this summer. Both Edmonton and Surfer's Paradise will be added to the IRL schedule. That brings the schedule to 19 races this year, with more road course events likely to be considered for 2009.
Indy Racing League boss Tony George's offer of free chassis and engines, plus $1.2 million for any Champ Car team that will contest the full IRL season is believed to have been taken up by at least five teams.
Newman/Haas/Lanigan, PKV, and Forsythe are expected to enter the IRL with two cars each, while Walker, Conquest, and Dale Coyne Racing are likely to field one each. Pacific Coast Motorsports are believed to be heading for the American Le Mans Series while the faiths of Rocketsports and team Minardi is not yet known.
Already, Champ Car veteran Paul Tracy is believed to be in Indianapolis for a seat fitting before heading to Homestead for the first IRL test of the season on February 27-28.
The Long Beach Grand Prix will still be presented at his original date while Montegi will be presented later this summer. Both Edmonton and Surfer's Paradise will be added to the IRL schedule. That brings the schedule to 19 races this year, with more road course events likely to be considered for 2009.