The ramifications of longtime Champ Car driver Adrian Fernandez's
shocking decision Thursday night to move to the Indy Racing League in time
for that series' race in Phoenix next weekend are being felt by OWRS
officials
source: sports.espn.go.com With internet rumors flying that the series is DOA and owner Bobby Rahal hinting he could move Mexican driver Michel Jourdain to the IRL next, league officials were busy Friday morning. The three owners of Open Wheel Racing Series, formed from the ashes of the bankrupt CART series last January, spent the day speaking to Fernandez, Rahal and sponsors for both teams. "They're speaking with them to let them know how much we value them," said Eric Mauk, Champ Car news manager, who said his league was very concerned about the latest developments. "Right now, Rahal is still with us and he's still said it's where he wants to be," Mauk said. "But it's most definitely a concern. Anytime a team pulls out of the series, it's a concern. And the Bobby thing is being kicked around -- I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned." The Fernandez announcement was shocking given that the 40-year-old veteran of the CART series had arrived in Long Beach for Champ Cars' media day earlier in the week with his car and some members of sponsor Tecate's entourage. But while Fernandez didn't tell reporters present of his plans, just 48 hours later he and his Champ Car team were heading to the IRL. Fernandez already was an owner in the IndyCar league, and since Rahal also has teams in both series, speculation immediately turned to Jourdain's ride. The complete article at: sports.espn.go.com
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