Next few weeks crucial for American series
source:
autosport.com
The consortium attempting to purchase the Champ Car series has said it will
do all it can to stop Indy Racing League chairman Tony George buying the
beleaguered championship's assets.
Paul Gentilozzi, Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven - the men behind the Open
Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) - want the US bankruptcy court to accept their bid to
buy CART by January 23, so the court can render a final decision with regard to
the OWRS proposal on January 28. But the IRL admitted on Monday for the first
time that it is interested in making a bid for some assets of its rival series.
Team Rocketsports boss Gentilozzi said: "My understanding is that the IRL filed
and signed a non-disclosure agreement with CART that gives them the right to
examine the documents for the CART asset purchase as put forth by the court.
It's not unexpected that other organisations would come forward to review the
assets and documents, as we're all in the motorsports business.
"We've spent six months to acquire a thorough understanding of the situation and
develop a business plan for the successful operation of the series. We are
steadfast in our dedication and commitment to continue the Champ Car World
Series for the millions of loyal open-wheel racing fans throughout North America
and beyond."
A second bid could force an auction of CART's assets. Even if the IRL makes a
larger bid, it won't necessarily be accepted as the court must consider the best
interests for the future of the series.
Kalkhoven, co-owner of PK Racing, added: "I doubt that the IRL would put in a
bid in order to continue the series. In my opinion, their desire would be to
kill it. The result would be many hundreds of Americans out of work, depriving
two million fans of the opportunity of watching some of the greatest racing in
the world and showcasing a great historical American motor racing series. I
would sum it up as the IRL wants to bury - OWRS wants to build; that's the
difference."