The 12-year old split between the two American-based open-wheel racing series marches on toward new beginnings as of Feburary 22, 2008. The details of the agreement will be announced later followed by a news conference.
Champ Car World Series co-owners, Kevin Kalkhoven and Jerry Forsythe and Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George, actually signed the agreement in principle on two different days, Thursday and Friday.
No word was given when or if the other two CCWS partners, Paul Gentilozzi and Dan Pettit will sign or if they even need to as Kalkhoven was the official representative for the four co-owners.
What is important is the unification between the two series has been reached, ending the war that started in 1996. This is a great day for open-wheel racing and one that I and my Rahal Letterman Racing team have looked forward to for a long time," said Bobby Rahal, IndyCar team owner.
Rahal, a former CART (now Champ Car) champion and Indy 500 winner -- both as a driver and team owner -- has ties with Champ Car. His son Graham Rahal races for the Newman/Haas Lanigan Racing team.
"I applaud all of those that made this possible, but want to especially recognize all of those that made sacrifices and concessions to secure the future of open-wheel racing," added team owner Rahal. "I truly believe that this is the first step toward restoring open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 to not only where it once was, but beyond."
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