Reports on indystar.com suggest that Messrs. George (Anton H.--founder of the Indy Racing League) and Kalkoven (Kevin--the major co-owner of the entity that controls Champ Car) have buried part of the hatchet that splits open wheel racing. Any of the people (from former drivers like Danny Sullivan to owners like Roger Penske to sponsor reps) I talk with in both series paddocks tell me they want to see one strong series. This could have happened much more quickly in the days before the proliferation of media--since it is MUCH more difficult to conduct talks where both parties can speak candidly and freely without exposing the most sensitive parts of that negotiation.
My sense is that this is not 75% done...Nor 51% done. More like 25%, with the ownership issue floated like a balloon. The four P's of the marketing "quadratic equation" (product, price, place and promotion) are yet to be determined.
No, that hatchet has a long handle and a big head. It needs to be excavated and reburied in the proper manner...Because the issues are still sharp enough to keep the parties split.
