10:40 PM
04/17/24
04/17/24
May 23, 2002
Is the CART Fed Ex series dead?: After the defection of Penske and Honda to the IRL, signs point to yes. If the turnout of top rate CART drivers on this year's Indy roster is any measure, there may only be one American open-wheel racing series very soon, and it may turn left only.
Well I certainly won't watch the IRL. I'll tolerate the few ovals left in CART, but really, I can't see the point of them. The defection of Honda only really matters if it leaves CART with not enough engine suppliers. So far, I don't think this is the case. MG have come in, and I expect one or two more in the next few weeks. The new engines should be substantially cheaper, which means there is less reason for teams to switch to the IRL. Quite frankly, I don't know why anyone would watch the IRL. CART has the (most of the) best drivers, teams, cars and circuits. With the exception of Indy and Texas, nobody goes to an IRL race. As a non-American, I like the international aspect of CART. I don't think the cherry-picking of Indy helps the IRL much. Indy is where the IRL teams would expect to get most of their exposure (and thus, advertising money) from. Where does it leave them if the CART teams come in and take all that exposure? CART is probably better off emphasising how international it is. More races and a higher profile in Europe would help.