TG Playing Hardball With Surfer's

[Corner5]

TG has thrown down the gauntlet, he wants to call the shots on the date of the event or no Irl for the Gold Coast.



THE Gold Coast Indy race could be doomed unless the State Government can sway a powerful US motor racing boss with a last-ditch sales pitch.

The future of the Gold Coast motor race, staged on the tourist strip since 1991, is in grave doubt with Indy Racing League officials leaving it off their 2009 racing calendar.

And with the Government conceding it only has a memorandum of understanding for future years - rather than a firm contract - the only option may be a personal SOS to Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss Tony George.

Mr George, who set up the newly formed IRL competition, will fly to Surfers Paradise for this year's event and the Government will pull out all stops to save the event for future years.

"I don't think Tony George has ever been to our event," Sports Minister Judy Spence said.

"I'm sure once he sees our event and sees how different it is he is going to be excited about sitting down with us and talking about a date for the future."

The Government trumpeted a new six-year deal for the Gold Coast Indy after Ms Spence and event chairman Terry Mackenroth travelled to the US earlier this year.

However, Mr Mackenroth yesterday admitted the deal was only subject to a memorandum of understanding and not a formal contract.

"We need a contract to make it iron-clad," he said. "But I am very confident that we'll have a race next year and the year after that and the year after that. I've been involved with Indy for 10 years and every year someone says it's doomed."

The blockbuster Gold Coast Indy is under threat primarily because of a dispute over scheduling between IRL bosses and the State Government.

The Government, which pumps more than $11 million annually into the race, has always claimed it would not give up its October date because it fitted in well with a lull in Gold Coast tourism.

But American Indy bosses insist the new-look Indy circuit must start and finish in the US and they do not want their last race of the season offshore.

This year's Gold Coast Indy will be held after the IRL series finished in Chicago in September and will not count towards the championship.

Mr Mackenroth said it may not even be part of next year's championship.

Indy officials now appear to have the ace hand even though shifting the Indy race to an earlier date would be a logistical nightmare for the State Government as it would clash with football seasons and not be as appealing to television broadcasters.

"It's not going to be easy to change the date of the Indy, these talks aren't easy," Ms Spence admitted.

"They put some dates on the table for us but the dates that they put forward so far don't suit us.

"There are other months and we are going to continue to talk to them."


http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24109481-3102,00.html

Think about it, either way TG can kill off Surfer's so the Irl doesn't go there. Either by not getting his date or putting up against Rugby or Soccer.

In 12 years you learn alot about how TG/IMS operates. :tony:

This from SPEED-


Australia, a cornerstone of CART/Champ Car since 1991 which draws upwards of 225,000 for three days, is not in the lineup at this time and the ramifications could cost IndyCar one of its teams.

“I told Tony (George) several times that Australia was critical for our sponsorship and, without that sponsorship, we had problems,” said Kevin Kalkhoven, the former co-owner of Champ Car who fields a two-car IndyCar effort with Jimmy Vasser and is supported by Aussie Craig Gore.

“Without Surfers Paradise, we are going to have a problem.”

A couple hours before the schedule announcement, the IRL issued a release stating that it would be going to Surfers Paradise Oct. 23-26 this year for a non-points exhibition race.

According to Angstadt, Australia was offered two dates for 2009 (early and late) with the goal of running Motegi, Japan on the same trip. Japan has moved from April to Sept. 19 next season, but evidently there is a national rugby championship clashing with the proposed fall date for Surfers. Still, it hasn’t totally been ruled out for 2009.

“We are keeping slots open for them and we are still in active conversations,” said Angstadt. “We’re hopeful it can be announced, but the ball is in their court.”

:circus:

[Don Quixote]

Its hard to imagine that a railroad could be run any worse than this one.

[Andrew Longman]

In 12 years you learn a lot about how TG/IMS operates. :tony:

As with why Edmonton ran on Saturday this year.

TG does not care if the dates for Surfers are not nearly best to them, he's not going to do anything that makes things the least inconvenient for IMS.

He absolutely is NOT in the business of maximizing the return for his stakeholders. IMS is the only stakeholder that matters beyond giving the bare minimum to others to get them to participate.

Ironically, if he actually worried more about these things he would be funding a lot fewer cars. Then again will he pay to replace KV cars if they lose Aussie sponsorships? Not likely, he's proven he'll accept as few as 16 cars.

[Insomniac]

Why even pretend when you're not willing to be reasonable?

[mueber]

If they ran the typical Aussie V8s program, just as many people would show up. Boy George doesn't know it, but Australia knows it.

[oddlycalm]

It's not even playing hardball, he just doesn't care. If they want it on his terms fine, otherwise he can't be bothered.

Typical behavior for someone insulated from consequences their whole life. TG inherited more than most, but I've seen this 3rd generation inheritor act play out over and over all my life and some great companies have been destroyed and some cool stuff squandered. Unless something in Oz happens to catch the idiot's interest this will end it. :thumdown:

oc

[TravelGal]

Why even pretend when you're not willing to be reasonable?

Because that would be reasonable?


It's not even playing hardball, he just doesn't care. If they want it on his terms fine, otherwise he can't be bothered.

Typical behavior for someone insulated from consequences their whole life.TG inherited more than most, but I've seen this 3rd generation inheritor act play out over and over all my life and some great companies have been destroyed and some cool stuff squandered. Unless something in Oz happens to catch the idiot's interest this will end it. :thumdown:

oc

True dat. All of it (emphasis added)

[Gnam]

Possilbe solutions to Surfer's problems:
1. turbos for Atlantics
2. ALMS, Australian Le Mans Series
3. Australian GP EAST
4. preseason A1GP event

Whatever they do, they should keep the Indy name for the race. FTG

[Andrew Longman]

Possilbe solutions to Surfer's problems:
1. turbos for Atlantics
2. ALMS, Australian Le Mans Series
3. Australian GP EAST
4. preseason A1GP event

Whatever they do, they should keep the Indy name for the race. FTG

All good.

And yes keep the Indy name to preserve some brand equity once TG run his jit into the ground and someone picks up the pieces :laugh:

[Sean Malone]

Solution for Surfers...let the Aussies run their own race series.

[SteveH]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/amgs4life/Endbadlyverybadly.jpg

[miatanut]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/amgs4life/Endbadlyverybadly.jpg

:thumbup:

[opinionated ow]

Solution for Surfers...let the Aussies run their own race series.

Which series? Australians have proven time and again to not be openwheel fans. Our only openwheel series are Formula 3 (The Australian Driver's Championship), Formula Ford and Formula Vee. While Formula 3 is fantastic, in this country if it doesn't contain Holden or Ford, nobody gives a rats arse

[Sean Malone]

Which series? Australians have proven time and again to not be openwheel fans. Our only openwheel series are Formula 3 (The Australian Driver's Championship), Formula Ford and Formula Vee. While Formula 3 is fantastic, in this country if it doesn't contain Holden or Ford, nobody gives a rats arse

I don't care. :)

[Corner5]

Tony Cochrane is not amused-



Indy shouldn't be held to ransom, says Tony Cochrane

Greg Stolz
August 02, 2008 12:00am
AUSTRALIA'S biggest motorsports figure has called on the State Government to dump the Gold Coast Indy race if US officials hold the event to ransom.

V8 Supercar Series chairman Tony Cochrane said the Government could easily attract another international race to complement the V8s on the streets of Surfers Paradise "if the Americans want to keep playing hardball".

"If the Americans try to do us over, we should simply look elsewhere," he said.

"This event is bigger than the Americans and I'm very certain the Government is not going to walk away from it."

Mr Cochrane's comments came as the US-based Indy Racing League stepped up pressure on the Government to shift the race from its traditional October timeslot.

The event was left off the 2009 IRL calendar unveiled this week in the US in a move that threatened the 16-year-old event's future.

IRL officials want to re-schedule next year's event to a date that would clash with the NRL and ARL grand finals, robbing it of vital media coverage and potentially hurting tourism.

The Government is resisting and is yet to sign a new contract with the IRL extending the race beyond this year. Currently, there is only a memorandum of understanding to extend the race until 2013.

The Government has invited IRL boss Tony George to this year's Gold Coast Indy, which will not be part of the world championship - to make a last-ditch sales pitch.

But in a veiled "take it or leave it" threat, IRL officials said they had offered the Gold Coast two alternative dates that would allow the series to start and finish in the US.

IRL spokesman John Griffin said yesterday the league wanted an answer "sooner rather than later".

Mr Griffin suggested the IRL was not prepared to wait until October, when the Gold Coast Indy would be held, to finalise the 2009 schedule.

"We feel like we've got to build the schedule and for Australia to be part of that schedule, we really need them to fall under the dates we've announced," he told ABC Radio.

Mr Cochrane said he believed the IRL was posturing and a compromise would be reached.

But he urged the Government not to cave in to pressure and believed there would be no difficulties attracting another international race, such as the European-based Formula 2 series.

"The whole point is that this is a massive event for the Gold Coast and it will still be a massive event with the V8 Supercars and somebody else if the Americans want to be difficult," Mr Cochrane said.


http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24113301-3102,00.html

Yea Boy!:thumbup:

[cameraman]

Tony Cochrane is not amused-
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24113301-3102,00.html

Yea Boy!:thumbup:

A1GP would be much better than the IRL anyway.

[oddlycalm]

V8 Supercar Series chairman Tony Cochrane said the Government could easily attract another international race to complement the V8s on the streets of Surfers Paradise "if the Americans want to keep playing hardball".

"If the Americans try to do us over, we should simply look elsewhere," he said.
Yo Clyde, it's one idiot in Indiana messing with your blood pressure, how about leaving the other 300 million of us Yanks out of it....?

oc

[Andrew Longman]

You'd think that TG would have learned how well it works to play his series against another. How many times was he successful at yanking an event from CART?

But of course he could actually give a rats ass if they race in Oz, regardless what that might mean for teams, sponsors and the series.

[stroker]

Is it just me, or has anyone else considered the possiblity that this is simply a way to get back at KK for his having had the audacity to purchase the remnants of CART? The sequence smacks of a healthy dose of SPITE the way I'm reading it.

[Kiwifan]

Similar to the Americas Cup imho, Big Boys with plenty of money not giving a rats arse about the fans. :(

A pox to them all. Surfers was a beautiful event, well supported by local fans and sponsors. Sigh, it's almost a crime. :flame:

Rusty.

[opinionated ow]

Yo Clyde, it's one idiot in Indiana messing with your blood pressure, how about leaving the other 300 million of us Yanks out of it....?

oc

Tony will have this event to himself. No other series are exactly angling to be a part of it!

[DagoFast]

Is it just me, or has anyone else considered the possiblity that this is simply a way to get back at KK for his having had the audacity to purchase the remnants of CART? The sequence smacks of a healthy dose of SPITE the way I'm reading it.

Yep. And ask why Cleveland ain't on the schedule. Cokeboi never forgets an insult.

[emjaya]

Which series? Australians have proven time and again to not be openwheel fans. Our only openwheel series are Formula 3 (The Australian Driver's Championship), Formula Ford and Formula Vee. While Formula 3 is fantastic, in this country if it doesn't contain Holden or Ford, nobody gives a rats arse

Strange, F1 and Champcar get good crowds and did so even when the Stuporcars weren't on the program. The Tasman series though the sixties, and the F5000 in the 70's, used to get big crowds . It was only when they went to a low power piss-ant spec series like Formula Pacific and the Formula Australia/Holden/Brabham/Holden/Formula 4000 powered by Holden/Formula 3000V6 crap that the crowds went away. Cams has not made a good decision with open wheel cars since 1960. It's been busy protecting the touring cars and raking in the manufacturers money.


Yo Clyde, it's one idiot in Indiana messing with your blood pressure, how about leaving the other 300 million of us Yanks out of it....?

oc

:D

Cochrane's a snake oil salesman. When the V8's stop making money, he will hitch up his wagon full of taxpayers cash and head off into the sunset.:irked:




Tony will have this event to himself. No other series are exactly angling to be a part of it!

QLD sports minister says 'no V8's alone, must have open wheeler race as well'

[opinionated ow]

Strange, F1 and Champcar get good crowds and did so even when the Stuporcars weren't on the program. The Tasman series though the sixties, and the F5000 in the 70's, used to get big crowds . It was only when they went to a low power piss-ant spec series like Formula Pacific and the Formula Australia/Holden/Brabham/Holden/Formula 4000 powered by Holden/Formula 3000V6 crap that the crowds went away. Cams has not made a good decision with open wheel cars since 1960. It's been busy protecting the touring cars and raking in the manufacturers money.

But all those people are either ageing significantly or no longer following motorsport. That crowd just doesn't exist anymore. Case in point: the year the AGP ran without the cabs.

[emjaya]

But all those people are either ageing significantly or no longer following motorsport. That crowd just doesn't exist anymore. Case in point: the year the AGP ran without the cabs.

You have been listening to Tony Cochrane again. :rolleyes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Grand_Prix#Recent_Attendance


Recent Attendance

An area of recent debate regarding the move of the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne is the dwindling crowd attendances. Crowd numbers have not peaked since the Melbourne record of 401,000 in 1996. This has resulted in many questioning whether the event is bringing the economic benefits first promised when it was announced Melbourne would host the race in 1993. A possible reason for the drop in attendance is that since the Grand Prix has moved to Melbourne, the race organisers have significantly decreased the number of support events at the Grand Prix. Instead of using the event to showcase Australian motor sport, many classes featured in the past have been replaced by celebrity and corporate sponsored events. For instance, while the Grand Prix Corporation has used the presence of Australian driver, Mark Webber, as an advertising draw card for the event, the class in which Mark first started coming to attention, Formula Ford, was dropped from the 2006 programme. Another factor possibly influencing the crowds in 2007 was the withdrawal of Australia's most popular domestic racing series, V8 Supercar, from the support program, although the size of the attendance drop from 2006 to 2007 does not support the assertion.

* 2008 - 303,000[2]
* 2007 - 301,000[3]
* 2006 - 301,500[4]
* 2005 - 359,000[5]
* 1996 - 401,000


It's been 28 years since Australia had a decent domestic open wheel series. And CAMS is not interested in anyone starting anything that will challenge the V8's.

[Corner5]

A1GP wants Gold Coast Indy-


AJ revs Coast to take A1 over Indy
Kathleen Donaghey

August 5th, 2008

FORMER Formula One world champion Alan Jones is energetically pushing his 'global' A1 Grand Prix as a better alternative to the 'parochial' American Indy Racing League.

With the Indy cars not yet a certainty for next year's event, Jones has leapt in, saying his race would put on a better show and tap into a bigger global audience of up to 700 million households.

And he says it would use only half the $11 million funding provided by the State Government.

Jones said the benefit for the Gold Coast would be tourists arriving from around the world, a bigger profile for the city internationally plus the drawcard of 'big name' drivers who are yet to be announced.

"I make no bones about it, we want to come here," said Jones, head of A1's Team Australia.

"There is no need to bow and scrape to the Americans and change the date.

"We have more than a better alternative. We blow them out of the water in every respect bar one -- the equity of the name 'Indy'.

"We have a much bigger global footprint than Champ Car ever has."

The future of Indy is under a cloud as the State Government and the IRL tussle over the October date next year, which the IRL wants changed to a time that would clash with the AFL and NRL grand final weekends.

This year's Gold Coast Indy carnival runs from October 23-26. The Sunday Indy race is not part of this year's championship, but rather an exhibition race and part of a non-championship International Cup which includes races in Canada, Japan and Germany.

Jones said A1GP could easily take Indy's place and would willingly step in for less cost.

The A1 series was in its fourth year and unlike the US-centric Indy, drew teams from 25 countries with races across the world including in China, South Africa, Italy and Indonesia.

According to A1, its series reaches a global audience almost double that of Indy, with the races beamed to almost every country.

Jones said A1's reach was second only to Formula One, the racing event that turned him into a household name when he was crowned world champion in 1980.

"It's an opportunity to reach a global audience because you don't want to rely on one country. We're watched all over the world. Our global footprint is enormous," said Jones.

All A1 teams drive the same Ferrari-powered, Michelin-tyred vehicles which Jones said created a level playing field where winners were made on skill, not financial backing.

A presentation has already been made to a representative from Queensland Events and to Indy chairman Terry Mackenroth.

"They have shown interest and thanked us very much for our time and the effort in the presentation," said Jones.

Premier Anna Bligh said Jones was welcome to put forward his case for the A1 international series.

"It is far too early to be speculating about any change in Indy's arrangements and I'm very confident that while we're seeing some of the usual argy-bargy around the development of the next contract, Indy is going to be a long-term player on the Gold Coast," she said.

"But if Alan Jones wants to come and talk to the Government about another event, then we're always willing to talk to people."

Mr Mackenroth confirmed a proposal had been received from Jones but said the concern was continuing negotiations with the IRL over a date.

Sport Minister Judy Spence also would not be drawn on A1.

Jones said unlike the IRL, the A1 would stick with the October race date.

"The event shouldn't be making concessions to anyone else," said Jones.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/08/05/14553_gold-coast-news.html

Lets see, less cost, no date change, global fans and ferrari, its a no brainer!

[cameraman]

They would have be absolute morans to pass on that deal:tony:

[dando]

A1GP wants Gold Coast Indy-


http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/08/05/14553_gold-coast-news.html

Lets see, less cost, no date change, global fans and ferrari, its a no brainer!

Brilliant! Another stroke of :tony: genius! :saywhat: :mad:

-Kevin

[Andrew Longman]

'parochial' American Indy Racing League.

And damn proud of it

:rofl:

[G.]

JHC! FTG's not even qualified to play Tball, let alone hardball.

Surfer's is DONE with AOWR.

[Sean Malone]

Penske didn't want to race outside of North America back in the '90's, why would that suddenly change? The only reason they go to Japan now is obvious.

[Gnam]

...the equity of the name 'Indy'
ain't what it used to be. :laugh:

I would warn the Aussie's to avoid being strung along like FTG did to Portland. Give the IRL a deadline to make a decision, and if they don't move on to A1GP.

[Don Quixote]

I would warn the Aussie's to avoid being strung along like FTG did to Portland. Give the IRL a deadline to make a decision, and if they don't move on to A1GP. And I would make said deadline this afternoon by 5:00.

[TravelGal]

And I would make said deadline this afternoon by 5:00.

:rofl::rofl:

edit: I've always wanted to go to Surfer's. Maybe there is hope yet.

[opinionated ow]

ain't what it used to be. :laugh:

I would warn the Aussie's to avoid being strung along like FTG did to Portland. Give the IRL a deadline to make a decision, and if they don't move on to A1GP.

The only person involved in A1GP who is angling for this is Alan Jones. If you believe industry rumour, he won't even have an aussie team in the series is year!

[pferrf1]

:rofl::rofl:

edit: I've always wanted to go to Surfer's. Maybe there is hope yet.

I've been.

Any series that wouldnt want to be a part of that event are utter and complete morons.

[Corner5]

More-


Sports Minister Spence fails to deliver promise in US trip

Steven Wardill
August 07, 2008 12:00am
QUEENSLAND'S Sports Minister Judy Spence is under fire over a $50,000 taxpayer-funded junket to the US in May.

Records show that on the trip she watched the Indianapolis 500, attended an LA Lakers game and even flew in a police helicopter while it was on pursuit.

But she failed to come back with the one thing she had promised to go there to do - obtain a signature on a contract to secure the Gold Coast Indy race for the next six years.

Letters obtained by The Courier-Mail reveal Ms Spence wrote to Premier Anna Bligh in April requesting permission to travel to the US to sign an Indy contract.

Ms Spence was granted approval but returned from the 10-day trip without the promised contract which has still not been signed, leaving the Indy event in limbo.

Sources within the racing industry believe such a deal in May was fanciful given the newly-merged Indy Racing League appears luke warm on the event and is demanding a change of race date.

In a written statement, Ms Spence, who faces a looming pre-selection fight to remain in Parliament, yesterday conceded she had only been "hopeful" of securing the race but insisted the trip was beneficial for building relationships.

"There were still negotiations continuing on some points within the (contract), including television rights, television coverage, and facilities," she said.

"While these points could not be finalised, the trip was still a valuable exercise."

But Ms Spence's letter to the Premier makes no mention of further negotiations necessary to land a deal. In it she states the trip's purpose was to "sign the new Indy Racing League Sanction Agreement between the Gold Coast Motor Events Company and the Indy Racing League, securing Indy car racing for the Gold Coast through to 2013 inclusive".

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg questioned whether Ms Spence ever believed she would sign the agreement or if this was an excuse for a junket.

Mr Springborg said Queensland was already paying former premier Peter Beattie handsomely as Queensland's LA-based trade commissioner to build relationships.

"It seems the minister was able to support the Lakers Basketball team, but not the Bullets, fly in an LAPD helicopter while refusing to provide one for the Queensland Police and attend the Indy 500 but let the Gold Coast Indy collapse," he said.

However, Ms Bligh defended the Minister.

"Clearly the purpose of Minister Spence's trip was to negotiate an agreement, finalise and sign it," she said. "When she arrived and held the negotiations there were further matters that needed to be resolved between the parties."

Ms Spence travelled with her policy adviser and Labor branch secretary Simon Tutt and Gold Coast Indy chair and fellow Old Guard faction member Terry Mackenroth, whose costs were covered separately.

She did meet with IRL supremo Tony George but her travel report does not state the deal could not be signed, only that it was "successful".


This isn't her fault. TG doesn't want this race. It was a waste of money to go running after him, he wasn't going to sign anything. Now they have his ultimatum. Get a clue! :shakehead

[cameraman]

Glad to see that another country's political system is every bit as ****** in the head as ours is:shakehead I'd hate to be alone...

[Insomniac]

More-


This isn't her fault. TG doesn't want this race. It was a waste of money to go running after him, he wasn't going to sign anything. Now they have his ultimatum. Get a clue! :shakehead

$50k for a 10 day trip to the U.S.?

[G.]

Has FTG ever been to the Surfer's Indy?

I thought that he went last year, but I misremember lots of stuff.

[Andrew Longman]

Has FTG ever been to the Surfer's Indy?.

The IRL was announced on Surfers Weekend in 1994, but I don't think he was there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erHQmiqD8BI

Sorry to bring up bad memories. What an idiot. :rolleyes:

[Gnam]

$50k for a 10 day trip to the U.S.?
Indy tickets ain't cheep. :gomer:

[Ankf00]

$50k for a 10 day trip to the U.S.?

man it feels good to be a gangsta ;)

[emjaya]

Glad to see that another country's political system is every bit as ****** in the head as ours is:shakehead I'd hate to be alone...

Thank you. :)

[miatanut]

The IRL was announced on Surfers Weekend in 1994, but I don't think he was there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erHQmiqD8BI

Sorry to bring up bad memories. What an idiot. :rolleyes:

I posted that one at another forum recently, and one of the :gomer:s said 'What does that have to do with a series that didn't start until two years later!"

Yeah, Tony saying 'I'm going to start my own series if you all don't do what I want' had nothing to do with the formation of the IRL! :gomer::gomer:

[oddlycalm]

Any series that wouldnt want to be a part of that event are utter and complete morons.
You have to admit, there is remarkable consistancy to their decisions.....:tony:

oc

[NismoZ]

I watched and taped that '94 Surfers race and FTG was interviewed, I thought, AT the event. I'll go dig it up. Want any brilliant quotes?:D Gn, DQ, and C5 are exactly right, FTG and Co. do not want to be there and the Aussies would be well advised to move on...but not TOO quickly. I firmly believe :tony: is looking for any excuse to ditch the place THIS season! I hope the "fine" for not showing up is higher the the amount he'd save by not going. Man, I hate that guy. Would love to see ICS at Surfers, though.:(

[NismoZ]

Oh, and WHY doesn't :yuck::tony: want to go? Has nothing to do with expense, little to do with event dates but EVERYthing to do with the very real threat that The Indy there could eclipse the "indy" here...in worldwide popularity, in attendence, in TV ratings or by almost any measurement. I'm certain you all remember why he was posturing back in '94 and it certainly didn't have anything to do with racing dentists, dirt trackers or creating "The Tiger Woods Of Auto Racing." Putz. ( I'm thinking if he'd announced it was all about giving more foreign drivers, manufacturers, and events a chance to make the ICS bigger than F-1 or CRASHCAR, things might have gone more smoothly? Naahhhh.)

[Michaelhatesfans]

Would love to see ICS at Surfers, though.:(

Why?

[Chaos]

Is this really any surprise? I had a feeling the IRL was not going to be back in Australia simply for the reason of the October race date.

If this race results in KK losing his team, so be it. I really don't think TG cares one way or another.

[stroker]

Is this really any surprise? I had a feeling the IRL was not going to be back in Australia simply for the reason of the October race date.

If this race results in KK losing his team, so be it. I really don't think TG cares one way or another.

I think KK losing his team was the intended result.

[Chaos]

I think KK losing his team was the intended result.

I don't think so. But I don't think TG will cry if it happens.

[TravelGal]

I think KK losing his team was the intended result.


I don't think so. But I don't think TG will cry if it happens.

Good points. I doubt TG could think that far ahead but Penske could. He doesn't want to be the big cheese, he wants to be the only cheese so having KK around must be a huge irritant.

[NismoZ]

I guess because I'm a sucker for tradition, the old days, the international flavor, hopes for a better series future and if I ever get there before I die, as I'd so much like to do, I'd rather see them than A1, F-3, SuperLeague or whatever. Not too complicated. I would not cheer the fact of them being dropped or forced out, however it seems logical that will happen. Neither is Tony Kanaan a Michael Andretti or Bruno a Chip Fatassi. I'd still like to see either one of them win an ICS title, Surfers OR the I500. I can still differentiate.

[NismoZ]

The League has just confirmed 24 cars for the "Indy" and says they are "really looking forward to going.":gomer: Maybe that's a bargaining ploy?:rofl:

[Robstar]

Probably says something about my apathy this season but... When TF was Nikon (http://www.indy.com.au/newsletter/standard.cfm?id=57) announced?

[SurfaceUnits]

Australia under threat?
IndyCar Series teams are not thrilled with the financial prospect of racing in Australia on Oct. 26. Various team officials say they still don't know how much money they will receive for making the trip but have been told it will be between $10,000 and $30,000 per car. That's not enough, they say.

They estimate it will cost $100,000 per car (assuming that no crash damage occurs in the race), and teams will only be able to bring a skeleton crew, since they will receive just 15 airline tickets--and those are only from Los Angeles, meaning that they would have to pay their own way to reach L.A.

The Indy Racing League officially added the former Champ Car World Series race to its schedule in July, but the event has always been scheduled as a non-points-paying race to cap the season on Oct. 26.

[emjaya]

Probably says something about my apathy this season but... When TF was Nikon (http://www.indy.com.au/newsletter/standard.cfm?id=57) announced?

Maybe, but I missed it as well and Surfers stuff is normally given a good plug on the news and in the Courier Mail. :confused:

[cameraman]

Oh my word:eek::eek::eek:


Globally recognised for setting new standards in product design and performance, the new partnership brings Nikon together with the event widely regarded as a ‘crown jewel’ in international motorsport.

[Ed_Severson]

Good points. I doubt TG could think that far ahead but Penske could. He doesn't want to be the big cheese, he wants to be the only cheese so having KK around must be a huge irritant.

Something tells me Roger Penske doesn't lie awake at night worrying about Kevin Kalkhoven posing a threat to anything he's doing in motorsports.

[oddlycalm]

It's all words at this point. Once the fans at Surfers have seen how bog slow the crapwagons are on a street course nobody will be calling for them to come back. Those frickin things look like they on a pace car lap at full race speed. I'll be surprised if people weren't laughing and throwing stuff, especially after the 5th extended caution period. :gomer:

oc

[TravelGal]

Something tells me Roger Penske doesn't lie awake at night worrying about Kevin Kalkhoven posing a threat to anything he's doing in motorsports.

Point taken but egos are egos. KK may not pose a threat to anything Penske is doing in motorsports. He poses a threat as another very rich ego that tries to manipulate things--even if he doesn't succeed.