Deal clears way for single open-wheel series in America

The open-wheel deal that had to happen finally did.

The Indy Racing League and the Champ Car World Series completed a deal Friday to unify the two American open-wheel circuits, bringing them under the umbrella of the IRL.

"I'm glad that they were able to get it done," said A.J. Foyt, the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and an IRL team owner. "It'll eliminate the confusion for the race fans and the sponsors because there'll be just one type of car and one type of motor and everyone will be running together. May the best team win."

After 12 years of bitter rivalry that confused fans, promoted apathy and nearly buried the sport, Champ Car agreed to cease operations, giving the surviving IRL the opportunity to rebuild open-wheel's lost prestige.

"This is a very good day for American open-wheel racing," said Chip Ganassi, who has owned teams in both series and is now in the IRL. "It has taken a long time to get to this point, but that is all water under the bridge. The only thing that matters is that we are back together.

"But, as I have said many times, this is only the start. We have a lot of work to do - but I can tell you that I am thrilled to get working."

The deal, which has been in the works for about two weeks, was announced Friday in Indianapolis, where both series have their headquarters.

A statement was released, saying, "Owners of Champ Car and the Indy Racing League completed an agreement in principle Friday that will unify the sport for 2008.

"Gerald Forsythe, co-owner of Champ Car, signed an agreement in principle in Chicago, joining his partner Kevin Kalkhoven and Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George who had signed late Thursday in Indianapolis."

IRL spokesman John Griffin said details will be forthcoming in a news conference next week.

"I think it's great," said Dario Franchitti, who won the 2007 Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar championship before heading for NASCAR.

"There's a part of me that thinks I wish it had happened five years ago. For my friends in the IRL, my friends in the Champ Car series, I think it's fantastic because they'll all get to race together in one series. From that point, I'm really happy and as a race fan, I'm happy."

Bobby Rahal, another Indy 500 winner who won three championships in what was then the CART series, and is now co-owner of an IRL team, welcomed news of the agreement.