MOre IRL Merger Fallout

[cosworth151]

The latest domino to fall in the wake of the IRL/Champ Car merger. The Grand Prix of Houston has been cancelled.

The Grand Prix of Houston was a night street race that helped prove that such a race was technically possible. It was a two event week-end, with both Champ Car and American Le Mans Series races. The promoters couldn't put on the ALMS race without the Champ Car event. They hope to bring the event back next year with a joint IRL/ALMS week-end.

http://www.grandprixofhouston.com/

http://www.americanlemans.com/news/Article.aspx?ID=3945

The race is put on by the same people who put on the Cleveland Champ Car race at Burke Lakefront Airport.

[Scott]

Another one bites the dust...goodbye Toronto race after 22 years:

http://sports.sympatico.msn.ca/Others/Auto_Racing/ContentPosting.htm?newsitemid=27574020&feedname=CP_EN-AUTORACING&show=true&number=6&showbyline=true&abc=abc

[cosworth151]

The last minute nature of the merger is the major factor in the scheduling mess. Hopefully this can be sorted out for the 2009 season. I think the Toronto, Laguna Seca and Road Atlanta stand a good chance of making the cut next year. Sadly for me, I can't see Cleveland coming back.

[Scott]

Considering the promoters, support businesses, volunteers and fans, it's a shame they didn't try to negotiate anything other than the money.

I hope you're right about it making it back on the schedule for '09, but I'm sure it won't be the same show.