FYI:

Source: MotorSports.com

Series statement on open-wheel unification
Racing series ALMS
Date 2008-02-22
AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING OPEN WHEEL UNIFICATION

"IMSA and the American Le Mans Series have been monitoring the talks between the owners of the Champ Car World Series and the Indy Racing League very closely. We have enjoyed good relations with both. However, instability in the business of auto racing is bad for everyone concerned. We hope that the events of recent days lead to a more stable situation; one where teams, promoters, sponsors and fans can invest their time and money back into the sport. Ultimately this would be the best resolution for all of us, including the American Le Mans Series.

"For 2008 we have six of our twelve races slated to be shared with the two open wheel racing series, three with CCWS and three with the IRL. We have been asked by many to speculate on how this transition will affect these events, and other aspects of our business, including the four development series that we are proud to sanction. Many details have yet to be worked out, so it is simply too soon to know all of these answers, and we do not think it is productive to speculate. However, we believe that it will affect our participation in the events very little. We have run successful events at many of these venues with and without the open wheel series. We are currently working on the promotion of all twelve of our events, and will continue to do so. We have a growing series with incredible drivers, teams, manufacturers and sponsors, a stable relationship with the event promoters and with the television broadcasters, and we look forward to displaying our great racing, at all of the venues on our schedule.

"Finally, we look forward to working with the combined open wheel series, to continuing to promote the sport of auto racing and to serving our fans."

Tim Mayer
Chief Operating Officer, International Motor Sports Association & American Le Mans Series

-credit: alms

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From AutoWeek.com

The Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series have scheduled a press conference for Wednesday, Feb. 27, to discuss the unification of the two groups into one open-wheel racing series.

Speakers at the press conference will be IRL founder Tony George and Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. The event is set to begin at 12:15 p.m. at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

People can see the press conference streamed live at IndyCar.com. The event will also be broadcast by ESPNnews and Speed Channel.

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