David Phillips My Least Favorite Writer

David, you have finally – er at last you have – er your latest article about a getting together – er - merger of Champ Car and the IRL by a group of open – er racing – er fans of OWR called OWLs – er Open Wheel Loyalists was – er pitiful.

The last – er thing we need is some – er pundit – er writer – er …………. is another story about a merger – er …………… especially an imaginary one.

WickerBill Sez;

See for yourself http://www.speedtv.com/commentary/32881/

ALMS Double Headers With CCWS

The ALMS schedule just out shows ALMS races with CCWS at Long Beach, Houston and Road America.

ALMS races will be on Saturday preceding the Champ Car race on Sunday.


WickerBill Sez;

I wonder how the divy up the take? Does each series get their usual sanctioning fee? Wouldn't that make it more expensive for the promoter?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant OK for Champ Cars?

After viewing the Mont Tremblat web site and taking the video lap of the track I have certain reservations about this track.

First of all it looks like a fun track to drive.

But, it looks dangerous - not enough gravel traps, no catch fencing and the Armco is too close to the track in places.

I couldn't see any permant seating during the one lap video.

My biggest fear is that some one will get hurt at this race!

Perhaps some of our Canadian friends can comment?

http://www.lecircuit.com/en/track.htm you can also download a nice PDF of the track.

Champ Car 2007 Schedule Released

15 Race 2007 Champ Car World Series Schedule


April 8 Las Vegas, Nevada
April 15 Long Beach, California
April 22 Houston, Texas
May 20 Zhuhai, China
June 10 Portland, Oregon
June 24 Cleveland, Ohio
July 1 St. Jovite, Canada
July 8 Toronto, Canada
July 22 Edmonton, Canada
July 29 San Jose, California
Aug. 12 Road America Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Aug. 19 Denver, Colorado
Oct. 21 Surfers Paradise, Australia
Nov 11 Mexico City, Mexico
Dec. 2 Phoenix, Arizona

Events in BOLD are new races for the 2007 season


WickerBill Sez;

The China date suggests that there will likely not be any teams entering the Brokeback Indy this year confirming the word in the paddock that none are interested. I question the December 2 date for a race anywhere, it's not a good date for an American open wheel race. The St, Jovite race - Humm we'll see. Finally Road America gets the date it deserves, snow tires not needed.

Gelles Racing to Champ Car

Gelles to run two entries in CCWS

"We’re very excited about our commitment to run two cars in the Champ Car World Series next year, Bob Gelles said. I have been trying to put together my own ladder system for four years and 2007 will see us with six drivers in BMW USA, four in Champ Car Atlantic and two in World Series, a perfect tier system. With the new Panoz DP-01 chassis together with the new competition regulations, even a rookie team can be competitive in CCWS. Kevin Kalkhoven convinced me the CCWS was heading in the right direction.”


WickerBill Sez;

Car count 07
Let's Score this one "In the Bag"

Pacific Coast Motorsports Coming to Champ Car

PCM has announced a two car effort beginning next season and they have drivers. Alex Figge and Ryan Dalziel will drive for the team. Tom Figge, owner of PCM started out as an Atlantic team in 2003 and captured the title in 2004 with Jon Fogarty.

"We started in open wheel racing and we never wanted to leave it but with the state of open wheel two years ago Tom opted to stay in road racing and try Grand Am," said Tyler Tadevic, team director for PCM. "Buying a Lola and trying to come in cold and compete with Newman/Haas and Forsythe didn't seem too practical either.

"Obviously, the new Champ Car evens things out and Kevin seems to have a good business plan so here we are. We've got two good, young drivers, some commercial partners we will be announcing soon and a three-year plan."

WickerBill sez;

Car count 07
Let's score this one "In the Bag"
A three year plan eh? Hope that is commercial partners for three years!

Red Bull and Klien to Champ Car

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has told Austrian Christian Klien to pack his bag and head for the US. Klien has lost his F1 Ride with the Torro Rosso team. The new ride would be a Red Bull sponsored Panoz DP-01 Champ Car for the 2007 season.

It is believed that RB is in talks with PKV about the ride for Klien. The RB ride may not be entirely dependent on Klien accepting the offer; apparently the ride could go to the current RB test driver Neel Jani if klien declines.

WickerBill sez;

Car count 07
Let's score this one a "likely to happen"