IRL Silly Season

UPDATE A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, As usual you are spot on. The fact that former Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice had no ride in the IRL for next year shows just how meaningless it is to win the Indy 500. Tony George has indeed destroyed his sport. I am glad to see Forsythe give him a chance. The momentum has definitely shifted Champ Car's way. I sure hope they come back to Europe. Alfredo Pasterelli, Rome, Italy

Dear Alfredo, You may get your wish as it appears Champ Car is close to announcing two European races for next year, one apparently in Assen, Holland. Mark C.

10/27/06 We never did start a 2007 IRL Silly Season page because there isn't much movement or interest in the IRL. Here's how the 2007 lineup appears to shake out.

Penske Racing – Castroneves and Hornish
Ganassi Racing – Wheldon and Dixon
Andretti Green – Andretti, Patrick, Kanaan and Franchitti
Rahal Letterman – Simmons and Sharp
Vision – Carpenter and Scheckter
Panther – Meira
Foyt – Bucknum
Dreyer & Reinbold – Eyeing Champ Car, future doubtful
Fernandez – May be doing ALMS only – future doubtful

Not many cars and some of the above are doubtful. At this juncture there is a lot of uncertainty with the IRL and its future as momentum appears to have shifted toward Champ Car which is going to grow and become even stronger in 2007 with a car count of 22 to 24 cars minimum.