Where will Matos take his $2M?

UPDATE A reader writes, Unbelievable. Would they really let the Atlantic champ bring his money to Kalkhoven's team? Hell, might as well just keep his check, while the other teams (who need the $2M more) fight for scraps. What kind of message does this send to the other team owners when the owners of the series keep the Red Bull money for themselves, don't commit to a second car until the 11th hour (Forsythe), sign a funded driver in Gommendy (PKV) and now keep the $2M for themselves. This is why self-serving team owners should not be running a race series. Janet Pomroy, Detroit

Dear Janet, First of all it is just a rumor that Matos will take his $2M to PKV. And if he does, then that will be $2M that Kalkhoven can spend elsewhere on the series. For example he could use it toward high-definition TV next year, more marketing for the series, or wherever else he deems necessary. As long as any of the teams are not 100% self-sufficient, at the end of the day the series owners are going to have to help out to ensure a full grid.

The bottom line is that Champ Car has great events, and the competition and level of driver skill is second to none. It's biggest weak spot continues to be on the commercial side and its inability to attract more sponsorship. Driver turnover year-to-year and cancelling races like China and South Korea (regardless of who was at fault) only hurts their credibility. These issues, 1) sponsorship for the series and the teams, 2) schedule stability, and 3) driver stability will be the key issues for the series long-term survival. Mark C.

07/29/07 A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, It appears to be a foregone conclusion that Raphael Matos will win the Champ Car Atlantic championship this year, and with it the $2 million prize for a Champ Car seat in 2008. Who will he drive for in the Champ Cars? Ernie Martin

Dear Ernie, We agree that Matos appears to be a shoe-in to win the title, but Franck Perera does have an outside shot. We'll know better after today's race in San Jose where Matos could possibly clinch. As for who he would then drive for in 2008, we heard PKV Racing most likely and although we're sure he would love to take Sebastien Bourdais' seat at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, we're pretty sure the team would never have two inexperienced drivers in Matos and Rahal……so although we heard that rumor, rest assured it probably won't happen. Mark C.