Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

• "Relax. Light up. Here's some good news." Canadian newspapers and other sources are reporting that Team Kool Green will stick with CART for 2002. About 2003 and beyond, there's no word, but, like Marlboro, Kool is a coffin-nail with most of its market in the USA ... where the IRL runs its races. That decision keeps Paul Tracy, Dario Franchitti, and Michael Andretti in CART for the present.
• "Let's see the fine print on that contract, Joe." Egard! What would we do in the off-season without the rumor mill pounding out the alledged truth. And this week that truth is that Joseph Hietzler, the present CART CEO, isn't going to have much support when the boards meet this week in Arizona.
• What kinda name is Pook? Everybody and his brother, especially if his brother is Robin Miller, is reporting Chris Pook, once a CART mainstay will have Joe's job when the dust settles this week.
• "Is that Memo or Bruno peeking over the fence?" Team Target Chip Ganassi had newly-hired Kenny Brack behind the wheel of a Lola/Toyota (last season's model) at the Phoenix oval over the last few days turning a few practice laps. No word yet on who'll fill the second Target seat.
• "Chevy? Anyone got a small block Chevy?" Word around the 'Net is that Toyota will be down to 6 teams in CART next year, which (as you'll remember) is the bail-out season for the Japanese automaker. PacWest swtiched from 'yotas to Hondas for the 2002, and the rumor mill suggests Toyota went looking for another team to run their gear. I guess leaving with the championship trophy is important to them.
• All these drivers, and no sponsors ... Team Rahal still has an open seat, as does Team Target Chip Ganassi. And there are drivers out there looking for rides. The problem is the owners need sponsor money, and the economy has stumbled over the last few months. How bad has it gotten? Byran Herta is thinking of signing on as an F-1 test driver.
• Go, Alex, go!" Reports around the 'Net say that Alex Zanardi is progressing quickly in his recovery from the traumatic amputation of his legs during the CART race in Germany. He's driving a car equipped with hand controls and motoring to physical therapy regularly. He's still using a wheelchair but will soon be on artificial limbs.
• Motorin' down to F L A There are three new venues on the 2002 CART schedule -- Mexico City, Montreal, and Denver -- and there's a chance for a fourth. But it's a street race. Negotiations are underway to have the champ car teams turn left and right on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. I expect that's a good place to stock up on cool-suits and rain tires.