The Other Shoe
Hey, we all knew it was coming. Every pundit on the 'Net was speculating about the ramifications for CART after Team Penske moved to the IRL. In other words, it was a given that Marlboro -- the people that sell the cancer sticks to earn the money to finance the team -- wanted its logo featured in the USA market.
And so why are we surprised?
Well, for one reason, Roger Penske and CART were synonmous. Penske was a major player in the creation of the series back in the bad old days when the moneyed team owners got fed up with USAC, the long-time sanctioning body for champ car open wheel racing in the USA.
Personally, my wild guess is the two series will eventually merge. The fans' desire to see big open wheel champ cars on road and street courses is not going to diminish anymore than the desire to see them on high speed ovals. Right now, the IRL gang only turns left. But think of the great road course venues in the USA -- Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, Elkhart Lake, Laguna Seca, and even Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport. I think we're headed for an alliance, with some teams choosing road and street courses, some ovals, some a few of both, and all of them seeking glory at the Indy 500.
Team Penske to Compete in the Indy Racing League Series in 2002
READING, PA - - Penske Racing, Inc. announced plans today to field two Marlboro Team Penske entries to compete exclusively in all Indy Racing League series races during the 2002 season, including the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The cars will be driven by two-time defending CART FedEx Championship Series champion Gil de Ferran and Helio Castroneves, winner of the 2001 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Details about the Team’s 2002 chassis and engine combination will be released later. Penske Racing, Inc.’s plans do not include participation in any other open wheel racing series during the 2002 season.
"We plan to compete in all Indy Racing League series races in 2002, in addition to the Indy 500. It was a decision made with our principal sponsor based on our collective business interests and objectives for 2002," said Tim Cindric, President, Penske Racing, Inc.
"We have enjoyed Marlboro Team Penske’s tremendous successes in the CART series over the years and we have developed special relationships with the CART community," said Ina Broeman, Category Director, Marlboro Racing, Philip Morris U.S.A. "However, since Philip Morris U.S.A. only markets its products within the United States and its territories and our intent is to communicate with adult smokers who attend races in the United States, we believe that the IRL is more closely aligned with our business interests and objectives for 2002."
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