Is Michael Headed to the IRL?

First it was Al Unser, Jr., making the jump to the Indy Northern Lights Racing Series. As this very popular driver returned to the Indianapolis 500 for the first time in several years, speculation abounded that other drivers would make the switch, at least for that one race. There's something about Indy! Plain and simple! It isn't called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" for no reason, and "Little Al" made a decision that may have influenced the fate of the IRL forever. He came home!

Now, another of the big names in racing is rumored to be returning. What is Indy without an Unser and an Andretti? Not a John, but a Michael. Yes, rumor has it that Michael Andretti, the best known name in CART is considering the switch to the IRL for next season. It seems that Carl Haas, the co-owner of the KMart team chose not to renew Michael's contract and it is rumored in racing circles that Northern Light has sweetened the pot for a return to Indianapolis with a $20 million, 3 year contract. The wild card in this picture is Chip Ganassi, owner of the Target team, who might be willing to ante up $8-10 million to put together a team for Michael. He recently released Jimmy Vassar, which would lead to a spot on the team for Michael, if he opted to stay in CART.

If a change indeed takes place, it could swing the balance of power in open-wheeled racing to the IRL and Tony George. CART has experienced defections to the Formula One ranks by Jacques Villeneuve, and rumors of Alex Zanardi and the 2000 Indy 500 Champion Juan Montoya moving to F-1 next season. If true, these moves will take away a lot of the "Names" that drew big crowds at CART races, and that, coupled with Montoya's win at Indianapolis this year and the Unser defection, could indeed lead to a shift in the power structure.

Whatever happens, the possible moves make it a certainty that the 2001 racing season will be an exciting one, full of drama both on and off the track. Even if an "official" change from CART to IRL doesn't take place, if Michael Andretti goes with the Target Team, there will be a Ganassi car there defending the title, and a familiar name will be in the cockpit. And that will be a real treat for racing fans around the world. Wouldn't it be nice to see an Unser - Andretti battle for the checkered flag in 2001? Only time will tell!

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