http://www.speedtv.com/commentary/27120/

because I hold Mr. Philips with the highest regard, I thought I would post a link to his latest article. yes it deals with the merger, but it presents an interesting angle. its a good read.

my thoughts on it? I have almost given up thinking about a merger. I continue to be fascinated by the whole process and all the rumors that continue to e-merge on the surface, but frankly I, like everybody else not directly involve, have no idea what is going on anymore. While I still think one series is best, if neither parties are willing to bend, then ultimately its not going to happen. What David's article above points out is the reality that not everybody will be 100 percent happy and there will be many kinks to fix, even after the merge is complete. But better to get it done and then work out the details down the road. If, after the first race of the season there are things to work out (which there will be, of course), work them out. the bottom line is that the BIG picture and the future is bright with one series. Short term pain for long term gain. Of course, if all their big teams decide to leave the series, as has been rumored, then we can put that series to rest. It may be the only way to achieve one series.

did I tell you I spent a night in a Minneapolis hotel room with Nelson Philippe, the Face of Champcar and some intern at tech? our flight from Portland was delayed several hours, so all our flights to our final destination were postponned until the next day. With 50 or so people yelling and panicking in Minneapolis (we were promised free hotel rooms, naturally NW didn't have any), I got my cellphone out, called a hotel and the four of us were on are way. It was certainly an interesting bunch. I'll try to get some photos from Nelson, he was taking a bunch. Got to know Nelson on a more intimate level and the kid has got his head on straight. considering his background with all that money, he's very level-headed and grounded. I didn't realize that he was in line for that Forsythe seat at the beginning of the year either.
Also got to know the Face. And if you read this, you know I am critical of the pageant and, thefore by default, of its contestants. Brandi also appears to have her head on straight and as far as I can tell, isn't a racerchaser like 95% of the pageant entries. I think i'll get an interview with her some time and get to know her more. she's definitely a good representative. If ChampCar insists on having a "face of champcar" rep, then i'm glad its her.