the house the mouse built!

What a busy couple of days in the world of Champ car, but I guess that’s what silly season is all about. How refreshing is it to be a champ car fan these days. I’ll admit I was as surprised as anyone about the deal that Champ Car signed with ABC/ESPN. I can’t think of anything negative on this deal. I mean, ESPN is king, let’s not kid ourselves and for us to be back on that network just goes to show you how intelligent and diligent the three amigos are at making this series as successful as possible. Getting back on ESPN is huge. Now the series needs to work on eventually getting at the top of their priority list. Naturally, it will be lower at the beginning. Races on ESPN 2 are to be expected, and we cannot expect to be the lead story on Sportscenter, just because we’re on their network. There is still a lot of work to do in terms of growth, but arguably this is as good as it can possibly get right now. My favorite part of this deal is the fact that they are showing or going to show some Atlantic races. To me, this shows commitment on their part in this deal. I always liked the Atlantics on Speed, I think it’s the perfect home for them, so if the Atlantics find themselves on both channels, all the better for them. But, bottom line for the champ cars is that being on ONE channel consistently is very important for reaching casual viewers. Of course, now we are also going to battle the IRL In the ratings game and in advertising dollars because we are literally sharing a spot. I know not too many races go literally head to head, but we’re on the same network now, part of the (yikes) same family. What a move though, almost blindsiding everybody with this huge announcement! Hopefully the series can be featured in the Mag and everywhere else in the many ABC outlets.

Alex Tagliani is out of a ride at Team Australia according to reports, but he appears to be the front runner to return to Rocket Sports and has had discussions with PKV. This is what silly season is all about. While I feel bad for Alex for being dropped by Team Australia, you can’t blame them for wanting two Aussie drivers. Of course, what happens with Pagenaud now? I’m going to make a prediction that is totally based on nothing. This theory I am about to lie out for you has no professional basis, but I am going to say it anyway (isn’t that what Robin usually does anyway?). I think you’ll have Nelson Philippe, Simon Pagenaud team up with Legge at PKV racing in 2007. I suspect that Newman/Haas will stick with Bourdais and Rahal and that Forsythe will go with Tracy and Buddy. Pagenaud holds a lot of cards with that 2 mil and therefore I think a three car PKV team will be in existence. Or is it just KV racing now? As for Alex? He’ll land back at Rocketsports.

I am not worried for Oriol Servia. Why? Because this seems to happen to the poor guy every year!! 7 years and 7 different teams. I feel bad for the guy because he’s never really had job security. On the other hand, he’s managed to stick around for 7 years. He’ll be somewhere in 2007. The other big name is Bruno Junquiera and, frankly, I am more worried for his future than Oriol’s despite the difference in their professional record. Unless Newman/Haas goes to a three-car team or Stoddart signs him in what is this supposed 4-car team with HVM, then I don’t think we’ll see Junky on the grid in 2007. I hope I’m wrong. He should be in the series, that’s a no-brainer.