one last thought

I have kept quiet during this time because I was waiting to see what the developments would be with this “merger’ before I spoke out. Much like you I heard the rumors, read the speculations and listened to Robin Miller. I waited anxiously as the proceedings were taking place. And, frankly, was heartbroken when I heard that Tony George took everything from Champ Car. I have been in ‘mourning’ with apologies to anybody who has lost a loved one, but its how I have genuinely felt over the last few weeks. Never mind the fact that I was about to assume the opportunity of a life time, career-wise. This news has affected me much deeper than simply professional, as now I have to realize that I have lost so many friends, so many ‘family’ members and not to mention some of the most beautiful sounding automobiles in the world.

Perhaps the part that has angered me the most is the massive layoffs that took place at Champ Car headquarters. These were my friends and colleagues who worked so hard for so many years only to have their careers end abruptly. I would have at least hoped that this ‘merger’ meant that many Champ Car jobs would be saved. But it was clearly not this way. The IndyCar racing league has their own staff with no wiggle room. As much as Tony George and the gang have put a positive spin on this take-over, the bottom line is that it’s extremely negative for so many people.

While in my heart of hearts I truly hope this is the best thing for the sport that I fell in love with, I am truly angry at the way it took place. This was not the best way to get the series together. Heck it wasn’t the 4th or 5th best way. I want to be happy for these events, but I can’t. I am angry and will remain angry for some time. And again, it’s not because it cost me an opportunity of a lifetime. This upcoming champ car season was going to be a landmark season for me professionally, but instead it’s nothing. And, like so many people at CC, I am nothing to the folks at IndyCar racing who appear at this point to care less about anybody who was associated with Champ Car unless they bring cars to their series.

It’s been very interesting up here in Toronto. The merger announcement made news, the cancellation of the Toronto race made news. But the reality is that Champ Car is dead and won’t return. People up here know this sport much more than just peripherally. They never paid attention to the IRL, have complained about the cars and at the end of the day, oval racing is foreign to them. It’s a darn shame the Toronto GP was lost and while it could return next year, a lot of people are bitter about the cancellation and feel ripped off. It’s going to be tough for them to recoup next year.

I want to thank all of you for the emails you sent me during this difficult period. Racing has been wonderfully kind to me over the years, as have all of you. Its time for me to leave my love and try and find a new one. The fact that I was able to spend my 20’s traveling, meeting great people and working in an incredibly satisfying environment is something I will always cherish. Open-wheel fans taught me what passion for something is all about. I thank you for that.