IRL will absorb Champ Car in completed open-wheel deal

Posted February 21, 2008 10:00 pm

Associated Press

The Indy Racing League and the Champ Car World Series signed a deal Friday to unify the two American open-wheel series.

The agreement ends a 12-year conflict, bringing the two series under the umbrella of the IRL. The deal is expected to bring at least six current Champ Car teams into the IRL's IndyCar Series in time for the season-opening race at Homestead on March 29.

Champ Car co-owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe signed the agreement with IRL founder Tony George, IRL spokesman John Griffin said. Kalkhoven signed Thursday night, and George then flew to Chicago to get Forsythe's signature.

Griffin said details will be forthcoming in a news conference next week. Earlier in the day, it appeared the talks might be stalled when Kalkhoven left without comment.

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