New CEO decision 'within two weeks'

Rahal took on the post on a 'caretaker' basis after Andrew Craig was ousted in June. Despite calls for the former champion driver to continue in the role, Rahal is leaving the position to run Jaguar's Formula One outfit.

He revealed that eight candidates for the post had been interviewed in the past week, with another interview due to take place this evening. It is believed that the latter meeting will be with Long Beach promoter Chris Pook, the frontrunner for the job and a favourite with the CART teams.

"My hope is that by November 15 we'll know who our new CEO is," Rahal said.

He refused to name any names but suggested a man with Pook's background would fit the requirements.

"It's clear that the future of this sport is entertainment," he explained. "When you look at our most successful events, they're more than just races. Our events have to be 'happenings' like Surfers Paradise, Long Beach and Toronto.

"If we don't consider ourselves first and foremost entertainment, we won't grow, because every other sport realises it."