Honda's Clarke optimistic of merger
Senior Honda advisor Robert Clarke is optimistic that an agreement on the Indy Racing League's proposed merger with Champ Car will be reached after promising talks were held in Japan yesterday
IRL officials were hoping to convince the Japanese manufacturer to agree to move the race at its Motegi circuit to another date, to allow the Champ Car round at Long Beach on April 19 to be incorporated into the IRL schedule.
American newspaper the Indianapolis Star today suggested that Honda have accepted one of IRL boss Tony George's suggestions for a rescheduled event, after Clarke told them: "It was a good meeting. I don't see any reason not to be optimistic."
Clarke refused to confirm that any deal had been reached, saying that George must answer the questions.
But the series boss gave no further comment to the Indy Star than "nothing is going to happen quickly, if at all."
George is due back in America later today to discuss the result of the meeting in Japan with other senior IRL and Champ Car officials.
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