Chassis situation unclear for 2003

The IRL's intention to restrict the number of chassis suppliers for the all-oval series could have an impact on CART if the IRL also dictates as expected that its suppliers cannot sell their chassis in another series.

"The chassis manufacturer situation is in a bit of flux," said CART's vice-preseident of racing operations John Lopes. "We have stated that we would like to have a certain amount of commonality with the engine and chassis. It's on the front burner for us right now, and I would say that the picture will take shape in the next 3-4 weeks.

"We are not interested in being a single supplier series," he added. "Our intent is to have as much participation as possible while still creating a viable business model for the chassis manufacturers so they can make money in our series."

CART Chief Executive Officer Chris Pook commented on the IRL's move to block manufacturers from participating in both American series.

"We're just going to see how things play out in the next few days," Pook said. "We're trying to extend some olive branches and reach out and maybe some of those branches are getting cut off."