Drivers back CART's call to race

The Championship Drivers Association, which represents the drivers in CART and the Indy Racing League, donated US$50,000 to the American Red Cross Relief Fund.

"These are very difficult times indeed," remarked CDA President Mauricio Gugelmin. "We're all young people, and fortunately, we haven't seen things like this in the past. I wasn't around for the second World War, but I have a better appreciation for those guys who went through that. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and friends. It's hard to even speak about it."

Former CART champion Jimmy Vasser added: "Part of me says, 'No, racing is not appropriate.' My initial feeling was that I just wanted to go home and be with my family and my friends and my loved ones. But a part of me also says, 'We can't have them disrupt our lives like this and stop us from going on.'"

Michael Andretti, who got special clearance to fly a private jet from America and arrived in Germany Friday morning, was the last driver to witness the shocking scenes in America.

"It's very difficult to explain to the people who have been over here," Michael said. "Unless you were there experiencing all those emotions you just really can't describe it. It's very tough. Everybody in America right now is going through the grieving process and starting to get a little upset.

"Everybody's heart is hurting, and maybe mine more than others because I was over there," he added. "It's tough to leave in times like this, but if we've gotta race, we've gotta race."