Kalkhoven Rules Out Reunification

The Champ Car co-owner said that he and IRL founder Tony George had different views on open wheel racing, and that with the introduction of the Champ Car Atlantic formula, Champ Car didn't need them to join forces to grow in the future.

Kalkhoven told the Autosport Radio Show: "Mr George has his own particular view of the world, and he shares to some extent our viewpoint because he copies what we do on a fairly regular basis.

"We have a business plan and it never included any form of reunification. The model is working and we are committed to what we are doing.

"We are committed to a ladder series with a Champ Car Atlantic series. As those Atlantic drivers come up the growth of Champ Car will continue. We welcome Europeans and other nationalities. We're not biased towards America but we are biased towards the best drivers."

Kalkhoven took over Champ Car in early 2004 along with fellow team owners Paul Gentilozzi and Gerald Forsythe. The trio purchased CART's assets when it ran into financial trouble.

Kalkhoven said that he was surprised the series has turned around so quickly, but admitted there is still work to be done.

He added: "We were pretty confident we would turn Champ Car around. But the speed we've turning to round has delighted all of us. If you have got a good product make more of it.

"We've already achieved the big things but the thing that we've got to do better is the television. Both nationally and internationally we've got to work on it. We've got a new car in 2007 that will be even better for the racing that we do."