OWRS plays down IRL 'bid'

Paul Gentilozzi, Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven - the men behind the Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) - want the US bankruptcy court to accept their bid to buy CART by January 23, so the court can render a final decision with regard to the OWRS proposal on January 28. But the IRL admitted on Monday for the first time that it is interested in making a bid for some assets of its rival series.

Team Rocketsports boss Gentilozzi said: "My understanding is that the IRL filed and signed a non-disclosure agreement with CART that gives them the right to examine the documents for the CART asset purchase as put forth by the court. It's not unexpected that other organisations would come forward to review the assets and documents, as we're all in the motorsports business.

"We've spent six months to acquire a thorough understanding of the situation and develop a business plan for the successful operation of the series. We are steadfast in our dedication and commitment to continue the Champ Car World Series for the millions of loyal open-wheel racing fans throughout North America and beyond."

A second bid could force an auction of CART's assets. Even if the IRL makes a larger bid, it won't necessarily be accepted as the court must consider the best interests for the future of the series.

Kalkhoven, co-owner of PK Racing, added: "I doubt that the IRL would put in a bid in order to continue the series. In my opinion, their desire would be to kill it. The result would be many hundreds of Americans out of work, depriving two million fans of the opportunity of watching some of the greatest racing in the world and showcasing a great historical American motor racing series. I would sum it up as the IRL wants to bury - OWRS wants to build; that's the difference."