During an email exchange with the AUTOSPORT.com editor a few weeks ago, I mentioned a growing swell of chatter within the IndyCar paddock about the likelihood that Derrick Walker would be exiting the series in the near future.
It was one of those weird 'grey area' stories: solid enough that I felt confident flagging it up with my colleagues; not enough substance to actually run with it in print.
The reaction from the UK at the time was one of surprise, and there was a similar response from a lot of the series' fans when Walker's plans to depart were announced last week.