What happens when you merge two organizations? Usually you end up with a ton of surplus desks and stationary. When those two organizations happen to be pro racing series through, you get an unbelievable amount of cool stuff. In the aftermath of the IRL/CCWS reunification, there is an absolute ton of said stuff and there are creditors looking to recoup some cash. Sounds like time for an auction!

That’s right, the entire pile of Champ Car booty is going on the block on June 3rd at the old Champ Car headquarters in Indianapolis. Timing equipment, race transporters, race cars, shop equipment, memorabilia and a bunch of those cool pace cars are all up for sale.

As a teaser, we’ve got the list of pace cars after the break. For all the other stuff and photos, or to bid online visit the Gallivan Auctioneers site.
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It is finally official, the IRL & CCWS are one. The way it should have always been. Sour grapes of the past aside though, as Karl Kalkhoven said: “Now is not the time to look back”

Greg MacPherson from Inside Track live blogged the press conference yesterday and has some great insight.

Full length (really long) press release after the break
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Ever since North America’s open wheel racing series was torn apart by Tony George and his American only plan, I, like many fans have dreamed of the day the two series would quit struggling and get back together. At its peak, CART offered some of the best racing in the world. What followed would be years of lackluster racing, sponsorship woes and odd business practices. Little did I dream that when the marriage between the two series, our Toronto race would be a victim of the battle.
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Ever since Tony George ripped open wheel racing in North America apart, there have been annual rumors that a reunification between Champ Car and the IRL was in the works. Every time, it has turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking.

SpeedTV is reporting that the powers that be may have an announcement as soon as tomorrow or Thursday. It would indeed be wonderful to see the Indy Racing League and Champ Car become one again. Let’s hope this all isn’t just another pipe dream.

My main concern falls in the last 2 paragraphs of the speed article:
The fast, challenging airport circuit at Edmonton, which drew a legitimate 175,000-200,000 people during its first three years, will likely find a place on the IRL schedule as well. And Surfer’s Paradise, Australia was also being heavily considered.

It would bring the combined schedule to 19 races for 2008 and George is likely to consider other Champ Car circuits like Toronto or Mexico City for 2009.

Where would this leave the 2008 Toronto Grand Prix, which is generally considered the favorite event on the Champ Car schedule?

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When the financial woes of Steelback Brewery and the D’Angelo brands hit the news last month, we felt certain that it would affect the Toronto Grand Prix for Champ Car. Officials from Wasanda Enterprises, who have been funding Steelback, said at the time that the event sponsorship would not likely be affected.
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I’ve been having so much fun with the great shots my new camera has provided, that I’ve forgotten the other half of the team! You see, I’ve just the writing hack with a new toy camera. The brains of the operation belong to techie guru Jaimie Macpherson, who is also the guy who makes things looks so slick around here. Jaimie has also been practicing at this photography thing a lot longer than I have and has far more serious equipment to make things happen.

So follow the break to see some killer images from the 2007 Steelback Grand Prix.
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One of the great things about heading to a big race on a media pass is access to the drivers. During Saturday’s morning practice session, I got some great driver shots, just by being patient.

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I must admit, I didn’t watch today’s Champ Car race, as I was standing in the rain at another track. Yesterday though, I was able to spend some quality time close to the Aussie Vineyards pits and got tons of great shots of both cars. As the number 5 of Will Power was pitted in front, I got up close to today’s winner of a rain soaked race. Fortunately it was sunny and warm yesterday, or I wouldn’t have gotten these shots.
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It’s been a long day, but we came back with some killer shots of the Steelback Grand Prix weekend in Toronto. I thought it might be a good idea to follow up yesterday’s shot of Ms. Legge with one of today’s many candids.

It’s not too catch the show. If you’re in Toronto, head to the lake and follow the noise. Tickets are available at the gate and the CNE grounds provide some great views even with a general admission ticket.

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633 photos yesterday and who knows how many today! I’m on my way out again to the Steelback Grand Prix. In the above shot, Katherine Legge cools down.

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