V8 Supercars and Champ Cars ... will they or won't they?
October 29th 2007 02:38
Champ Cars on the Gold Coast
Recent media reports have suggested negotiations are planned between V8 Supercars Australia and the American–based Champ Cars for a number of race meetings in each category to be held jointly, possibly at tracks around the world.
Mark Skaife racing in the V8 Supercar Challenge at the Gold Coast
“I have no idea where this story originated and we have no short or long term plans to conduct events either in Australia or overseas with Champ Car. The relationship has worked well on the Gold Coast up until now and only has one year left on our current agreement.
“At this stage we have no plans and nor have we discussed the future to be involved in Indy beyond the event next October. I am disappointed that these type of speculative comments would come up when at no stage have I been asked for my opinion.
“V8 Supercars Australia has an outstanding success record with events both in Australia and internationally and our primary market remains Australia.
“Next year we will introduce a new street race in New Zealand which on advance sales has almost sold out six months before the event begins in Hamilton.
“The board of V8 Supercars Australia takes its’ responsibility to the Championship in a serious manner and does not conduct speculative concepts via the press.”
This is a decision which should please fans of V8 Supercars because, although the international exposure would be potentially very positive for the sport, taking more of the rounds overseas would make attending the races infinitely more complicated and expensive. In addition, by taking a number of rounds overseas, AVESCO would be forced to cut the number of rounds held in Australia. Many devoted fans would not have a chance of being able to experience the excitement of attending a V8 Supercars race meeting.
There are currently two overseas rounds of the championship: the race meeting in New Zealand has proven to be a popular addition and seems fitting for the series since a number of the drivers such as Greg Murphy and Jason Richards (Tasman Motorsport) are proud Kiwis. The other overseas round is a relatively new addition to the calendar at Bahrain.
Images courtesy of the official Gold Coast Indy website
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