Full Throttle

The proof of the pudding is the eating, if it sounds too good to be true and seeing is believing so I’ll pass this along as rumor ’til more evidence rolls across my desk:

Gerry Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven of Champ Car are close to reaching an agreement with Indy Racing League founder Tony George to join forces.

The one hurdle that needs to be cleared is getting officials at Twin-Ring Motegi in Japan to move its race date from April to later in the season so that the Long Beach Grand Prix can be added to the IndyCar schedule.

George is expected to meet with officials in Japan on Monday to personally negotiate the move for the Japan race date, which is vital because that facility is owned by Honda, the sole engine supplier of IndyCar.

“It’s as close as it’s ever been to being together, but we don’t know if we can get across the goal line,” [Tony] George told Robin Miller of SpeedTV.com on Thursday evening. “But no one is giving up yet.”

IndyCar is expected add two more races, in addition to Long Beach, off the Champ Car schedule - including Edmonton and Surfer’s Paradise Australia.

Ok, kibitz amongst yourselves. I’m reserving judgment ’til further confirmation is available.

Cross Posted @ Asian Motor Sports

UPDATE: AutoWeek also note the possible merger. They don’t add much new to the story other than saying the IRL offer of free cars to CCWS teams is off the table but might to still offered if other hang-ups in the merger are smoothed out.

UPDATE II: CBS Sports adds that Mario Andretti quote, “It’s the only solution we have to save the sport we love so much,” he said. “The bottom line is that this is desperately needed. There’s no losers in a situation like this, starting with the fans.”