"What do the fans really want? One series. One really great series. This is not something I am just making up. I have spoken to many fans, read message boards and blogs, and have attended fan forums. This is not just the wish of the fans. I have spoken to many journalists, drivers and team owners. Even Champcar ownership has lamented that there are two series. How is it possible that the fans, the journalists, the drivers, and the team and series ownership, the manufacturers and sponsors all want the same thing, but no one is able to make it happen? In a free market economy, when there is a need, someone jumps in to fill that need and is generally successful. This mess makes absolutely no sense. Everyone wants the same thing, and yet, for some bizarre reason, we keep doing the opposite. Isn't that one definition of insanity? To keep doing the same thing and expect different results?
"So, here is what I am proposing: either the series owners make it happen by 2009, or the team owners form CART II. Someone has to save this mess. CART was originally formed to save the sport from USAC. It needs saving again. It could work this time, because now 20/20 hindsight exists. CART would not be destined to make the same mistakes. Look out for the little guys. Limit testing. Allow SOME development. Invite the manufacturers back. Invite the constructors back. Don't let them (manufacturers, constructors) give parts to some teams and not others. Keep costs in check. Restore the Indy 500 to greatness. Jeez, you're all smart guys, figure it out.
"As a fan, and from what I know from talking to other fans, this is what we would like to see: keep the Vanderbilt Cup, the Nations Cup, re-instate the manufacturers' and constructors' championships, have 28 cars on the grid on race day, 33 cars at Indy, 20 races per season. Call it the Indycar World Series. The venues should include ovals, road and street courses.
"Here is my dream schedule:
"Ovals would make up about a third of the season: Indy, California Speedway, Michigan (these three races would form the 'triple crown' - win all three in a season, get a million dollar bonus. How about it Firestone?); Twin-Ring Motegi (this new series would really need to include Honda, since both series owe Honda a debt of gratitude and, in the case of CART/Champ Car, an apology) the Milwaukee Mile (because everyone goes to Milwaukee after Indy) Phoenix and Rockingham (because England serves the purpose of a European date and it is the home of many manufacturers as well as several drivers). You will notice the absence of Texas. We want the cars to be too fast to run on high banks. Please make the cars fast again.
