Tony George shuts down racing team .....

[Bob Baldwin jr]

Did TG actually start his team as a FIELD FILLER for IRL?
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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out, shouting, "Holy **** what a ride!!!".

[Scott Heavin]

[Mike Martz]

One problem I have with Internet forums in general is that it is too easy to rag on people you don’t know without repercussions. I know it is generally done in the spirit of good fun and the odds of anyone mentioned actually reading any of this is slim but I still have a problem with it. Tony can legitimately be criticized for some of his business decisions and without doubt, his use of family money to support both the IRL and his Indy team led to the fallout. But this is a very difficult time for him. Regardless of your views of him, the Indy 500 is his life and means the world to him.

More importantly, the digs at Ed are unfounded. He is more talented than you might think and you will not meet a nicer guy. Not only did he win Robo Pong but did most of the work on the kart in preparation for the race. He loves racing and is a huge asset to the sport. He does get kidded about getting better on the road courses but that is one reason he runs New Castle when he can.

Ed – in the off chance you read this, we would love to have you out at the KRA club races!

As to the present state of the IRL, I think we have valid reasons to be concerned. Everyone involved, whether they agreed with Tony or not, knew that his commitment to the success of the IRL and Indy was absolute. I don’t believe that is the current feeling. Strong leadership and a clear voice is always a good thing but absolutely required in hard times and that is missing right now. Part of the Star article referenced by Rick talks about the apparent new league director. He is Randy Bernard, founder of Professional Bull Riders. I am sure he is a smart and is obviously a successful promoter but he has never been to an IRL race and his motorsports credentials consist of “seeing a couple of NASCAR races and hiring a Sales Executive that formally worked at Texas Motor Speedway”. I doubt that anyone in the garage is thinking ‘Home Run’ with that hire.

Zak Brown was mention as in the running for that position. Zak has been involved in motorsports forever and founded Just Marketing; one of the largest motorsports marketing firms in the world. Zak has his detractors and might have been too close to Tony but I think his hire would have sent good signals to the racing community. Zak understands both the competitive and business sides of the sport. I believe that business people coming into the sport that don’t understand the competition side are at a distinct disadvantage. But we will see, I hope it all works out.
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Mike Martz
Kevin Martz - Driver of the #199 Safety-Kleen, Bell Helmets, Rapid Racing Top Kart / Leopard
www.motorsportsliquidators.com
Rapid Racing - www.rapidracing.com

[Greg Wright]

Mike, Very well said, Thank you.

It seems that modern society absolutely loves to see someone or something fail, oddly enough particularly if it is American.

I find that disgusting.

Thanks again for your inciteful and intelligent post on a subject that many of us hold very dear.
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Greg Wright
Rapid Racing Inc.
NKN Columnist & Host "Karting News Live"

I AM INDY!!

"When in doubt, gas it. It won't help but it ends the suspense."

[joseph hollinger]

[Rick Crist]

[Tom Jensen]

[Dave Stevens]