[QUOTE]Originally posted by twohoos
[B] If so, CART may have trouble convincing ANY engine suppliers to go with them, and within the next couple of years the IRL may be the only top-level open-wheel series in America.

 

All I can say is that I hope Honda doesn't wuss out for 2002 and give crappy engines to their teams. I don't know if you guys follow Robin Miller at all (Indianapolis Star) but he mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Helio Castroneves is likely going to run in the IRL for 2002. The speculation (might be fact by now) was that Honda wants DeFerran to be a triple champ and CART wants DeFerran to stay as well. Since the sponsorship rules limit Marlboro to one racing series (IRL for 02), I think DeFerran might have to run the Penske Auto Center sponsorship for 02. Heck, as long as Honda leave on top, I'd be happy. Can CART possibly piss anyone else off?

 

mybad - They have no choice as they have spread themselves too thin. I can only hope they are going to concentrate more on F1 and return to the days of the 80's, as they have been embarrassed all too often with the efforts of the two teams in F1 using their engines.

 

It's the same old story for Honda. Develop an engine according to existing class rules, and after they become dominant in the sport the rules are changed to eliminate the technology Honda uses. This happened in CART and F1 and even more in motorcycle racing. Ask the AMA why the rules were changed to restrict only Honda engines after Honda started winning in flat track racing. Better yet ask Harley!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by simon2000
[B]mybad -

 

CART is pretty much dead. They've made too many boneheaded decisions. I'm just glad that Honda can now focus on their F1 engines.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bieg
[B]

You need to remember that Honda's original plan was to own their own team but at the eleventh hour the key guy in the racing program died.