[TommyUdo]

George approached Paul Gentilozzi, one of three partners in the Open Wheel Racing Series group whose bid was accepted, and offered his congratulations.

"I wish them well," George said while surrounded by media on the front steps of the courthouse. "They're going to have a big job. . . . It wasn't our day. Today, it was their day."

Thanks for posting this.

I'm surprised at the "friendly" atmosphere. Gentilozzi had been spitting nails ever since the IRL decided to "bid" on "selected" CART assets. After, of course, giving Gentilozzi indications that he wouldn't bid. Said it to his face, no less. Gentilozzi then said Mr. George was not the most "Trustworthy" of individuals! Before the "bid," Gentilozzi had been walking around saying that Mr. George hadn't been given the "respect" due him and Unification was "OK" with him.

I've been a CART fan ever since the USAC split and I've watched what has happened Open Wheel Racing in the US since Mr. George started the IRL in the 90's. I try to make three or four races a year.

If you haven't been to see a CART or OWRS (or whatever they are calling themselves these days) race, try to attend. Buy a Paddock Pass and you'll be reminded of NASCAR in the old days. I've never had an Autograph or Picture request refused, a silly question go unanswered (Last One? Do Champ Cars have Metric or SAE fasteners? Answer--They have both.) and the "Management" goes out of their way to make it a fun time for all.

And if OWRS fails, my wife will have the excuse needed to make LegoLand or WallyWorld or some such our Vacation Destination. She's a bigger CART fan than I am and won't go to ANY race sponsored by Mr. George.

[Samwise]

The friendly atmosphere was probably for the press.

We grew up on the Indy 500, but we've switched to NASCAR of late. We weren't happy with the way Tony George shoved the IRL down everyone's throats. I do think it was smart of him to open up the race track to NASCAR and Grand Prix racing. But I don't live near the track. :^)