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CART: Andrew Craig, CART CEO, Statement on CART/IRL talks

27 September 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

The following statement is attributed to Andrew Craig, chairman and CEO of Championship Auto Racing Teams, regarding discussions between CART and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway/IRL:

"CART initiated contact with Tony George and with representatives of the IRL last March and has led the process since then in an attempt to unify the sport for the benefit of the fans.

"We regard this as time well-spent.

"Looking to the future, CART enjoys the benefit of being the clear market leader in open-wheel racing in North America. Our unique combination of road and oval racing differentiates us from other open-wheel series and provides a challenge to teams and drivers that is recognized and enjoyed by our fans, both in the U.S. and overseas.

"It is from this leadership position that we will grow the sport, with our focus being clearly set on how we compare and perform relative to the overall market for sports entertainment properties."

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