Fri Feb 22 13:04:54 2008

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No deal yet between Champ Cars and IndyCars

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Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - As of Friday morning, there was still no agreement between the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series to end the 12-year standoff that has hurt open-wheel racing in America.

CCWS co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven returned from England and has met with IndyCar owner Tony George, but a number of issued still have yet to be ironed out.

Earlier reports of a Friday morning press conference never materialized.

A deal could put eight new teams on the IndyCar starting grid. Tony George has already offered free cars and engines plus more than $1 million to any teams that runs the entire IndyCar season.

A statement on the IndyCar Series website said: The ongoing talks between the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series will continue into at least February 22 in regards to the unification of open-wheel racing. Any confirmation will be made once an agreement is in place. There are no plans for a news conference at this time. Much progress has been made toward unifying the sport.

IRL testing begins February 27 at Homestead.