As qualifying for the U.S. 500 and Indy 500 begin Saturday,
IMS President Tony George said Indy may expand its race card
beyond the traditional 33 starters. George: "I don't believe the
traditional 33 starting spots will be a problem filling. The
question is will we consider ... maybe expanding. ... I'm not
suggesting anything other than this is an unusual year .. (and
that) anything is possible" (Skip Myslenski, CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
5/10).
TAKING SIDES? Profiles of the IRL/CART split continue. In
Detroit, Angelique Chengelis writes the feud has not "officially
escalated to the point where the D-word is used, but it seems
their differences are irreconcilable." The "trial separation
appears headed toward something more permanent" (DETROIT NEWS,
5/10). In Orlando, Mike Dame writes Indy "has been reduced to a
farcical sideshow." Driver Paul Tracy, who will be at the U.S.
500, won't miss Indy, calling it just another race track while
adding all the best racers are in Michigan. Tracy: "I don't
watch the Super Bowl to look at the stadium" (ORLANDO SENTINEL,
5/10). In L.A., Jim Murray writes George is betting the event
"overshadows the individuals. ... Individuals retire, get old,
get out. The event stays" (L.A. TIMES, 5/9).
