RACING: In Indianapolis, Robin Miller writes that the
"largest untapped" motorsports market in the U.S. "joins the
fast lane," as Chicago "plays host" to CART this weekend at
the new Chicago Motor Speedway (CMS). CMS President Chip
Ganassi: "Between the track itself and the location, we feel
like we've got the best possible package" (INDIANAPOLIS
STAR-NEWS, 8/19). In Chicago, Dave Van Dyck, on CMS: "It
looks like a real race track. A real good race track"
(CHICAGO-SUN TIMES, 8/19)....Miller, on the status of
CART/IRL merger talks: "Talks have come to a standstill.
The guys in CART say they're going to make one more run at
the 2001 rules package and try to come up with something
that can get them back together" ("RPM 2Night," 8/18).
NHL WALKWAY: USA TODAY's Kevin Allen writes that agent
Larry Kelly "doesn't mind wondering aloud" whether the
Bruins' "walkaway" from RW Dmitri Khristich's arbitration
award is the "first salvo in a leaguewide attack" on NHL
player salary structure. Kelly: "I have been told that
people in management have been encouraged to use their
walkaway rights. It will be interesting to see how often
they will use it in the future" (USA TODAY, 8/19).
NOTES: In Boston, Mark Cofman reports that after
"reviewing the success" of the Shaw's Pro Summer League in
Boston, the Celtics are "discussing plans to make it an
annual event." Celtics Exec VP/Marketing & Sales Stuart
Layne: "The NBA was so happy with the way things went here
they told us they'd like Boston to be the focal point for
all East Coast summer leagues in the future. ... The league
was a big success -- for the teams that participated, for
the fans and community, from a marketing standpoint -- by
all accounts." The Celtics "distributed" 13,000 free
tickets to youth groups and charity organizations through
Shaw's and the United Way (BOSTON HERALD, 8/19)....Greg
Norman is "about to raise another touchy subject" for PGA
Tour players, as he will play in only 12 events this year,
while PGA Tour rules "dictate" that all players must compete
in at least 15 events "to keep their tour card." Norman
"does not appear reluctant to challenge" PGA Tour
Commissioner Tim Finchem's "authority" (Providence JOURNAL,
8/18)....On his radio commentary on the WinStar Radio
Network, Keith Olbermann noted new MLS Commissioner Don
Garber wondering why TV outlets "don't devote more time
promoting the league." Olbermann: "Uh, Don, I can answer
that for you: It's so commissioners like you can't use the
programming relationship to corrupt the integrity of the
news side" (WinStar Radio Network, 8/19).
