OPEN-WHEEL SCHEDULES: In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin wrote
that IRL Founder Tony George "will offer an expanded yet
more condensed" racing schedule for next season. George said
that the IRL schedule will include "at least 11 races, an
increase from nine this year," and IRL CMO Bob Reif added
that the season will begin in March and end September 30.
Additionally, it's "also possible" George will announce an
"expanded format" for the Indy 500, as he's "been
considering a return to a three-week format" (INDY STAR,
6/10). ESPN2's Robin Miller: "There was talk CART and the
IRL both wanted to go to Germany, and I think you're going
to see in the next week [that] CART's going to announce
they're going to have a doubleheader, going to Germany first
and then England next year. Tony George may still end up
there too because [the IRL needs] races, and the track in
Germany needs a race" ("RPM 2Night," 6/9).
NOTES: A crowd of 45,008 attended the U.S. men's soccer
team's 3-0 victory over Mexico in the Waterford Crystal Nike
U.S. Cup Final at Giants Stadium yesterday (USSF)....NBC
"Dateline"'s Mike Taibi examined the recent violent behavior
of fans at sporting events. SI's Rick Reilly: "I think fans
are genuinely pissed. ... They seem to want something for
their money. They want to get even somehow because they
think they're being treated badly" (NBC, 6/9).
