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Sunday, April 28, 2002

Compiled by Chris Dolack

Christopher Pook was hired in December by the CART to try to turn around the struggling organization. He answered questions last week:

Q: How do CART teams feel about the series' relationship with the IRL?

A: I don't know. I'd like to answer your question, but I don't know how they feel. I do know how they feel towards the CART FedEx Championship, and that is they are dedicated and they're passionate about it and they believe in the championship because it is a good championship. It allows them to excel and the drivers to show their talents, the teams to show their ability and the manufacturers to truly show their engineering qualities in their engines.

Q: Have you had discussions with IRL representatives about the future of the two series?

A: No, we have not. But we have said openly that we're quite open to any discussions. If they wish to sit down and chat with us, we'll be delighted to chat with them. We're not closed to those discussions or any suggestions they might have. In the meantime, we need to continue and operate our championship. And we wish to grow this championship to the next level and open this championship up to any manufacturer that wishes to come and participate.

Q: Are there any plans for new manufacturers to enter CART?

A: These are business discussions that are ongoing. It is not correct on my part to discuss, with all due respect to the media, these conversations that go on with these major automobile manufacturers in various parts of the world.