What a priceless headline!

http://www.indystar.com/apps/p...93057

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Series says Honda's exit letter isn't an exit

By Curt Cavin
curt.cavin@indystar.com


KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Honda has provided written notification that it will withdraw from the Indy Racing League after the 2006 season. But don't sound the alarm yet, the league's top official said Friday from Kansas Speedway.

League president Brian Barnhart said Honda Performance Development, a California-based company that builds race engines for the auto manufacturer, is preparing to continue with the IRL.

Barnhart said the written notification the company provided by the Thursday deadline only highlights "a flaw" in the handbook.

The IRL asks manufacturers to submit withdraw letters 18 months before they intend to exit. But nine months later they can recommit, creating a window for making decisions.

"All of the manufacturers have withdrawn 18 months before the season (at hand) only to turn around and reapply," Barnhart said. "It's something we didn't consider when we made the rule."

The difference is, Chevrolet meant it last year and Toyota officials have said the company will focus on NASCAR after its IRL contract expires next year.

As for Honda, HPD's Robert Clarke said Friday his company needs more information about the IRL's 2007 rules before it makes a commitment either way.

"We've got no formula to respond to yet," he said.

Barnhart said Clarke has been involved in all planning meetings, a sign that the IRL and Honda are still working together.

"On one hand, (Clarke) has provided written notification that he's out for 2007, and yet he's told us he's got 18 engineers and spending in the tens of millions of dollars on an engine that officially he doesn't know anything about.

"You do the math."

Barnhart also said he thinks Hyundai joining the IRL "is dead."</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

Lets hope it is !