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| Champ Car management has been quick to rein in rampant speculation that the Indianapolis-based series may join forces with V8 Supercars for a number of events in 2009. The hugely popular Australian-based touring car series is recognised as being a vital contribution to the success of the Surfers Paradise Champ Car event, which drew in 314,136 people over its four days this year, and Tony Cochrane, chairman of V8 Supercars is known to be keen to make the series more international. The idea is being firmly pushed by Team Australia co-owner Craig Gore who last Sunday stated: "I know that [Champ Car co-owner] Kevin Kalkhoven and the people of Champ Car are very open-minded about developing a partnership with V8 Supercars. "I've raised the topic with Kevin many times and they'd be keen to hook up with V8s at selected events around the world." |
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| V8 Supercar chairman Tony Cochrane has denied any likely linkup between the V8 Supercar series and Champ Car in future overseas events, after confirming Champ Car had not spoken with V8 Supercar officials. Earlier this week, Champ Car and V8 Supercar team co-owner Craig Gore suggested it would be a good idea for the two series to combine forces at events in the future, but comments from V8 Supercar chairman Cochrane seem to have put the possibility of such an idea beyond doubt. "At no stage has either myself or anyone from the management of V8 Supercars Australia held discussions with Champ Car with a view to holding joint races in any location," Cochrane said, speaking from Paris while on other business. "I have no idea where this story originated and we have no short or long term plans to conduct events either in Australia or overseas with Champ Car." |