Last race For Surfers, Power, KVRT?

By Andrew Cutler
October 22 2008

The cars have been in Australia since this past weekend. Several of the drivers have been there even longer. Most of the team crews should be there by now as well. Everything is "go" for this weekend's IndyCar exhibition event at Surfers Paradice. The KVRT and D&R squads even have Oz-based sponsorship liveries.

Yet, behind the preparations, a huge question hangs over everyone's heads: Will the IndyCar Series' first trip Down Under also be it's last?

It boils down to this: The IRL wants to make Surfers a normal, points-paying race, but it doesn't want the season to end outside of the U.S.. They have suggested a number of alternate date for Surfers in the comming years, but the event organizers have not shown a willingness to consider a change. Their postion is that the current late Oct. works best as it avoids conflicts with other major Australian sports leagues' schedules.

Another round of discussions to - hopefully - find a resolution is slated for this weekend.

One team and driver in particular seem to have alot potentially "riding" on the outcome of Surfer's future with IndyCar: Will Power's seat with KV Racing Technology is essentially paid for by Craig Gore, a businessman with ties to Aussie Vinyards, the main sponer on the side of Power's Car. If Surfer's is gone, there is a strong likelyhood that Gore will leave, taking his sponsorship - and probably Power as well - with him.

"I want to stay in IndyCars no matter what -- I really enjoy racing open-wheel cars and that's where I want to be" Power told reporters. "I really hope they keep the race -- it helps things all round. Both parties need to come to a compromise, whether it's dates or money or whatever it is."

If things don't work out, KVRT part-owner Kevin Kalkhoven, also an Australian, might also decide to quit the series, leaving what is left of KVRT in the hands of his partner, former CART/CCWS driver Jimmy Vaser.