CART boycotted the 500, George launched the IRL, and the split continues today. I was really surprised at the way things transpired, and then now to have five years go by, it just doesn't seem real. Instead of fear of or animosity toward Ganassi's return, the regulars of the IRL seem to relish the chance to show they can beat CART's best. We pride ourselves on the fact that the IRL offers equal opportunity, as far as equal equipment to anyone who wants to come run. It's a very equal playing field.
People have to look at their return as a positive.
Ganassi is about the only CART owner to view it that way. The reasons are widespread. Manufacturers namely Honda and Ford have pressured CART teams to stay away. Federal mandates regarding tobacco advertising have made it nearly impossible for other teams namely Barry Green's and Roger Penske's to race at Indy. That's probably why some of the CART teams are very nervous about coming to Indy.