From Autosport.com...

[spider]

From Autosport.com:

Irish driver Michael Keohane is a step closer to finalising a deal to compete in the Champ Car World Series.

Keohane, 23, who tested for Dale Coyne at the tail end of last year, said: “Now I have a taste of what a Champ Car can do I really want to be racing in the series this year. I have to thank Dale Coyne as he was good enough to let me test, and now I am very close to finalising a deal to do the 2004 season.”

“I am very excited about the season ahead, especially now that OWRS have the chance to revive the Champ Car series,” said Keohane. “I want to be a part of that and hopefully we will be able to announce something soon.”

[racinthestreets]

That is the answer as to why Dale Coyne is not on the LB FanFest schedule. Sounds like we could have some last minutes adjustments.

Thanks for the post Spider.

[Flatspot]

Yes, thanks Spider.

It's tough for everyone to have all of their ducks in a row in this short of time. How Coyne keeps his ducks at all with his track record is beyond me but I'm sure glad he does.

[Tailwind]

I hate to ask this, but does Michael Keohane have any backing that he is bringing to Coyne? I know talent is what's important, just, Coyne is always short cash. Good luck to Mr. Keohane. I hope he does get the ride. Maybe that will give our friends in the U.K. a local boy to follow since loosing Manning from our series.

I can't say I know much about Michael Keohane. What has he been running?

[Flatspot]

This might help.Michael Keohane website

[bella]

mick has quite a few sponsors who have been with him for most of his career in this country. as the autosport article points out he has a very good record over here.

he is a very good driver. and if anyone has an issue with the fact he will bring sponsorship and so would be 'paying' for his drive see me about it.

[macdaddy]

Also, an Argentinian newpaper is claiming that Gaston Mazzacane has been offered a ride with Emmo. (Still working to find sponsorship)

[Mags]

Originally posted by bella
mick has quite a few sponsors who have been with him for most of his career in this country. as the autosport article points out he has a very good record over here.

he is a very good driver. and if anyone has an issue with the fact he will bring sponsorship and so would be 'paying' for his drive see me about it.

And if anyone doesn't think that any drive, in some small part, you don't have to pay for your ride in this day and age, need to quietly think about this time last year. Be it your name, or your reputaion and driving ability (hence your marketablity to attract sponsors) every driver PAYS in one way or another.

[Muzza]

Very correctly said, Mags.

[racinthestreets]

he is a very good driver. and if anyone has an issue with the fact he will bring sponsorship and so would be 'paying' for his drive see me about it.

Since this is a close as I can get, I guess I'm seeing you. Dude, lighten up. As some of the posts, after your post, have explained - bringing sponsorship is part of the business. Quite frankly, he may be all that you think he is - but, if he was able to race without his own sponsorship he would be with a team like NH, Rocketsports, Forsythe, etc...

[bella]

i hear far too many people on too many champcar forums moaning about drivers who bring money for their drive. i'm just launching a pre-emptive strike before anyone says he'll be no good because he's got money.

[Testure]

Originally posted by Tailwind
Maybe that will give our friends in the U.K. a local boy to follow since loosing Manning from our series.

Hey, hey! He's Irish! From Clonakilty as I recall. His dad owns a cement company, I think? Can't say I've really followed him, but he was pretty handy in British F3 a couple of years ago. Not sure if he did much in 2003, though. Some more F3, some F3000. Anyway, not about to set the world alight, but a handy enough driver, in my humble and entirely objective opinion. Has there ever been an Irish Champ Car driver?

(I've just noticed from his page that he's sponsored by Clonakilty Black Pudding!!! Holy crud, that'd be hilarious - a Dale Coyne car zipping through Laguna Seca with Clonakilty Black Pudding on the sidepods! )