All together now? The Indy 500 could benefit from an influx of teams and drivers, but the benefits of a unified series would extend far beyond the 500. (LAT photo)n » More Photos

Paul Newman was ecstatic upon hearing of the proposal. “I feel like I died and wrent to heaven,” said the co-owner of Champ Car’s winningest team along with Carl Haas and Mike Lanigan. “This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”

Some smaller Champ Car owners like Eric Bachelart were shocked to hear of such a plan at this late date.

“Are you kidding me?” said Bachelart, whose Indy-based Conquest Racing just signed rookie Franck Perera. “I just spent a million dollars on a new car and spare parts and this news hurts because I know the value of money. I’m all for one series but I wish it would be 2009.”

It’s believed there are over 50 Dallara chassis, new and used, available to be dispersed among the CCWS teams.

Since winning CART’s assets in bankruptcy court in 2004, Kalkhoven and Forsythe have spent millions on television, promoting races, propping up teams and payroll. They also own Cosworth and Pi, plus the rejuvenated Atlantic series. It’s not certain what would happen with the Atlantic series as the IRL has its own feeder system with the Indy Pro Series. But there were 24 cars at Wednesday’s Atlantic test in Sebring and it would make a strong support race for any series.

George has also spent millions on his league and this union would assure Indy-car racing of stronger fields, deeper competition and hopefully a much larger entry list at the Indianapolis 500.

It also means young stars Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti can now race on the same track along with Justin Wilson and Dan Wheldon while veterans Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan and Paul Tracy would be reunited.

“I think we’d all be happy if we’re back together and the fans would be happy to see all the best drivers in one race,” said Tracy, the 2003 CART champion who hasn’t competed at Indy since his controversial second place finish in 2002.

“We’ll be at a disadvantage to the IRL teams the first year but such is life. Getting everybody back under one roof is what needs to happen.”