The official word:
WALKER RACING WITHDRAWS INDYCAR PROGRAM
Indianapolis, IN (March 9, 2008) - Reluctantly, Walker Racing has been forced to withdraw its attempt to join the IndyCar Series for 2008. The racing partnership of “Team Australia” and the association with Australian businessman Craig Gore, drivers Will Power and Simon Pagenaud, has also come to an end.
Notwithstanding a commitment for 2008, it came down to the lack of funding. A lengthy search for new sponsorship partners drew a blank, so Walker Racing had to close the program officially on Friday.
“It’s a great pity that the team has had to abandon our IndyCar program. So much work by so many has gone into the Team Australia program over the last three and a half years, but now it will remain unfinished business for us. I wish my co-partner well with his new venture and so to Will and Simon and all the employees, associates and fans who have given me the opportunity. Many thanks,” said Walker Racing Owner, Derrick Walker.
What I find interesting is the wording here - “lack of funding.” Walker was the first of the Champ Car teams to start planning their IndyCar effort prior to the “big announcement.” It seemed as though Walker and Team Australia were going to be the trailblazers in helping hasten the unification process.
Now, however, Walker has done an abrupt about-face. Suddenly, Walker’s situation mirrors Gerry Forsythe’s - not enough sponsorship to run IndyCars. Most likely, Craig Gore dropped out of his Team Australia partnership with Walker.
My question is, “Why?”
Something sure smells fishy…
Gore left took his money to KV Racing along with Will Power. Walker is now left no drivers and no money.
This is also the second time that series officials have come in and raided Walkers staff. Forsythe was kind enough to relieve Walker of the Corona deal and driver Rodolfo M. Lavín.
Sucks for Walker, and sheds new light and the rumors of the Kevin, Walker/Gore conflict rumors that made the rounds late last season.