WRC announces 2 paved oval tracks for next years schedule

August 2, 2005 (Press Release) -- London, England. (AP) – Follow the leader? In a move sure to stun thousands of fans, the WRC has added a new twist to the 2006-2007 season. WRC officials announced Tuesday night that 2 paved oval tracks will be part of the series in 2006. The move comes as a shock to drivers, and teams alike. WRC officials would only comment that they were trying to broaden the appeal of the WRC and felt including 2 races that “forced wheel to wheel competition in it’s purest form” would appeal to race fans who have tired of the single car format. “It’s worked well for NASCAR, and it’ll work well for the WRC” states Mr Jacques Régis head of FIA WRC commission. “Look at the NASCAR fans, the merchandising, the popularity. If the WRC is to survive, we must reach equal numbers of fans. NASCAR has an excellent model to follow. WRC traditionalists may frown upon the closed circuits, but the spectators who pay for the show will get to see every inch of the track, every second of the race from wherever they are in the grandstands."

Dissent.

Sebastian Loeb has already declared a boycott of the 2 races for his Citroën team and is encouraging all race teams to follow his lead. “This is a travesty. The sport is headed in the wrong direction. If we don’t do something to stop this, we’ll end up being the NASCAR of the world.


Rally officials have yet to release the dates and tracks where the oval racing will take place. “You will have to wait for the 2006 schedule” according to Régis. “Even pit stop procedures haven’t been finalized.”

NASCAR officials could not be reached for comment.

AP's Enes Dulami, Cal Perry and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report.