Official optimistic IRL-Champ Car merger talks will continue

The Indy Racing League apparently is armed with options to negotiate a reconciliation of open-wheel racing after a Monday meeting in Japan.

The IRL sought and likely gained permission from Honda to move its April 19 race at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit north of Tokyo to accommodate the addition of Champ Car's marquee event, the Long Beach (Calif.) Grand Prix, which is obligated for April 20.

If Champ Car is folded into the IRL, the Long Beach race will be one of several Champ Car World Series events added to this year's IndyCar Series schedule. ...