ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996 TAG: 9601110122
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
The feud between the established Championship Auto Racing Teams and the fledgling Indy Racing League is headed to court, with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt leading the charge.
Foyt, now a car owner who wants to participate in events staged by the IRL, is suing CART in a federal antitrust action.
Foyt's 14-page suit accuses CART of trying to monopolize Indy-car racing, of pressuring companies to stay away from sponsoring his IRL cars and of costing his A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Inc., at least $5 million.
Foyt is seeking actual damages plus triple damages as allowed by law, plus other unspecific costs and fees.
``This action arises out of the wrongful and tortious acts of CART and various other individuals and entities, which were committed in an attempt to interfere with and restrain free competition and trade in the Indy Car automobile racing industry,'' says the suit, filed Jan.3.
CART issued a brief statement downplaying the suit.
``The complaint addresses many issues relating to IndyCar and the IRL, and IndyCar considers the document baseless and without merit,'' CART said. ``Because the matter involves litigation, IndyCar will make no additional comment on the matter.''
``We certainly do not believe it is a baseless claim,'' said Foyt's attorney, Wayne Rife.
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines KEYWORDS: AUTO RACINGby CNB