Real Headline: "Haas, George join forces"

OK, it's not in open-wheel but it's unexpected to say the least. Considering all the vitriol Paul Newman holds towards Tony George, it's truly stunning to see his cigar-chomping business parter enter into any kind of arrangement with the George family. And yet, this is what we have reported from the IndyStar.

Carl Haas, co-owner of three-time defending Champ Car World Series champion Newman-Haas Racing, is partnering with Mari Hulman George, chairman of the board of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, on a Busch Series team.

The car will be driven by Kyle Krisiloff, 20, George's grandson. Running the program are Jim McGee, a longtime open-wheel chief mechanic, and Larry Carter, Haas' partner in a previous NASCAR operation.

That's one more drop of love in the merger bucket.