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CHAMPIONSHIP LIQUIDATING TRUST - 10-K - 20040824 - FINANCIAL_DATA
ITEM 6: SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data, as of and for each of
the five years in the period ended December 31, 2003, are derived from our
audited consolidated financial statements. The selected consolidated financial
data below should be read in combination with our consolidated financial
statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this document and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues:
Sanction fees $ 24,720 $ 36,607 $ 47,226 $ 38,902 $ 35,689
Sponsorship revenue 7,777 10,150 12,314 21,063 19,150
Television revenue 1,889 4,538 5,228 5,501 5,018
Race promotion revenue 10,772 1,417 -- -- --
Engine leases, rebuilds and wheel sales 1,900 -- 1,286 2,122 2,054
Other revenue 2,638 4,533 4,209 7,460 6,865
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues 49,696 57,245 70,263 75,048 68,776
Expenses:
Race distributions (1) 60,850 19,797 18,599 15,370 15,334
Race expenses 8,059 10,823 10,618 9,869 6,670
Race promotion expense 20,844 9,687 -- -- --
Costs of engine rebuilds and wheel sales -- -- 348 652 610
Television expense 14,941 10,975 -- -- --
Administrative and indirect expenses (2) 20,567 27,756 35,605 25,275 20,646
Merger charges 1,953 -- -- -- --
Bad debt-sponsorship partner (3) -- -- -- 6,320 --
Litigation expenses (4) 2,660 -- 3,547 -- --
Relocation Expense -- 1,422 -- -- --
Asset impairment and strategic charges (5) 9,580 -- 8,548 -- --
Depreciation and amortization 3,841 1,436 1,493 1,352 1,048
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total expenses (143,295) 81,896 78,758 58,838 44,308
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (93,599) (24,651) (8,495) 16,210 24,468
Realized gain (loss) on sale of investments 400 26 -- -- --
Interest income 1,274 3,762 7,033 7,463 5,255
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes (91,925) (20,863) (1,462) 23,673 29,723
Income tax expense (benefit) 427 (7,302) (512) 8,520 10,865
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before effect of accounting change (92,352) (13,561) (950) 15,153 18,858
Cumulative effect of accounting change -- (956) -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (92,352) $ (14,517) $ (950) $ 15,153 $ 18,858
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of
accounting change:
Basic $ (6.27) $ (0.92) $ (0.06) $ 0.97 $ 1.22
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted $ (6.27) $ (0.92) $ (0.06) $ 0.97 $ 1.22
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ (6.27) $ (0.99) $ (0.06) $ 0.97 $ 1.22
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted $ (6.27) $ (0.99) $ (0.06) $ 0.97 $ 1.19
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 14,718 14,718 15,289 15,624 15,427
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted 14,718 14,738 15,289 15,657 15,908
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
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AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,211 $ 6,773 $ 27,765 $ 19,504 $ 7,216
Short-term investments 7,356 79,489 87,621 98,206 91,758
Working capital (deficit) 4,838 92,288 111,604 119,953 99,480
Total assets 20,045 114,451 132,941 144,101 124,887
Long-term debt (including
current portion) 1,750 -- -- -- --
Total stockholders' equity $ 10,121 $103,018 $117,936 $133,894 $114,330
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(1) Distributions for the year ended December 31, 2003, include team
assistance, entry support and participation payments. Distributions for
the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 include reimbursement of
overseas travel expenses to race teams.
(2) Administrative and indirect expenses for the years ended December 31, 2001
and 2000 include severance payments to former employees of $4,329 and
$2,758, respectively.
(3) Bad debt expense relates to a charge associated with our sponsorship
agreement with ISL Marketing AG.
(4) Litigation expense for the year ended December 31, 2003, relates to the
settlements attributable to an arbitration settlement of $1.75 million
paid in August 2003, to Engine Developments Ltd. in a breach of contract
case over a contract to purchase engines, a settlement of $400 in a breach
of contract suit filed by two former team owners, DellaPenna Motorsports
and Precision Preparation, Inc., settlement of contract disputes with ESPN
television of $250 over the canceled Texas Motor Speedway race, an
arbitration award to Action Performance Companies, Inc. of $900 in a
breach of contract case in regard to a licensed merchandise contract, and
settlement of $500 for an early termination of a sanction agreement with
IMSA in regard to a race in Miami, Florida. The expenses were partially
offset by receipt of $1.0 million from proceeds received from a bankruptcy
settlement regarding claims filed against EuroSpeedway Lausitz for loss of
sanction fees and other damages that occurred when the 2002 event was
canceled as a result of the bankruptcy of the promoter. Litigation expense
for the year ended December 31, 2003 relates to a settlement with Texas
Motor Speedway ("TMS") for the postponement of a race at TMS during 2001.
(5) Asset impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2003, relates to
the write down of certain long lived assets in connection with the "Asset
Purchase Agreement" entered into with Open Wheel in December of 2003 and
the write down of intangible assets and long lived assets in connection
with Raceworks, LLC our subsidiary that operated the race in Miami,
Florida. The asset impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2001
relate to the discontinuance of operations of the Dayton Indy Lights
Championship effective at the conclusion of the 2001 race season.
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ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. is engaged in the process of orderly
liquidation of its remaining assets, the winding up of its business, and the
dissolution of the Company.
Upon completion of the sale of substantially all of our operating assets
to Open Wheel in February 2004, most of our employees resigned and accepted
employment with Open Wheel and we ceased operations. The risks and uncertainties
that could cause our actual future financial results to differ materially from
our present expectations or projections regarding the estimated distribution to
shareholders are set forth in "Factors That May Affect Future Results."
The following information is presented primarily for historical purposes
and should be read noting that the Company is no longer involved in an active
business. As you read the following you should also refer to the consolidated
financial statements and related notes contained in this report, as well as item
6, "Selected Consolidated Financial Data."
DISCONTINUANCE OF INDY LIGHTS
The financial results below include the operations of American Racing
Series ("ARS") which operated the Dayton Indy Lights Championship series. At the
end of the 2001 season, we discontinued the operations of ARS and the Dayton
Indy Lights Championship series. (See Footnote 12 to our consolidated financial
statements included in Item 15 of this report.) All revenues and expenses
related to the Dayton Indy Lights Championship series ceased for 2002 and
beyond.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
USE OF ESTIMATES
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and
results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements,
which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements
requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods.
Significant accounting estimates include accounting for allowance for
doubtful accounts for accounts receivable, impairment of tangible and intangible
assets, income taxes and related valuation allowance and certain contingent
liabilities.
We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the
accounting policies described below did not have a material impact on our
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003. However, as we wind
down the Company, our financial position will be based on a number of estimates
which will have or may have a significant effect on the Company's financial
condition. These estimates are subject to the risks and uncertainties which we
describe in this report. Actual results, therefore, could differ from those
estimated.
We review the valuation of our accounts receivable on a monthly basis. The
allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on managements assessment of
conditions that might impact the collectibility of accounts.
We adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
142, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets," effective January 1, 2002. The statement
requires companies
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to discontinue amortizing goodwill and certain intangible assets with an
indefinite useful life. The statement also requires that we test our goodwill
and intangible assets for impairment upon adoption of the statement and
periodically thereafter. Our goodwill was associated with our acquisitions of
Pro-Motion Agency, Inc., CART Licensed Products, LP, and Raceworks, LLC on April
10, 1998, January 1, 1999, and March 7, 2003, respectively. Upon adoption of the
statement, we recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of $1.5 million, or $956,000
net of tax benefit of $514,000, to write-off the value of the goodwill related
to the acquisition of Pro-Motion Agency, Inc. and CART Licensed Products, L. P.
An analysis of the goodwill associated with the acquisitions of Raceworks, LLC
was conducted subsequent to the race that was held in Miami, Florida in
September of 2003. The operating results and cash flows were significantly lower
than expected which was an indication of impairment. The Company recognized a
non-cash asset impairment of $1.3 million to write-off goodwill and other
intangible assets related to the acquisition. The write-off of goodwill results
from the use of discounted cash flows in assessment of fair value for each
reporting unit as required by SFAS No. 142. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill
impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds
its estimated fair value. Our analysis are subjective and are based on
conditions existing at the time the assumptions are made. Actual results could
differ materially from those assumptions.
Our estimates of deferred tax assets and liabilities and their related
valuation allowances and the significant items giving rise to deferred tax
assets and liabilities reflect our assessment of actual future taxes to be paid
or tax refunds to be received. Actual income taxes could vary significantly from
these estimates due to adjustments resulting from final review of our tax
returns by taxing authorities.
Our determination of the treatment of contingent liabilities in the
financial statements is based on our view of the expected outcome of the
applicable contingency. In the ordinary course of business, we consult with
legal counsel on matters related to litigation. We are involved in litigation as
a part of our normal course of business (refer to Item 3: Legal Proceedings).
When a complaint is filed by or against the Company, we disclose the complaint
in our financial statements. When a claim against us is probable and estimable,
we record the expense. When we are the party filing the claim, we do not record
a gain contingency until a settlement for the claim for damages is received.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
Revenues. Total revenues for 2003 were $49.7 million, a decrease of $7.5
million, or 13%, from 2002. This was due to a decrease in sanction fee revenues,
sponsorship revenue, television revenue and other revenue, partially offset by
an increase in race promotion revenue and engine leases as described below.
Sanction fees for 2003 were $24.7 million, a decrease of $11.9 million, or
32%, from 2002. The decrease was partially due to a decrease in the number of
races for which we received a sanction fee. In 2002, we staged 19 races and
received a sanction fee from 17 of those races, compared to 2003 when we
received a sanction fee with respect to 13 races. In 2003, we promoted the races
in Kent, United Kingdom, Lausitz Germany, Portland, Oregon, Cleveland, Ohio,
Lexington, Ohio and Miami, Florida and did not receive sanction fees for these
events. The results for these events are reported in race promotion revenue and
race promotion expense. In 2002, we received sanction fees from races in Motegi,
Japan of $4.5 million, Rockingham, United Kingdom of $2.8 million, Portland,
Oregon of $1.4 million, Cleveland, Ohio of $900,000 and Lexington, Ohio of
$1.2 million. In 2003, we also entered into amended agreements with certain
promoters pursuant to which we reduced the originally contracted sanction fee.
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Sponsorship revenue for 2003 was $7.8 million, a decrease of $2.4 million,
or 23%, from 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to the loss of our
title sponsor in the amount of $5.0 million after the 2002 season, the decrease
was partially offset by an increase in 2003 sponsorship income from our two
presenting sponsors in the amount of $2.5 million.
Television revenue for 2003 was $1.9 million, a decrease of $2.6 million,
or 58%, from 2002. The decrease was due to a reduction in television advertising
revenues of $800,000, due to a decrease in the amount of available ads sold and
a reduction in ad prices due to a decline in television ratings of our shows. In
addition, international rights fees declined by $1.9 million, due to a decrease
in demand for our television show and inability to sell advertising for our show
in the Brazilian market which in past years had been one of our most profitable
markets internationally.
Race promotion revenue for 2003 was $10.8 million, an increase of $9.4
million or 660%, from 2002. The increase was due to staging six self-promoted
events in 2003 compared to two in 2002. In 2003, we promoted the races in Kent,
United Kingdom, Lausitz Germany, Portland, Oregon, Cleveland, Ohio, Lexington,
Ohio and Miami, Florida. In 2002 we promoted the races in Chicago, Illinois and
Miami, Florida. The corresponding expenses are reported in race promotion
expense below.
Engine leases for 2003, were $1.9 million with no corresponding revenue in
2002. In 2003, we purchased the engines that were used for the 2003 Champ Car
World Series race season. Each team was required to use these engines in order
to compete in the series. We leased the engines to the teams for $100,000 per
car per year.
Other revenue for 2003 was $2.6 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or
42%, from 2002. Other revenue includes membership and entry fees, contingency
awards money, royalty income, commission on parts sales and other miscellaneous
revenue. The decrease was primarily due to the discontinuance of membership,
entry fees and pop-off valve leases for the Champ Car Series in 2003; a
reduction of $600,000, and fewer entries in our Toyota Atlantic series which
reduced entry fees and parts commissions by $500,000. In addition, there was a
reduction in non-recurring miscellaneous income. In 2002, we received an
insurance settlement reimbursement of $500,000 and a breach of contract
settlement for $500,000.
Expenses. Total expenses for 2003 were $143.3 million, an increase of
$61.4 million, or 75%, from 2002. This increase was due to higher race
distributions, race promotion expenses, television expenses, merger and
strategic charges, litigation expense, asset impairment and strategic charges
and depreciation and amortization, partially offset by a reduction in race
expenses, administrative and indirect expenses and relocation expense as
described below.
Race distributions for 2003 were $60.9 million, an increase of $41.1,
million or 207%, from 2002. The increase was primarily due to in 2003, we
provided assistance to certain teams to ensure that there were a sufficient
number of race cars competing in our series. We paid $31.8 million in team
assistance in 2003 compared to $2.0 million in 2002. The increase was also
partially due to an increase in participation payments that we made to all of
our teams, from $10,000 per car per race in 2002 to $20,000 per car per race in
2003. In addition, for the 2003 Champ Car World Series we began an entrant
support program where we made payments of $22,500 per car per race to each
participating team. In 2003, we paid $14.5 million in participation and entry
support payments compared to $3.5 million in 2002.
Race expenses for 2003 were $8.1 million, a decrease of $2.8 million, or
26%, from 2002. The decrease is partially due to a decrease in freight expenses
of $800,000, related to the race in Rockingham, England in 2002. The freight
expenses were related to transporting the cars and equipment for the two races
scheduled to be conducted in Europe. The German promoter filed for bankruptcy in
2002 and the race was canceled; in an amendment to the original agreement for
the Rockingham race, CART agreed to pay the German promoter's share of the
freight charges. The
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decrease is also due to a reduction in salaries, fees, per diems and travel
expenses of $1.4 million, due to having fewer officials working the events and a
$600,000 decrease related to a reduction of our pace car program.
Race promotion expenses for 2003 were $20.8 million, an increase of $11.2
million, or 115%, from 2002. The increase is due to staging six self-promoted
events in 2003 compared to two in 2002. In 2003, we promoted the races in Kent,
United Kingdom, Lausitz Germany, Portland, Oregon, Cleveland, Ohio, Lexington,
Ohio and Miami, Florida. In 2002 we promoted the races in Chicago, Illinois and
Miami, Florida.
Television expense for 2003 was $14.9 million, an increase of $4.0 million
or 36% from 2002. The increase was due to a change in our television agreements
from the previous year. In 2002, Speed Channel paid for the production and
received the ad inventory for shows aired on their network. In 2003, we paid for
the production expenses and received the ad inventory for shows aired on their
network.
Administrative and indirect expenses for 2003 were $20.6 million, a
decrease of $7.2 million, or 26%, from 2002. This decrease was primarily
attributable to a decrease in, marketing and advertising of $3.4 million, sales
costs related to the loss of our tile sponsor of $2.2 million, professional fees
of $850,000 and salary and employee related expenses of $594,000, due to a
reduction in the workforce from 2002.
Merger charges for 2003 was $2.0 million with no corresponding expense in
the prior year. This expense was attributable to legal and consulting expenses
associated with the terminated merger and subsequent asset purchase agreement
entered into with Open Wheel Racing, LLC.
Litigation expense for 2003 was $2.7 million with no corresponding expense
in the prior year. This expense was partially attributable to an arbitration
settlement of $1.75 million paid in August 2003, to Engine Developments Ltd. in
a breach of contract case over a contract to purchase engines, a settlement of
$400,000, in a breach of contract suit filed by two former team owners,
DellaPenna Motorsports and Precision Preparation, Inc., settlement of contract
disputes with ESPN television over the canceled Texas Motor Speedway race of
$250,000, an arbitration award to Action Performance Companies, Inc. in a breach
of contract case in regard to a licensed merchandise contract of $931,000, and
settlement of early termination of a sanction agreement with IMSA of $500,000,
in regard to a race in Miami, Florida. The expenses were partially offset by
receipt of $1.0 million from a bankruptcy settlement regarding claims filed
against EuroSpeedway Lausitz for loss of sanction fees and other damages that
occurred when the 2002 event was canceled as a result of the bankruptcy of the
promoter.
Relocation expenses for 2002 were $1.4 million with no corresponding
expense in the current year. This expense relates to moving our headquarters
from Troy, Michigan to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Asset impairment charges for 2003 were $9.6 million with no corresponding
expense in the prior year. The charges partially relate to impairment of
long-lived assets associated with the bankruptcy of CART, Inc. and the court
approved "Asset Purchase Agreement" entered into with Open Wheel Racing Series,
LLC of $4.5 million. In addition, the impairment charges include the write-down
of goodwill and long lived assets of $5.1 million, associated with our
subsidiary Raceworks, LLC, which was the promoter of the race in Miami, Florida.
In December of 2003 it was determined that it was not feasible to continue
holding races in the Miami market; the impairment expense is the write-down to
fair value of the tangible and intangible assets related to this subsidiary.
Depreciation and amortization for 2003 was $3.8 million, compared to
depreciation and amortization of $1.4 million for 2002. The increase was
primarily attributable to the depreciation
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related to the engines we purchased in 2003 that were leased to teams in the
2003 Champ Car Series.
Interest Income. Interest income for 2003 was $1.3 million, compared to
interest income (net) of $3.8 million for 2002. The decrease of $2.5 million was
primarily attributable to a decrease in interest rates and available cash
balances.
Income Tax Expense/Benefit. Income tax expense for 2003 was $427,000,
compared to an income tax benefit of $7.3 million in 2002. Due to the Company
winding up its business and dissolving, management does not believe that any
future tax benefit will be realized, therefore, the tax benefit for 2003 has
been completely reduced by a valuation allowance. The 2003 tax expense relates
to foreign taxes paid where no future foreign tax credit will be realized. The
effective tax rate for 2002 was 35%.
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. Cumulative effect of accounting
change for 2002 was $1.5 million, or $956,000 net of tax benefit of $514,000.
There was no corresponding amount in the same period in the current year. The
amount relates to our implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard No. 142 pursuant to which we wrote off our impaired goodwill.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
Revenues. Total revenues for 2002 were $57.2 million, a decrease of $13.0
million, or 18%, from 2001. This was due to a decrease in sanction fee revenues,
sponsorship revenue, television revenue and engine leases, rebuilds and wheel
sales, partially offset by race promotion revenue and other revenue as described
below.
Sanction fees for 2002 were $36.6 million, a decrease of $10.6 million, or
22%, from 2001. The decrease was partially due to a decrease in the number of
races for which we received a sanction fee, in 2001, we staged 20 races and
received a sanction fee from each, compared to 2002 when we received a sanction
fee with respect to 17 races. In 2002, we promoted the race in Chicago and the
race in Miami and did not receive sanction fees for these events; the results
for these events are reported in race promotion revenue and race promotion
expense. In 2001, we also received sanction fees from races in Nazareth, PA,
Brooklyn, MI, Detroit, MI, Houston, TX and Lausitz, Germany. We did not race at
those venues in 2002 and therefore did not receive sanction fees. This was
partially offset in 2002 with new races in Denver, CO, Montreal, Canada and
Mexico City, Mexico for which we received sanction fees. In 2002, we also
entered into amended agreements with certain promoters pursuant to which we
reduced the originally contracted sanction fee in exchange for a percentage of
profits from the event. The sanction fees and/or percentage of profits we
received were less than the sanction fees received in the previous year at the
races in Corby, England, Elkhart Lake, WI, Portland, OR and Cleveland, OH.
Sponsorship revenue for 2002 was $10.2 million, a decrease of $2.2
million, or 18%, from 2001. This decrease was primarily attributable to the loss
of sponsorship income from the Indy Lights series which we discontinued at the
end of the 2001 race season, as well as a reduction in sponsorship fees from one
of our sponsors, pursuant to a renegotiation clause in the applicable
sponsorship contract.
Television revenue for 2002 was $4.5 million, a decrease of $690,000, or
13%, from 2001. The decrease was due to a change in our television agreements
from the previous year. In 2001, we received a guaranteed rights fee for both
our domestic and international television rights. In 2002, we purchased the
air-time, and we received the advertising revenue for our races broadcast on
network television. We also received rights fees for the international
broadcasts of all of our races. The advertising revenue and rights fees received
in 2002 were less than the guaranteed rights fee received in 2001. The
corresponding expenses are reported in television expenses.
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Race promotion revenue for 2002 was $1.4 million, with no corresponding
amount in 2001. The revenue was due to our promotion of the Chicago race which
was our first self-promoted race.
There were no engine leases, rebuilds and wheel sales for 2002, a decrease
of $1.3 million from the same period in the prior year. This decrease was due to
the discontinuance of the Indy Lights Championship.
Other revenue for 2002 was $4.5 million, an increase of $324,000, or 8%,
from 2001. Other revenue includes membership and entry fees, contingency awards
money, royalty income, commission on parts sales and other miscellaneous
revenue. The increase was primarily due to an insurance settlement reimbursement
of $500,000. The increase was partially offset by decreased membership and entry
fees, and a decrease in award banquet revenue.
Expenses. Total expenses for 2002 were $81.9 million, an increase of $3.1
million, or 4%, from 2001. This increase was due to higher race distributions,
race expenses, television expenses, race promotion expenses and relocation
expense, partially offset by a reduction in depreciation and amortization, cost
of engine rebuilds and wheel sales and administrative and indirect expenses,
litigation and asset impairment and strategic charges as described below.
Race distributions for 2002 were $19.8 million, an increase of $1.2,
million or 6%, from 2001. The increase was primarily due to a $10,000 per race
participation payment that we made to all of our teams beginning in 2002. In
addition, during 2002 we have provided $2.0 million in assistance to certain
teams in order to ensure their necessary participation in our series. The
increase was also due to an increase in the purse and year-end points fund for
the Toyota Atlantics Series. The increase was partially offset by travel
payments made to teams in 2001 for European travel that were not made in 2002
and a decrease in Champ Car and Indy Lights purse payments due to holding one
less Champ Car race in 2002 and discontinuing the Indy Lights Championship at
the conclusion of the 2001 race season.
Race expenses for 2002 were $10.8 million, an increase of $205,000, or 2%,
from 2001. This increase is primarily due to freight expenses related to the
race in Rockingham, England. In 2001, the freight expenses related to
transporting the cars and equipment to Europe were paid by the promoters. In an
amendment to the original agreement for the Rockingham race, CART, Inc. agreed
to pay these freight charges. The increase is also due to increased salaries,
fees and travel expenses in regards to the competition and safety departments.
The increase was partially offset by the discontinuance of the Indy Lights
Championship.
Race promotion expenses for 2002 were $9.7 million, with no corresponding
amount in 2001. The expense was due to our promotion of the Chicago and Miami
races.
There was no cost of engine rebuilds and wheel sales for 2002, a decrease
of $348,000 from the same period in the prior year. This decrease was due to the
discontinuance of the Indy Lights Championship.
Television expense for 2002 was $11.0 million with no corresponding
expense in the prior period. The increase was due to a change in our television
agreements from the previous year. In 2001, we received a guaranteed rights fee
for both our domestic and international television rights with no corresponding
expense. In 2002, we bought the air-time and paid for production expenses for
our network races. In addition, we incurred expenses to provide an international
feed for all of our races.
Administrative and indirect expenses for 2002 were $27.8 million, a
decrease of $7.8 million, or 22%, from 2001. This decrease was primarily
attributable to a decrease in severance expense, marketing and advertising,
professional fees for strategic planning, TV consulting and employee recruitment
and the discontinuance of the Indy Lights Championship, partially offset by
19
an increase in bad debt expense, legal fees, public relations and the advance
program. An advance program team visited selected race venues prior to the event
weekend and invited local media and corporate guests to participate in
activities at the track in order to generate excitement in the market prior to
the event.
Litigation expense for 2001 was $3.5 million. There was no corresponding
expense in 2002. The charge was a result of a settlement with the Texas Motor
Speedway for the cancellation of a race that was to be held in April 2001.
Relocation expenses for 2002 were $1.4 million with no corresponding
expense in the prior year. This expense relates to our headquarters moving from
Troy, Michigan to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Asset impairment and strategic charges for 2001 were $8.5 million. There
was no corresponding expense in the current year. These charges related to the
formal exit plan for the discontinuance of the Indy Lights series. The charges
related to the impairment of goodwill ($5.6 million) and property and equipment
($2.0 million) and $885,000 relating to provisions for doubtful accounts,
severance payments and other settlement charges.
Depreciation and amortization for 2002 was $1.4 million, compared to
depreciation and amortization of $1.5 million for 2001.
Operating Loss. Operating loss for 2002 was $24.7 million, compared to
operating loss of $8.5 million for 2001 due to the items discussed above.
Interest Income (Net). Interest income (net) for 2002 was $3.8 million,
compared to interest income (net) of $7.0 million for 2001. The decrease of $3.2
million was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest rates and available
cash balances.
Loss Before Income Taxes. Loss before income taxes for 2002 was $20.9
million, compared to a loss before income taxes of $1.5 million for 2001 due to
the items discussed above.
Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for 2002 was $7.3 million, compared
to an income tax benefit of $512,000 in 2001. The effective tax rate for 2002 of
35% was comparable to that in 2001 of 35%.
Loss Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. Loss before cumulative
effect of accounting change for 2002 was $13.6 million compared to loss before
cumulative effect of accounting change of $950,000 for the same period in the
prior year.
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. Cumulative effect of accounting
change for 2002 was $1.5 million, or $956,000 net of tax benefit of $514,000.
There was no corresponding amount in the same period in the prior year. The
amount relates to our implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard No. 142 pursuant to which we wrote off our impaired goodwill.
Net Loss. Net loss for 2002 was $14.5 million, compared to a net loss of
$950,000 in 2001 due to the items discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since our inception, we have funded our operations and capital
expenditures from the proceeds of our public offerings and our cash reserves
generated from operations. At December 31, 2003, we had $4.8 million in working
capital, and our primary source of liquidity was $3.2 million in cash and cash
equivalents. Our cash balance on December 31, 2003 was $3.2 million, a
20
net decrease of $3.6 million from December 31, 2002. This decrease was primarily
the result of net cash used in operating activities and financing activities of
$69.3 million and $1.0 million respectively partially by net cash proceeds from
investing activities of $66.7 million.
Our short term investment balance on December 31, 2003 was $7.4 million, a
net decrease of $72.1 million from December 31, 2002. This decrease was
primarily due to funding our operations during 2003.
In May 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with a third party
where we paid for the costs of capital improvements retained by the third party
necessary to stage an event where we were the promoter. We accepted an unsecured
note of $750,000 for said improvements. In November, of 2003 we terminated the
contract due to certain breaches of the contract. Pursuant to the terms of the
contract if future races are not held at the facility the note receivable is
terminated. Therefore, we wrote off the note in its entirety.
In June 2003, the Company entered into an amendment to a sanction
agreement with a promoter where we accepted a note in the amount of $400,000 as
payment for a portion of the sanction fee. This note is payable in 36 equal
monthly installments, bearing interest at 10% per annum, beginning January 1,
2004. The note is collateralized by all products and proceeds of all other
events staged by the promoter at the promoter's facility. We have not received
any payments on the note which were to begin on January 1, 2004. After an
assessment of the financial condition of the promoter and other considerations,
it was determined that the note should be been written-down to management's
estimate of its fair value of $150,000 and an impairment loss has been recorded
in regard to the note and trade account receivables for $320,139.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
In April 2002, we entered into a lease for our new corporate headquarters
in Indianapolis, Indiana. The lease commenced on May 1, 2002 and expires on
October 31, 2010. The total amount due through the life of the lease as of
December 31, 2003 is $2.1 million. We have sublet this office space to Open
Wheel, on substantially the same terms as our lease and retain office space for
our use, at no cost. However, we remain liable on the lease.
In March 2003, we entered into a lease for office space in Miami, Florida.
The lease commenced on June 1, 2003 and was to expire on May 31, 2008. The total
amount due through the life of the lease was $478,198. On December 12, 2003 we
cancelled and compromised the lease for a payment of $43,941 and the lessor
retained the security deposit of $16,058.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December
31, 2003, that remain outstanding obligations of the Company as of March 31,
2004. Certain contractual obligations of the Company as of December 31, 2003
were assumed or assigned to Open Wheel in the "Asset Purchase Agreement"
finalized in February 2004. The obligations that were assumed or assigned to
Open Wheel and are no longer an obligation of the Company are not included in
the table below.
Payments due by Period
----------------------
Less Than 1-3 4-5 After 5
Contractual Obligations Total 1 Year Years Years Years
----------------------- ----- ------ ----- ----- -----
Operating Leases* $2,111,261 $ 308,965 $ 926,895 $ 617,930 $ 257,471
Other Long-Term Obligations 1,781,000 1,245,000 536,000 -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Contractual Cash Obligations $3,892,261 $1,553,965 $1,462,895 $ 617,930 $ 257,471
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
|
*Sublet to Open Wheel Racing Series for the amounts of lease obligations.
21
In July 2002, we guaranteed a $1.8 million commercial term loan in
connection with our acquisition of Raceworks, LLC. The Company subsequently
assumed this loan in conjunction with the acquisition of Raceworks, LLC and has
recorded the loan in its long-term debt. The principal on the loan shall be paid
quarterly, starting October 31, 2003 and on the last day of each January, April,
July and October thereafter, in the amount of $50,000 per quarter. Payments of
principal and interest were paid for the October 2003 and January 2004
installments. The Company was in default of certain financial covenants of the
loan. These financial covenants require that total stockholders' equity of the
Company not be below $75 million. As a result, the entire amount of the note has
been classified as current. On May 10, 2004, the entire principal of the note
was paid according to an assignment and release entered into with the holder of
the note.
On March 7, 2003, we acquired 100% of the equity in Raceworks, LLC. The
purchase price was $1.2 million, including $473,000 of cash and a contingent
promissory note of $722,000, without interest, and assumption of liabilities of
$4.7 million. On December 8, 2003, the company entered into a release and
settlement agreement, with the sellers of Raceworks, that released both parties
from any future obligations under the acquisition agreement in exchange for
payment of $361,250 in cash to the sellers. In December of 2003, after the
merger agreement with OWRS was terminated, as discussed above, it was determined
that OWRS had no interest in the assets of Raceworks, LLC or continuing to race
in the city of Miami. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $5.1
million to write-off the goodwill and long lived assets of Raceworks, LLC.
Litigation and settlements expense was $2.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2003. This expense was partially attributable to an arbitration
settlement of $1.75 million paid in August 2003, to Engine Developments Ltd. in
a breach of contract case over a contract to purchase engines, a settlement of a
breach of contract suit filed by two former team owners, DellaPenna Motorsports
and Precision Preparation, Inc., settlement of contract disputes with ESPN
television over the canceled Texas Motor Speedway race, an arbitration award to
Action Performance Companies, Inc. in a breach of contract case in regard to a
licensed merchandise contract, and settlement of an early termination of a
sanction agreement with IMSA in regard to a race in Miami, Florida. The expenses
were partially offset by receipt of $1.0 million from proceeds received from a
bankruptcy settlement regarding claims filed against EuroSpeedway Lausitz for
loss of sanction fees and other damages that occurred when the 2002 event was
canceled as a result of the bankruptcy of the promoter.
In addition, in August 2003 we paid $1.7 million to Joseph Heitzler, our
former CEO, in complete settlement of all actions brought by Mr. Heitzler in
claims related to his employment with the Company. The charge to expense related
to this settlement had been recorded in the year-ended December 31, 2001.
Capital spending for 2003 was approximately $2.2 million. Capital
expenditures included approximately $900,000 for race promotion equipment,
$693,000 for engines and related equipment, $306,000 for race car chassis and
improvements, $288,000 for trucks and trailers and $69,000 for computers and
office equipment. No capital spending will occur in 2004.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In October 2002, we provided a deposit of $550,000 and a letter of credit
in the amount of $1.7 million in regards to the production of conversion kits
for race car chassis for the 2003 season. The letter of credit guaranteed that
at least 20 of the kits would be purchased by our race teams. As the kits were
purchased, the letter of credit was reduced accordingly. If 20 kits were not
purchased by our teams, we would have been required to purchase the remaining
kits and continue to sell the kits to teams as they were needed. All 20 race
kits were purchased by our race teams; consequently, the deposit was refunded on
February 27, 2003 and the letter of credit was canceled.
22
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have historically entered into transactions with related parties,
because several of our directors and one of our significant shareholders are
team owners. We believed that it was necessary and appropriate to have team
owners involved as directors or significant shareholders of the Company because
of their unique knowledge of our business. We believed that all the transactions
which we have entered into with our directors or significant shareholders, were
comparable to the terms that we have in the past or could in the future enter
into with third parties with respect to each of these transactions. In order to
avoid conflicts of interest, any of our directors who were affiliated with an
entity that was entering into a transaction with us did not vote on any matters
related to such transactions and, in certain circumstances, refrained from
participating in any discussions related to such transactions.
Gerald R. Forsythe, a 22.9% stockholder of the Company, is one of the
three principal members, of Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC, the other members
being Mr. Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven, which purchased the operating assets of
CART, Inc. pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, entered into in February
2004. The consideration paid to CART, Inc. for the purchase of such assets,
along with the stock of Pro-Motion Agency, Ltd. and CART Licensed Products, Inc.
was total consideration of $3.3 million in cash, the assumption by the buyer of
$1.4 million in prize money owed to teams not affiliated with the principals of
Open Wheel, forgiveness of $1.3 million in prize money due teams affiliated with
principals of Open Wheel, including Mr. Forsythe and Mr. Gentilozzi, and the
assumption of certain promoter, sponsorship, and other contracts. The agreement
was approved by order of the bankruptcy court at a hearing held on January 28,
2004.
The following related party transactions occurred during the three year
period ended December 31, 2003:
The related party transactions under "Purse Distributions, Entry Support
Program and Lease Arrangements" were all payments or transactions that were made
on the identical basis to all race teams, whether they were affiliated with
directors or significant shareholders or not affiliated. The payments payable to
related parties under the caption "Team Assistance Program" related to further
assistance that the Company provided to race teams to assure their participation
in the 2003 race season. The amounts payable to each race team varied, depending
upon the team's ability to raise third party sponsorship, the number of cars
that the team raced in 2003, their budget and other factors. The Company
determined that these payments were necessary in order to assure a proper field
for 2003 and believed that the amounts payable to each of the race teams
affiliated with a director was consistent with arrangements that the Company
could enter into with third parties. Both of these programs were developed to
insure the necessary participation in the series. Without this additional
funding, it was unlikely that there would have been 18 teams, which would have
resulted in defaults under certain of the Company's agreements with promoters
and television and could have resulted in severe financial consequences to the
Company.
Purse Distributions, Year-end Point Fund, Entry Support Program and Team
Assistance. We have entered into transactions with entities that were affiliated
with our directors and/or 5% stockholders who were owners of our race teams.
Race teams that participated in the Champ Car World Series received purse
distributions on a per race basis and from the year end point fund, which
amounts were paid based solely upon their performance in specific races. All of
these payments were made to our race teams regardless of the affiliation with
our directors or significant stockholders. Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC
released CART, Inc. from any obligation relating to amounts due them for the
year-end point fund and assumed the obligation to pay the year-end point fund to
the other participants of the 2003 season as part of the Asset Purchase
Agreement entered into with the Company as discussed previously (with the
exception
23
of the year-end point fund due Patrick Racing, Inc.) The following table
provides information with respect to payments made or accrued during 2003 by us
to race teams that were affiliated with directors and/or significant
stockholders of CART:
(paid) (accrued)
Race Team/Affiliated Person Purse Distributions Year-end Point Fund
--------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas $ 1,479,500 $ 700,000
Forsythe Racing, Inc./Gerald R. Forsythe 1,576,000 1,150,000
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 454,250 130,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 618,500 110,000
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 420,250 100,000
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 332,250 -----
|
In 2003, we leased engines and provided financial assistance to every team
that participated in the Champ Car World Series, including teams affiliated with
our directors and/or 5% stockholders. The financial assistance payments related
to two programs instituted for the 2003 season, the Entry Support Program (ESP)
and the Team Assistance Program. ESP provided up to $42,500 in cash payments to
teams, per race, for each car entered into the series.
The Company entered into a sponsorship agreement with Ford Motor Company,
which provided in part, that Ford would lease to each of the teams Ford vehicles
for their use in 2003. For ease of administration, Ford leased these vehicles to
the Company and the Company subleased the vehicles to each team on a net basis.
There was no net cost or benefit to the Company related to this arrangement.
The Company purchased one hundred (100) race engines from Cosworth Racing,
Inc. for a total purchase price of $4.0 million and agreed to pay for track
support in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company in turn leased these engines
to each team on the basis of $100,000 per entrant per year.
The following table lists the amount of engine lease income we received
and Entry Support Payments we made to related parties for the 2003 race season.
Engine Lease Income ESP Payments
Race Team/Affiliated Person from Teams to Teams
--------------------------- ---------- --------
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas $ 200,000 $ 1,530,000
Forsythe Racing, Inc./Gerald R. Forsythe 200,000 1,530,000
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 100,000 765,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 200,000 1,530,000
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 100,000 765,000
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 100,000 765,000
|
Team Assistance Program. The Team Assistance Program supplied an
additional $31.8 million in team assistance spread over the 2003 race season as
described above. The following table sets forth the Team Assistance Program
payments to teams affiliated with directors and/or 5% stockholders.
24
Race Team/Affiliated Person Team Assistance Payments
--------------------------- ------------------------
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas $ 2,000,000
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 1,400,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 5,925,000
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 2,000,000
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 1,000,000
|
PROMOTER AGREEMENTS
Some of our directors or stockholders either controlled or were affiliated
with others who controlled racing venues which staged CART and other racing
events. We entered into the following agreements with entities associated with
directors or 5% stockholders:
Carl A. Haas, a former director of the Company and a race team owner, was
a principal owner of Carl Haas Racing Teams, Ltd. and Texaco Houston Grand Prix
L.L.C. ("HGP"), each of which entered into Promoter Agreements with respect to
Champ Car World Series races at the Wisconsin State Park Speedway in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin and at a temporary road course in Houston, Texas. In the second
quarter of 2002 the Promoter Agreement for the Milwaukee race was renewed for
the 2002 event with the promoter having the option to extend for the 2003 and
2004 years. The sanction fees payable to CART under this agreement is similar to
those paid by independent race promoters. Pursuant to the Promoter Agreement,
entities affiliated with Mr. Haas have paid sanction fees to CART of $1.4 and
$1.7 million in the years 2003 and 2002 respectively. On May 31, 2003, CART,
Inc., entered into an agreement with the Wisconsin State Fair Park to take over
as organizer/promoter of the event from Carl Haas Racing Teams, Ltd. In
addition, we have incurred a total of $100,000 in sales costs and $100,000 in
marketing expenses in relation to our race at Wisconsin State Park Speedway
during 2002. The promoter agreement in regards to the Houston, Texas event
provided for races to be held starting in 1998 through 2003. The Houston, Texas
race was not held in 2002 and 2003 due to construction on the temporary circuit
in downtown Houston. Therefore, the promoter agreement has been terminated by
mutual agreement. Carl Haas Racing Teams, Ltd. paid a $500,000 termination fee
to CART and CART has received an option to acquire certain assets of HGP, used
in operating the Houston event, for $750,000. This option was exercised and
payment was made in January 2003.
Gerald R. Forsythe, a race team owner and 22.9% stockholder, is a
principal owner of the entities which entered into Promoter Agreements with
respect to Champ Car World Series races in Monterrey, Mexico and Mexico City,
Mexico. These entities affiliated with Mr. Forsythe have paid sanction fees to
CART in the aggregate amount of $4.9 million and $6.1 million for 2003 and 2002
respectively.
In addition, we have paid a total of $200,000 in sales costs and $200,000
in marketing expenses to these entities during 2002.
In order to change the date of the Mexico City race as requested by Mr.
Forsythe's affiliated entity, we have paid another promoter $250,000. Mr.
Forsythe's affiliated entity reimbursed us for $125,000 of that expense.
Gerald R. Forsythe is also a principal owner of an entity which entered
into a Promoter Agreement with respect to Champ Car World Series races in
Rockingham, England. The agreement provided for a race to be held beginning in
2001 through 2006. Following the cancellation of the 2002 race scheduled to be
run in Germany, officials at Rockingham expressed concern regarding the
viability of running a single event in Europe. In order to assure that the
Rockingham event could move forward in 2002, we negotiated an amendment to the
Promoter
25
Agreement which reduced the sanction fee to $2.8 million and we assumed certain
costs, including freight and transportation, in the amount of $900,000. In
addition, the terms of the future years of the agreement, 2003-2006, were
subject to renegotiation. This renegotiation has subsequently resulted in the
cancellation of the remaining years of the agreement. In addition, we have paid
a total of $100,000 in sales costs and $400,000 in marketing expenses to this
entity during 2002.
Floyd R. Ganassi Jr., a former director of the Company and a race team
owner, is a principal owner of Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC and has entered into
a Promoter Agreement with respect to a Champ Car World Series race at Chicago
Motor Speedway in Cicero (Chicago), Illinois. Pursuant to the terms thereof, a
Championship race was to be held through 2003. The Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC
was to pay sanction fees to CART of $2.0 million for 2002 and $2.1 million for
2003. In 2002, the Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC announced the suspension of all
race events at Chicago Motor Speedway. We then entered into an agreement with
the Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC where we rented the track for $850,000 in 2002
and promoted the race ourselves.
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the above, we have entered into the following transactions
with related parties:
Mr. Forsythe is also a principal owner of the entity that holds our
Mexican television rights through 2004. In return for these rights, we received
a minimum guarantee of $325,000 and $300,000 in 2003 and 2002 respectively. In
addition, we will receive 70% of the net profits, if any, until we reach
$500,000, $550,000 and $600,000 for each of the three years ending 2002, 2003
and 2004, respectively.
Mr. Ganassi is also principal owner of Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Inc.,
which entered into an agreement by which Target Chip Ganassi Racing Inc. ran a
third car for a portion of the 2002 season. Pursuant to the terms thereof, we
paid Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Inc. $1.7 million for running the third car,
and we received the right to sell certain sponsorship space on that car.
Ralph Sanchez, a director of the Company, is a principal owner of RAS
Development, Inc. which has entered into a five year lease agreement with the
Company for office space in Miami, Florida. Payments for this lease total
$80,292, $97,957, $99,081, $100,045, $101,008 and $16,861 for 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The lease was terminated in December 2003, as
part of the wind-up of the operations in Miami for a payment of $43,941 and Mr.
Sanchez retained the deposit of $16,059.
PAYMENTS TO CART
In addition to the payments described above, CART received revenues from
its race teams, including those affiliated with CART directors and/or 5%
stockholders, for credential, FIA licenses, drivers fees and other payments
based solely on participation in CART events and CART's self-promoted event.
During 2003, race teams affiliated with CART directors and/or 5% stockholders
made such payments to CART as follows:
Forsythe Racing, Inc./Gerald R. Forsythe $ 42,200
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas 11,300
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 60,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 32,950
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 10,750
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 39,396
|
26
As part of the race in Miami, Florida, a special promotion was undertaken
whereby a rock music concert was cross-promoted in conjunction with the race
event. An agreement was entered into with Motorock, LLC, a rock concert
promoter, whose principals are Mr. Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven, who are also
principals in Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC., which purchased the assets of
CART, Inc. pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement as discussed above. The
Company received $141,000 from Motorock, LLC., in exchange for tickets,
hospitality and advertising rights at the race.
In 2004, the Company is sanctioning the races for Open Wheel Racing
Series, LLC., which Mr. Forsythe, a 22.9% owner of the Company, is a principal
owner. The Company receives $12,500 for each domestic race it sanctions and is
reimbursed for various expenses it incurs in sanctioning the events.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
WE CANNOT ASSURE YOU OF THE AMOUNT, IF ANY, OF ANY DISTRIBUTION TO OUR
STOCKHOLDERS UNDER A PLAN OF COMPLETE LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION.
Liquidation and dissolution may not create value to our stockholders or
result in any remaining capital for distribution to our stockholders. We cannot
assure you of the precise nature and amount of any distribution to our
stockholders pursuant to a plan of distribution. Uncertainties as to the precise
net value of our non-cash assets and the ultimate amount of our liabilities make
it impracticable to predict the aggregate net value, if any, ultimately
distributable to our stockholders. The actual nature and amount of all
distributions will depend in part upon our ability to settle our liabilities or
potential liabilities. We may not be successful in doing so to return a
meaningful amount of cash to our stockholders.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SETTLE ALL OF OUR OBLIGATIONS TO CREDITORS.
We have current and future obligations to creditors. These include,
without limitation, long-term contractual obligations and litigation claims and
expenses. As part of the wind down process, we will attempt to settle our
obligations with our creditors. We may not, however, succeed in doing so. If we
cannot reach an agreement with a creditor concerning an obligation, that
creditors may choose to bring a lawsuit against us. Any litigation could delay
or even prevent us from completing the plan of dissolution. Moreover, amounts
required to settle our obligations to creditors will reduce the amount of
remaining capital available for distributions to stockholders.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO INCUR CLAIMS, LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES WHICH WILL REDUCE THE
AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO STOCKHOLDERS.
Claims, liabilities and expenses such as operating costs, salaries,
directors' and officers' insurance, payroll and local taxes, legal, accounting
and consulting fees and miscellaneous office expenses, will continue to be
incurred as we wind down operations. These expenses will reduce the amount of
assets available for ultimate distribution to stockholders, if any. If available
cash is not adequate to provide for our obligations, liabilities, expenses and
claims, we may not be able to distribute meaningful cash, or any cash at all, to
our stockholders.
27
DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, IF ANY, TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS COULD BE DELAYED.
Our Board of Directors has not established a firm timetable for proposing
to our stockholders a plan of liquidation, nor can we assure approval of such a
plan or the amount of any distributions to our stockholders. We are currently
unable to predict the precise timing of any distribution, if any, pursuant to
our wind down. The timing of distribution, if any, will depend on and could be
delayed by, among other things, the timing of claim settlements with creditors
and potential litigation. Additionally, a creditor could seek an injunction
against the making of distributions to our stockholders on the ground that the
amounts to be distributed were needed to provide for the payment of our
liabilities and expenses. Additionally, we could seek protection from creditors
under the federal bankruptcy code. Any action of this type could delay or
substantially diminish, or eliminate, the amount available for distribution to
our stockholders.
IF WE FAIL TO CREATE AN ADEQUATE CONTINGENCY RESERVE FOR PAYMENT OF OUR EXPENSES
AND LIABILITIES, OUR STOCKHOLDERS COULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR PAYMENT TO OUR
CREDITORS OF EACH SUCH STOCKHOLDER'S PRO RATA SHARE OF AMOUNTS OWED TO THE
CREDITORS IN EXCESS OF THE CONTINGENCY RESERVE, UP TO THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY
DISTRIBUTED TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER.
If a plan of dissolution is proposed to and ratified and approved by our
stockholders, we will file a Certificate of Dissolution with the State of
Delaware dissolving the Company. Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation
Law, we will continue to exist for three years after the dissolution becomes
effective or for such longer period as the Delaware Court of Chancery shall
direct, for the purpose of prosecuting and defending suits against us and
enabling us gradually to close our business, to dispose of our property, to
discharge our liabilities and to distribute to our stockholders any remaining
assets. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, in the event we fail to
create an adequate contingency reserve for payment of our expenses and
liabilities during this three-year period, each stockholder could be held liable
for payment to our creditors of such stockholder's pro rata share of amounts
owed to creditors in excess of the contingency reserve, up to the amount
actually distributed to such stockholder.
However, the liability of any stockholder would be limited to the amounts
previously received by such stockholder from us (and from any liquidating trust
or trusts) in the dissolution. Accordingly, in such event a stockholder could be
required to return all distributions previously made to such stockholder. In
such event, a stockholder could receive nothing from us under the plan of
dissolution. Moreover, in the event a stockholder has paid taxes on amounts
previously received, a repayment of all or a portion of such amount could result
in a stockholder incurring a net tax cost if the stockholder's repayment of an
amount previously distributed does not cause a commensurate reduction in taxes
payable. There can be no assurance that the contingency reserve established by
us will be adequate to cover any expenses and liabilities.
WE DO NOT EXPECT TO RECOGNIZE ANY MATERIAL REVENUE IN THE FUTURE
We do not expect to recognize much, if any, additional revenue.
Furthermore, it may be difficult to collect receivables now that we have
announced our intent to wind down.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO INCUR THE EXPENSES OF COMPLYING WITH PUBLIC COMPANY
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
We have an obligation to continue to comply with the applicable reporting
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, referred to as
the "Exchange Act," even though compliance with such reporting requirements is
economically burdensome.
28
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
On July 30, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". The statement addresses financial
accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities
and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, "Liability
Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an
Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS 146 is
effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31,
2002. This statement did not have a material effect on the consolidated
financial statements.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46")
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity". The term "variable interest" is
defined in FIN 46 as "contractual, ownership or other pecuniary interests in an
entity that change with changes in the entity's net asset value." Variable
interests are investments or other interests that will absorb a portion of an
entity's expected losses if they occur or receive portions of the entity's
expected residual returns if they occur. The Company does not expect the
recognition provisions of FIN 46 to have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB amended and clarified financial accounting and
reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, "through the
issuance of SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities."SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or
modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June
30, 2003. The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 149 in fiscal 2003 did not have a
material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity."SFAS
No. 150 modifies the accounting for certain financial instruments that, under
previous guidance, issuers could account for as equity. SFAS No. 150 requires
that those instruments be classified as liabilities in statements of financial
position. The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 150 in fiscal 2003 did not have a
material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
INTEREST RATE RISK. Our investment policy was designed to maximize safety
and liquidity while maximizing yield within those constraints. At December 31,
2003, our investments consisted of U.S. Agency issues, letters of credit, and
money market funds. The weighted average maturity of our portfolio is 152 days.
The weighted average maturity of the portfolio was 278 days at December 31,
2003. Because of the relatively short-term nature of our investments, our
interest rate risk is not considered significant.
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes are included in Item 15
of this document.
29
ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to
material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries)
required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.
(b) Upon completion of the sale of substantially all of our operating assets to
Open Wheel in February 2004, most of our employees resigned and accepted
employment with Open Wheel and we ceased operations. We are in the process of
winding up the affairs of the Company. We currently have two employees the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and we also use temporary
accounting help in winding up the Companies affairs. Subsequently, we have had a
reduction in our accounting staff. We have reviewed and revised our internal
controls due to the reduction in staff and change in operations and believe we
have effective internal controls and proper approval and authorization processes
in place.
30
PART III
ITEM 10: DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each
director and executive officer of the Company as of August 13, 2004:
Director
Name Principal Occupation During the Last Five Years Age Since
---- ----------------------------------------------- --- --------
Christopher R. Pook, Mr. Pook has served as President and CEO of the Company 63 January
President and Chief since December 2001. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. 2002
Executive Officer, Pook served as President of the Grand Prix Association
Director of Long Beach, Inc., a subsidiary of Dover Downs,
Entertainment, Inc. In 1973, Mr. Pook conceived the idea
of running a world-class automobile race through the
city streets of Long Beach, and his dream became a
reality when the initial event, a Formula 5000 event,
was staged in September 1975. Thereafter, the Long Beach
Grand Prix became a Formula One race and "The Toyota
Grand Prix of Long Beach" evolved into an annual event
on the World Championship Grand Prix circuit. Following
the 1983 event, Mr. Pook made a decision to change the
format of the Long Beach Grand Prix from Formula One to
CART Champ Cars. In 1996, the Grand Prix Association of
Long Beach, Inc., with Mr. Pook as President and Chief
Executive Officer, completed an initial public offering
of stock, and also acquired tracks in St. Louis and
Memphis. In 1998, this company was purchased by Dover
Downs Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DVD). Mr. Pook has
served as a member of the Board of Directors of Dover
Downs Entertainment, Inc. since 1998. Mr. Pook is a
Member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles
Organizing Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games; he is
Co-Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2005
FINA World Swimming Championships and is Chairman of the
Board of the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors
Bureau.
Thomas L. Carter, Mr. Carter was elected Chief Financial Officer in 48 --
Chief Financial October 2000 and was first named Vice President of
Officer Finance and Administration of CART, Inc. in March 1998
after serving as Director of Finance since February
1997. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Carter was employed by
Rehman Robinson as a senior tax manager. From 1990 to
1995, Mr. Carter was employed by Deloitte & Touche as a
senior tax consultant. From 1973 to 1989, Mr. Carter
worked in various positions with the Michigan Department
of Treasury. Mr. Carter is a certified public
accountant.
|
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table discloses compensation received by each person who
served as CART's Chief Executive Officer during 2003 and its four other most
highly paid executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as
well as their compensation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002 and
2001.
31
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Long Term Compensation
Compensation Awards
----------------------- --------------------------------
Securities
Underlying
Other Annual Options/ All Other
Name and Principal Position Salary ($) Bonus ($) Compensation ($) SARs (#) Compensation ($)
--------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- ------------- ----------------
Christopher R. Pook (1) 2003 $450,000 $ 67,000 (2) 0 $29,792
President and CEO 2002 375,000 169,000 250,000 20,000(3)
2001 14,423 120,000 450,000 0
Thomas L. Carter 2003 $210,000 $ 0 (2) 0 $10,747
Chief Financial Officer 2002 210,000 0 40,000 5,330(3)
2001 200,000 20,000 50,000 3,435
David Clare (4) 2003 $235,000 $ 0 (2) 0 $10,105
Chief Operating Officer
J. Carlisle Peet, III (5) 2003 $175,000 $ 0 (2) 0 $ 7,635
Vice President and Chief
Legal Officer of CART, Inc.
Vicki O'Connor 2003 $195,700 $ 0 (2) 0 $10,060
President of Pro-Motion 2002 195,700 0 0 5,285(3)
Agency, Ltd. 2001 190,000 0 5,000 6,153
|
(1) Mr. Pook was elected as President and CEO in December 2001. He was not
employed by CART prior to that time. He has entered into an amended
employment agreement whereby he will be paid a base salary of $450,000 per
year for 2004.
(2) The aggregate amount of perquisite compensation to be reported herein is
less than the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and
bonus reported for the named executive officer. No other annual
compensation was paid or payable to the named executive officers in the
years indicated.
(3) Includes the payment of term life insurance premiums on behalf of the
named executive officer, as follows: Mr. Pook ($2,580); Mr. Carter
($2,580); Mr. Clare ($2,580); Mr. Peet ($2,468); and Ms. O'Connor
($2,535). Includes the contributions to defined benefit plans on behalf of
the named executive officer, as follows: Mr. Pook ($7,525); Mr. Carter
($8,167); Mr. Clare ($7,525); Mr. Peet ($5,167); and Ms. O'Connor
($7,525). Also includes the payment of premiums for life and disability
insurance on behalf of Mr. Pook in the amount of $19,867.
(4) Mr. Clare resigned as Chief Operating Officer in March 2004. Mr. Clare and
the Company entered into a settlement agreement regarding Mr. Clare's
employment contract with the Company whereby all claims relating to the
agreement were released by Mr. Clare in exchange for a payment of $100,000
to Mr. Clare.
(5) Mr. Peet resigned as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of CART, Inc.
in February, 2004.
32
Currently, there are only two employees of the Company. Christopher Pook,
the sole Director, President and CEO of the Company amended his employment
agreement on January 30, 2004. In the amendment, Mr. Pook agreed to waive all of
his potential payments related to a proposed change of control of Championship.
If a change of control did occur, Mr. Pook may have been entitled to a payment
equal to three times his current compensation and would receive additional
benefits. Mr. Pook and the Company agreed that Mr. Pook would continue to be
employed as President and CEO of the Company through December 18, 2004 and would
continue to receive his current monthly salary. Mr. Pook's salary on a
annualized basis is $450,000.
Mr. Carter entered into an amendment to his employment agreement for the
Company effective February 9, 2004. Mr. Carter agreed to retain his position as
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer,
and Treasurer. Mr. Carter will receive a salary of $210,000 for the year ended
December 31, 2004 along with additional benefits.
Because Mr. Pook is the sole Director of the Company, there is no longer a
Compensation Committee. Mr. Pook's employment agreement was approved by the
Compensation Committee which was in place at the time the amendment to the
employment agreement was entered into.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information on option grants in 2003 to each
of the named executive officers.
Individual Grants
-----------------------------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to Exercise Grant Date
Options Employees in Price Expiration Present
Name Granted (1) Fiscal Year (1) ($/Share) Date Value ($)
---- ----------- ---------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Christopher R. Pook 0 -- -- -- --
Thomas L. Carter 0 -- -- -- --
David Clare 0 -- -- -- --
J. Carlisle Peet, III 0 -- -- -- --
Vicki O'Connor 0 -- -- -- --
|
(1) We did not grant any options during 2003
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN
LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-
END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information on option exercises in 2003 by
each of the named executive officers and the values of each of such officer's
unexercised options at December 31, 2003.
33
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised In-the-
Underlying Money Options at
Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year-End
Fiscal Year-End (1)
Number of --------------------------- ----------------------------
Shares
Acquired on Value
Name Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
---- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Christopher R. Pook 0 0 383,333 316,667 0 0
Thomas L. Carter 0 0 62,500 47,500 0 0
David Clare 0 0 0 0 0 0
J. Carlisle Peet, III 0 0 6,666 13,334 0 0
Vicki O'Connor 0 0 26,667 5,833 0 0
|
(1) The value of unexercised options is based upon the difference between the
exercise price and the average of the high and low market prices on
December 31, 2003 of $0.10.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
The following information relates to CART's compensation and reimbursement
practices during 2003 for directors who were not CART officers and who were not
affiliated with teams participating in CART events (Messrs. Andretti, Hardymon,
Henderson, Sanchez and Tucker). CART employees and those directors who are
affiliated with teams participating in CART events do not receive any
compensation for their Board activities.
In addition to the cash compensation discussed below, members of the Board
of Directors who were not CART officers and who were not affiliated with teams
participating in CART events (Messrs. Andretti, Hardymon, Henderson, Sanchez and
Tucker) received options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock when first
elected and options to purchase 5,000 shares upon each re-election. (The
exercise grant for 2003 was rescinded by the directors)
During 2003, members of the Board of Directors who were not CART officers
and who were not affiliated with teams participating in CART events, were paid
an annual retainer of $25,000. All Board members were reimbursed for expenses
attendant to Board membership. Mr. Pook is currently the only Director and he is
not compensated separate from his duties as President and Chief Executive
Officer.
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table shows the amount of CART common stock beneficially
owned by any person or group known to us that is the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of CART's common stock as of August 13, 2004.
34
Aggregate Number Percent of
of Shares Shares
Name and Address Beneficially Owned Outstanding
---------------- ------------------ -----------
Gerald R. Forsythe (1) 3,377,400 22.95%
Forsythe Racing, Inc.
Indeck Energy Services, Inc.
1111 South Willis Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090
FMR Corp. (2) 1,471,600 9.99%
Edward C. Johnson, III
Abigail P. Johnson
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Jonathan P. Vannini (3) 1,255,000 8.53%
828 Irwin Drive
Hillsborough, CA 94010
Gryphon Master Fund L.P.(4) 884,400 6.0%
500 Crescent Court, Suite 270
Dallas, Texas 75201
Wheatons Holdings Limited (5) 920,900 6.3%
17485 McLaren Road
Caledon Ontario
Canada L0N 1C0
|
(1) We have received this information regarding share ownership from the
Schedule 13D/A that was filed with the SEC on September 12, 2002, and
subsequent Form 4 filed with the SEC in February 2003. Mr. Forsythe has
agreed to vote and exchange all shares he or his affiliated entities has
acquired in excess of 15% of the outstanding stock consistent with the
recommendations of the Board of Directors of CART on all strategic matters
for a period of three years.
(2) We have received this information regarding share ownership from the
Schedule 13G/A that was filed with the SEC on February 17, 2004.
(3) We have received this information regarding share ownership from the
Schedule 13D/A that was filed with the SEC on November 29, 2001.
(4) We have received this information regarding share ownership from the
Schedule 13G/A that was filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004.
(5) We have received this information regarding share ownership from the
Schedule 13G that was filed with the SEC on August 15, 2003.
The following table shows the amount of common stock of CART beneficially
owned (unless otherwise indicated) by CART's directors, the executive officers
of CART named in the Summary Compensation Table, and the directors and executive
officers of CART as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, all information is
as of August 13, 2004.
The number of shares beneficially owned by each director or executive
officer is determined under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any
other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to
which the individual has the sole or shared voting power or investment power and
also any shares which the individual has the right to acquire as of December 31,
2003 through the exercise of stock options or other rights. Unless otherwise
35
indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power (or shares such
powers with his/her spouse) with respect to the shares set forth in the
following table.
Name Amount and Percent of
Nature of Shares
Beneficial Ownership (1) Outstanding(2)
-------------------------- --------------
Christopher R. Pook..................................... 383,333 Vested Options 2.6%
Thomas L. Carter........................................ 3,000 Direct *
62,500 Vested Options
David Clare 0 *
J. Carlisle Peet, III**................................. 6,666 Vested options *
Vicki O'Connor**........................................ 26,667 Vested Options *
All current directors and executive officers as a
group (2) persons.................................... 3,000 Direct 3.27%
0 Indirect
479,166 Vested Options
|
* Represents less than 1% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
** Options forfeited in May 2004.
(1) "Vested Options" are stock options which may be exercised as of December
31, 2003.
(2) Percentages are based upon 14,718,134 shares of common stock outstanding
on March 31, 2004.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our
directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock
to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports regarding their
ownership and changes in ownership of our stock. CART believes that during
fiscal 2003, its executive officers and directors complied with all Section
16(a) filing requirements. In making this statement, CART has relied upon the
written representations of its directors and officers.
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
We have historically entered into transactions with related parties,
because several of our directors and one of our significant shareholders are
team owners. Since we are not engaged in an active business for 2004, it is not
anticipated that there will be any additional material transactions with
affiliates other than completion of the Bankruptcy Plan and performance by the
Company of its obligations under the Asset Purchase Agreement and the Sanction
Agreement. We believe that it is necessary and appropriate to have team owners
involved as directors or significant shareholders of the Company because of
their unique knowledge of our business. We believe that all the transactions
which we have entered into with our directors or significant shareholders, are
comparable to the terms that we have in the past or could in the future enter
into with third parties with respect to each of these transactions. In order to
avoid conflicts of interest, any of our directors who are affiliated with an
entity that is entering into a transaction with us have not and will not vote on
any matters related to such transactions and may, in certain circumstances,
refrain from participating in any discussions related to such transactions.
36
Gerald R. Forsythe, a 22.9% stockholder of the Company, is one of three
principal members of Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC, the other members being Mr.
Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven, which purchased the operating assets of CART, Inc.
pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, entered into in February 2004. The
consideration paid to CART, Inc. for the purchase of such assets, along with the
stock of Pro-Motion Agency, Ltd. and CART Licensed Products, Inc. was total
consideration of $3.3 million in cash, the assumption by the buyer of $1.4
million in prize money owed to teams not affiliated with the principals of Open
Wheel, forgiveness of $1.3 million in prize money due teams affiliated with
principals of Open Wheel, including Mr. Forsythe and the assumption of certain
promoter, sponsorship, and other contracts. The agreement was approved by order
of the bankruptcy court at a hearing held on January 28, 2004.
The following related party transactions occurred in 2003 and in prior
years:
The related party transactions under "Purse Distributions, Entry Support
Program and Lease Arrangements" were all payments or transactions that were made
on the identical basis to all race teams, whether they were affiliated with
directors or significant shareholders or not affiliated. The payments payable to
related parties under the caption "Team Assistance Program" related to further
assistance that the Company provided to race teams to assure their participation
in the 2003 race season. The amounts payable to each race team varied, depending
upon the team's ability to raise third party sponsorship, the number of cars
that the team raced in 2003, their budget and other factors. The Company
determined that these payments were necessary in order to assure a proper field
for 2003 and believed that the amounts payable to each of the race teams
affiliated with a director was consistent with arrangements that the Company
could enter into with third parties. Both of these programs were developed to
insure the necessary participation in the series. Without this additional
funding, it was unlikely that there would have been 18 teams, which would have
resulted in defaults under certain of the Company's agreements with promoters
and television and could have resulted in severe financial consequences to the
Company.
Purse Distributions, Year-end Point Fund, Entry Support Program and Team
Assistance. We have entered into transactions with entities that were affiliated
with our directors and/or 5% stockholders who were owners of our race teams.
Race teams that participated in the Champ Car World Series received purse
distributions on a per race basis and from the year end point fund, which
amounts were paid based solely upon their performance in specific races. All of
these payments were made to our race teams regardless of the affiliation with
our directors or significant stockholders. Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC
released CART, Inc. from any obligation relating to amounts due them for the
year-end point fund and assumed the obligation to pay the year-end point fund to
the other participants of the 2003 season as part of the Asset Purchase
Agreement entered into with the Company as discussed previously (with the
exception of the year-end point fund due Patrick Racing, Inc.) The following
table provides information with respect to payments made or accrued during 2003
by us to race teams that were affiliated with directors and/or significant
stockholders of CART:
(paid) (accrued)
Race Team/Affiliated Person Purse Distributions Year-end Point Fund
--------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas $ 1,479,500 $ 700,000
Forsythe Racing, Inc./Gerald R. Forsythe 1,576,000 1,150,000
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 454,250 130,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 618,500 110,000
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 420,250 100,000
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 332,250 -----
|
37
In 2003, we leased engines and provided financial assistance to every team
that participated in the Champ Car World Series, including teams affiliated with
our directors and/or 5% stockholders. The financial assistance payments related
to two programs instituted for the 2003 season, the Entry Support Program (ESP)
and the Team Assistance Program. ESP provided up to $42,500 in cash payments to
teams, per race, for each car entered into the series.
The Company entered into a sponsorship agreement with Ford Motor Company,
which provided in part, that Ford would lease to each of the teams Ford vehicles
for their use in 2003. For ease of administration, Ford leased these vehicles to
the Company and the Company subleased the vehicles to each team on a net net
basis. There was no net cost or benefit to the Company related to this
arrangement.
The Company purchased one hundred (100) race engines from Cosworth Racing,
Inc. for a total purchase price of $4.0 million and agreed to pay for track
support in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company in turn leased these engines
to each team on the basis of $100,000 per entrant per year.
The following table lists the amount of engine lease income we received
and Entry Support Payments we made to related parties for the 2003 race season.
Engine Lease Income ESP Payments
Race Team/Affiliated Person from Teams to Teams
--------------------------- ------------------- ------------
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas $ 200,000 $ 1,530,000
Forsythe Racing, Inc./Gerald R. Forsythe 200,000 1,530,000
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 100,000 765,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 200,000 1,530,000
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 100,000 765,000
Rocket Sports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 100,000 765,000
|
Team Assistance Program. The Team Assistance Program supplied an
additional $31.8 million in team assistance spread over the 2003 race season as
described above. The following table sets forth the Team Assistance Program
payments to teams affiliated with directors and/or 5% stockholders.
Race Team/Affiliated Person Team Assistance Payments
--------------------------- ------------------------
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas $ 2,000,000
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 1,400,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 5,925,000
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 2,000,000
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 1,000,000
|
PROMOTER AGREEMENTS
Some of our directors or stockholders either controlled or were affiliated
with others who controlled racing venues which staged CART and other racing
events. We entered into the following agreements with entities associated with
directors or 5% stockholders:
Carl A. Haas, a former director of the Company and a race team owner, was
a principal owner of Carl Haas Racing Teams, Ltd. and Texaco Houston Grand Prix
L.L.C. ("HGP"), each of which entered into Promoter Agreements with respect to
Champ Car World Series races at the Wisconsin State Park Speedway in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin and at a temporary road course in Houston, Texas. In the second
quarter of 2002 the Promoter Agreement for the Milwaukee race was renewed for
the 2002 event with the promoter having the option to extend for the 2003 and
38
2004 years. The sanction fees payable to CART under this agreement is similar to
those paid by independent race promoters. Pursuant to the Promoter Agreement,
entities affiliated with Mr. Haas have paid sanction fees to CART of $1.4 and
$1.7 million in the years 2003 and 2002 respectively. On May 31, 2003, CART,
Inc., entered into an agreement with the Wisconsin State Fair Park to take over
as organizer/promoter of the event from Carl Haas Racing Teams, Ltd. In
addition, we have incurred a total of $100,000 in sales costs and $100,000 in
marketing expenses in relation to our race at Wisconsin State Park Speedway
during 2002. The promoter agreement in regards to the Houston, Texas event
provided for races to be held starting in 1998 through 2003. The Houston, Texas
race was not held in 2002 and 2003 due to construction on the temporary circuit
in downtown Houston. Therefore, the promoter agreement has been terminated by
mutual agreement. Carl Haas Racing Teams, Ltd. paid a $500,000 termination fee
to CART and CART has received an option to acquire certain assets of HGP, used
in operating the Houston event, for $750,000. This option was exercised and
payment was made in January 2003.
Gerald R. Forsythe, a race team owner and 22.9% stockholder, is a
principal owner of the entities which entered into Promoter Agreements with
respect to Champ Car World Series races in Monterrey, Mexico and Mexico City,
Mexico. These entities affiliated with Mr. Forsythe have paid sanction fees to
CART in the aggregate amount of $4.9 million and $6.1 million for 2003 and 2002
respectively.
In addition, we have paid a total of $200,000 in sales costs and $200,000
in marketing expenses to these entities during 2002.
In order to change the date of the Mexico City race as requested by Mr.
Forsythe's affiliated entity, we have paid another promoter $250,000. Mr.
Forsythe's affiliated entity reimbursed us for $125,000 of that expense.
Gerald R. Forsythe is also a principal owner of an entity which entered
into a Promoter Agreement with respect to Champ Car World Series races in
Rockingham, England. The agreement provided for a race to be held beginning in
2001 through 2006. Following the cancellation of the 2002 race scheduled to be
run in Germany, officials at Rockingham expressed concern regarding the
viability of running a single event in Europe. In order to assure that the
Rockingham event could move forward in 2002, we negotiated an amendment to the
Promoter Agreement which reduced the sanction fee to $2.8 million and we assumed
certain costs, including freight and transportation, in the amount of $900,000.
In addition, the terms of the future years of the agreement, 2003-2006, were
subject to renegotiation. This renegotiation has subsequently resulted in the
cancellation of the remaining years of the agreement. In addition, we have paid
a total of $100,000 in sales costs and $400,000 in marketing expenses to this
entity during 2002.
Floyd R. Ganassi Jr., a former director of the Company and a race team
owner, is a principal owner of Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC and has entered into
a Promoter Agreement with respect to a Champ Car World Series race at Chicago
Motor Speedway in Cicero (Chicago), Illinois. Pursuant to the terms thereof, a
Championship race was to be held through 2003. The Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC
was to pay sanction fees to CART of $2.0 million for 2002 and $2.1 million for
2003. In 2002, the Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC announced the suspension of all
race events at Chicago Motor Speedway. We then entered into an agreement with
the Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC where we rented the track for $850,000 in 2002
and promoted the race ourselves.
39
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the above, we have entered into the following transactions
with related parties:
Mr. Forsythe is also a principal owner of the entity that holds our
Mexican television rights through 2004. In return for these rights, we received
a minimum guarantee of $325,000 and $300,000 in 2003 and 2002 respectively. In
addition, we will receive 70% of the net profits, if any, until we reach
$500,000, $550,000 and $600,000 for each of the three years ending 2002, 2003
and 2004, respectively.
Mr. Ganassi is also principal owner of Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Inc.,
which entered into an agreement by which Target Chip Ganassi Racing Inc. ran a
third car for a portion of the 2002 season. Pursuant to the terms thereof, we
paid Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Inc. $1.7 million for running the third car,
and we received the right to sell certain sponsorship space on that car.
Ralph Sanchez, a director of the Company, is a principal owner of RAS
Development, Inc. which has entered into a five year lease agreement with the
Company for office space in Miami, Florida. Payments for this lease total
$80,292, $97,957, $99,081, $100,045, $101,008 and $16,861 for 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. The lease was terminated in December 2003, as
part of the wind-up of the operations in Miami for a payment of $43,941.44 and
Mr. Sanchez retained the deposit of $16,058.56.
PAYMENTS TO CART
In addition to the payments described above, CART received revenues from
its race teams, including those affiliated with CART directors and/or 5%
stockholders, for credential, FIA licenses, drivers fees and other payments
based solely on participation in CART events and CART's self-promoted event.
During 2003, race teams affiliated with CART directors and/or 5% stockholders
made such payments to CART as follows:
Forsythe Racing, Inc./Gerald R. Forsythe $ 42,200
Newman/Haas Racing/Carl A. Haas 11,300
Patrick Racing, Inc./U.E. Patrick 60,000
Derrick Walker Racing, Inc./Derrick Walker 32,950
Rocketsports, Inc./Paul Gentilozzi 10,750
PK Racing LLC/Kevin Kalkhoven 39,396
|
As part of the race in Miami, Florida, a special promotion was undertaken
whereby a rock music concert was cross-promoted in conjunction with the race
event. An agreement was entered into with Motorock, LLC, a rock concert
promoter, whose principals are Mr. Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven, who are also
principals in Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC., which purchased the assets of
CART, Inc. pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement as discussed above. The
Company received $141,000 from Motorock, LLC., in exchange for tickets,
hospitality and advertising rights at the race.
In 2004, the Company is sanctioning the races for Open Wheel Racing
Series, LLC., which Mr. Forsythe, a 22.9% owner of the Company, is one of three
principal owners, the other members being Mr. Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven. The
Company receives $12,500 for each domestic race it sanctions and is reimbursed
for various expenses it incurs in sanctioning the events.
40
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information presented below discloses the aggregate fees billed to us for
each of the last two calendar years by Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent
registered public accounting firm.
AUDIT FEES
Fiscal 2003 - $ 281,437 Fiscal 2002 - $126,819
This category includes fees for professional services rendered for the audit of
our annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in
our Forms 10-Q and services provided with statutory and regulatory filings
related to the terminated merger agreement with Open Wheel Racing, LLC.
AUDIT-RELATED FEES
Fiscal 2003 - $0 Fiscal 2002 - $0
This category includes fees for assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial
statements and are not included in audit fees, above.
TAX FEES
Fiscal 2003 - $45,290 Fiscal 2002 - $31,346
This category includes fees for professional services that are rendered for tax
compliance, tax advice, and representation with tax authorities. The nature of
the services comprising the fees were for tax return reviews, advice regarding
federal and state tax audits, advice and representation regarding foreign tax
requirements and other tax advisory services.
ALL OTHER FEES
Fiscal 2003 - $1,651 Fiscal 2002 - $0
THIS CATEGORY INCLUDES ALL OTHER FEES NOT ASSOCIATED WITH SERVICES AS DESCRIBED
IN THE CLASSIFICATIONS ABOVE.
41
PART IV
ITEM 15: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) List of Documents Filed as Part of this Report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements start on page F-1
(2) Financial Statement Schedule Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
is on page S-1
(3) Exhibits
2.1 Chapter 11 Plan of CART, Inc. and Disclosure Statement filed in the
United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana,
Indianapolis Division.
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed December 8, 1997
(1)
3.2 Bylaws of the Company (1)
10.1 2001 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan (6)
10.5 Form of Promoter Agreement (1)
10.6 Promoter Agreement with Wisconsin State Park Speedway related to
West Allis, Wisconsin dated June 5, 1996 (1)
10.7 Promoter Agreement with Texaco Houston Grand Prix L.L.C. related to
Houston, Texas dated July 28, 1997 (1)
10.11 Form of Sponsorship Agreement (1)
10.15 Promoter Agreement with Ganassi Group, L.L.C. related to Chicago,
Illinois dated April 7, 1998 (2)
10.19 Promoter Agreement with Monterrey Grand Prix related to Monterrey,
Mexico dated March 30, 2000 (3)
10.20 Promoter Agreement with Rockingham Motor Speedway related to
Rockingham, England dated July 3, 2000 (4)
10.21 Employment Agreement with Joseph F. Heitzler dated December 4, 2000
(5)
10.22 First Amendment to Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. Employment
Agreement with Joseph F. Heitzler, dated December 4, 2001 (6)
10.23 Employment Agreement with Christopher R. Pook as of December 18,
2001 (6)
10.24 Promoter Agreement with Grupo Automouilistico Nacional y Deportiuo,
S. de R.L. de C.V. related to Mexico City, Mexico dated November 20,
2001 (6)
10.25 Television Agreement Promotion Entertainment of Mexico, LLC related
to Mexican television rights dated February, 28, 2002 (6)
10.26 Letter of Agreement with Chicago Motor Speedway, LLC related to the
lease of Chicago Motor Speedway (the track) dated February 21, 2002
(6)
10.27 Amendment to the Sanction Agreement by and between the Company and
Rockingham Motor Speedway dated as of August 16, 2002 (7)
10.28 Form of Engine Lease Agreement (8)
10.29 Form of Entrant Support and Participation Agreement (8)
10.30 Form of FORD Vehicle Agreement (8)
10.31 Team Assistance Agreement with Newman/Haas Racing, Inc. (8)
10.32 Team Assistance Agreement with Newman/Haas Racing, Inc. (8)
10.33 Team Assistance Agreement with Patrick Racing, Inc. (8)
10.34 Team Assistance Agreement with Walker Racing, Inc. dated February
14, 2003 (8)
10.35 Team Assistance Agreement with Walker Racing, Inc. dated February
14, 2003 (8)
10.36 Chassis Upgrade Agreement with Walker Racing, Inc. dated January 29,
2003 (8)
10.37 Show Car Agreement with Walker Racing, Inc. dated February 19, 2003
(8)
10.38 Race Car Lease Agreement with Walker Racing, Inc. dated February 25,
2003(8)
10.39 Office Lease Agreement with RAS Development, Inc. dated March
2003(8)
10.40 Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and
Christopher R. Pook, dated January 30, 2004
42
10.41 Employment Agreement between the Company and Thomas L. Carter, dated
February 9, 2004
10.42 Conditional Agreement to Subordinate Parent Claim dated January 26,
2004
10.43 Agreement between CART, Inc. and Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC,
dated March 2004 relating to the sanctioning of races
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
99.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350
99.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350
(1) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed as part of our Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-43141)
(2) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
(3) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
(4) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.
(5) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.
(6) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
(7) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
(8) Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.
We filed the following Form 8-Ks during the 3 months ended December 31, 2003:
1) On October 3,, 2003, the Company filed a Form 8-K, pursuant to Item 5 of
such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing the
resignation of Carl A. Haas from the Company's Board of Directors.
2) On October 6, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that we receive formal notification from the New York Stock Exchange that
the Company had fallen below the continuing listing criteria.
3) On October 16, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that the Company stock would be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board.
4) On October 30, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release reporting
our earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
5) On November 10, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that the Company had received comments from the Securities and Exchange
Commission to its preliminary
43
proxy statement relating to the proposed merger with Open Wheel Racing
Series, LLC and that we would promptly respond to those comments.
6) On November 13, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release in response
to our request, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, the Company's independent auditor,
would re-issue its report for the Company's financial statements,
including our annual report and 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2002
and that such report would include an explanatory paragraph indicating
that developments during the 9tth month period ended September 30, 2003
raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern.
7) On November 19, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that we would hold a special meeting of stockholders on December 19, 2003
to vote on the adoption of the announced merger agreement with Open Wheel
Racing, LLC.
8) On December 3, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that the Company was informed by Open Wheel Racing Series that it believed
that a number of conditions of the pending merger would not be satisfied
and that it would not waive any conditions of closing.
9) On December 16, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that it had cancelled the special meeting of its stockholders and was
scheduled to be held on December 19, 2003.
10) On December 16, 2003, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K, pursuant to
Item 5 of such form, reporting that we issued a Press Release announcing
that it had entered into a Asset Purchase Agreement with Open Wheel Racing
Series, LLC which would allow it to purchase the assets of CART, Inc.
needed to operate the Champ Car World Series and purchase the stock of
Pro-Motion Agency, Inc., one of our subsidiaries that operates the Toyota
Atlantic Series. In addition, it was announced that Open Wheel Racing
Series, LLC would assume certain rights and obligations under promoters,
sponsors, and other contracts. The Asset Purchase Agreement also
terminated the previously announced Merger Agreement.
44
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DATED: August 24, 2004 CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
------------------------------------
Registrant
By /s/ Christopher R. Pook
-----------------------
Christopher R. Pook
Chief Executive Officer
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
/s/ Christopher R. Pook Chief Executive August 24, 2004
---------------------------- Officer and Director
Christopher R. Pook
/s/ Thomas L. Carter Chief Financial and August 24, 2004
---------------------------- Accounting Officer
Thomas L. Carter
|
45
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Christopher R. Pook, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Championship Auto
Racing Teams, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including
its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
(b) [*]
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of
an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the
design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
46
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: August 24, 2004
/s/ Christopher R. Pook
-----------------------
Christopher R. Pook
Chief Executive Officer
|
* - Temporarily modified to eliminate certain references to internal control
over financial reporting until the compliance date for management's internal
control report and related attestation.
47
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Thomas L. Carter, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Championship Auto
Racing Teams, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) for the
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including
its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
(b) [*]
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of
an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the
design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
48
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: August 24, 2004
/s/ Thomas L. Carter
--------------------
Thomas L. Carter
Chief Financial Officer
|
* - Temporarily modified to eliminate certain references to internal control
over financial reporting until the compliance date for management's internal
control report and related attestation.
49
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002............ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001............................ F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for
the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001............................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. F-7
|
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Championship
Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31,
2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2003. Our audits also included the financial statement
schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial
statements and consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Championship Auto Racing Teams,
Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company, CART, Inc. has filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to the court order, the Company sold the assets of
CART, Inc. and the stock of Pro-Motion Agency, Inc. and CART Licensed Products,
Inc., ceased the operations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Raceworks LLC, and
intends to liquidate its remaining assets. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements do not purport to reflect or provide for the consequences
of the bankruptcy proceedings. In particular, such financial statements do not
purport to show (a) as to assets, their realizable value on a liquidation basis
or their availability to satisfy liabilities, (b) as to prepetition liabilities,
the amounts that may be allowed for claims or contingencies, or the status and
priority thereof, (c) as to stockholders' accounts, the effect of any changes
that may be made in the capitalization of the Company, or (d) as to operations,
the effect of any changes that may be made in its business.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Notes 1, 18 and 20,
the Company's recurring loses from operations, stockholders' capital deficiency,
sale of substantially all the operating assets of its CART, Inc. as discussed
above, pending or threatened litigation against the Company and its subsidiaries
and the Company's stated intent to liquidate its remaining assets raise
substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's
plans concerning these matters are also discussed in Notes 1, 18 and 20. The
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the
outcome of this uncertainty.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2002, the
Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible
assets.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
August 23, 2004
F-2
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
------------------
2003 2002
-------- --------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,211 $ 6,773
Short-term investments 7,356 79,489
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,154
and $1,282 in 2003 and 2002, respectively) 1,794 4,657
Notes receivable (net of allowance for uncollectible notes of $250) 150 --
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,557 1,474
Income tax refundable 694 10,087
Deferred income taxes -- 1,184
-------- --------
Total current assets 14,762 103,664
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-NET 4,985 10,403
OTHER ASSETS (net of accumulated amortization of $116 and $116 in 2003 and 2002
respectively) 298 384
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 20,045 $114,451
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable $ 1,750 $ --
Accounts payable 2,000 1,703
Accrued liabilities:
Royalties 120 173
Payroll 51 2,455
Taxes -- 743
Other 377 4,879
Liabilities of CART, Inc. subject to compromise (Note 20) 5,626 --
Deferred revenue -- 1,423
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 9,924 11,376
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES -- 57
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 13)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
and outstanding -- --
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 14,718,134
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively 147 147
Additional paid-in capital 87,765 87,765
Accumulated earnings (deficit) (77,841) 14,511
Accumulated other comprehensive income 50 595
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 10,121 103,018
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 20,045 $114,451
======== ========
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT LOSS PER SHARE)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
2003 2002 2001
--------- --------- ---------
REVENUES:
Sanction fees $ 24,720 $ 36,607 $ 47,226
Sponsorship revenue 7,777 10,150 12,314
Television revenue 1,889 4,538 5,228
Race promotion revenue 10,772 1,417 --
Engine leases, rebuilds and wheel sales 1,900 -- 1,286
Other 2,638 4,533 4,209
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenues 49,696 57,245 70,263
EXPENSES:
Race distributions 60,850 19,797 18,599
Race expenses 8,059 10,823 10,618
Race promotion expense 20,844 9,687 --
Cost of engine rebuilds and wheel sales -- -- 348
Television expense 14,941 10,975 --
Administrative and indirect expenses (includes severance expense
of $0, $0 and $4,329 for 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively) 20,567 27,756 35,605
Merger charges 1,953 -- --
Litigation and settlement expense (note 13) 2,660 -- 3,547
Relocation expense -- 1,422 --
Asset impairment and strategic charges (notes 4 and 12) 9,580 -- 8,548
Depreciation and amortization 3,841 1,436 1,493
--------- --------- ---------
Total expenses 143,295 81,896 78,758
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING LOSS (93,599) (24,651) (8,495)
Realized gain on sale of investments 400 26 --
Interest income 1,274 3,762 7,033
--------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE (91,925) (20,863) (1,462)
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT (427) 7,302 512
--------- --------- ---------
LOSS BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE (92,352) (13,561) (950)
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE (NET OF TAX) -- (956) --
--------- --------- ---------
NET LOSS $ (92,352) $ (14,517) $ (950)
========= ========= =========
LOSS PER SHARE BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE:
BASIC $ (6.27) $ (0.92) $ (0.06)
========= ========= =========
DILUTED $ (6.27) $ (0.92) $ (0.06)
========= ========= =========
LOSS PER SHARE:
BASIC $ (6.27) $ (0.99) $ (0.06)
========= ========= =========
DILUTED $ (6.27) $ (0.99) $ (0.06)
========= ========= =========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BASIC and DILUTED 14,718 14,718 15,289
========= ========= =========
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATED
------------ PAID-IN EARNINGS
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
------ ------ ------- ---------
BALANCES, JANUARY 1, 2001 15,765 158 $ 103,130 $ 29,978
Net loss -- -- -- (950)
Unrealized gain on investments -- -- -- --
Comprehensive loss -- -- -- --
Exercise of options 7 -- 109 --
Acquisition and retirement of
common stock (1,054) (11) (15,474) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2001 14,718 147 87,765 29,028
Net loss -- -- -- (14,517)
Unrealized loss on investments -- -- -- --
Reclassification adjustment -- -- -- --
Comprehensive loss -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2002 14,718 147 87,765 14,511
Net loss -- -- -- (92,352)
Unrealized loss on investments -- -- -- --
Comprehensive loss -- -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2003 14,718 $ 147 $ 87,765 $ (77,841)
========== ========== ========== ==========
|
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE STOCKHOLDERS' COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS) EQUITY INCOME (LOSS)
------------- ------ -------------
BALANCES, JANUARY 1, 2001 $ 628 $ 133,894
Net loss -- (950) $ (950)
Unrealized gain on investments 368 368 368
----------
Comprehensive loss -- -- $ (582)
==========
Exercise of options -- 109
Acquisition and retirement of
common stock -- (15,485)
---------- ----------
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2001 996 117,936
Net loss -- (14,517) $ (14,517)
Unrealized loss on investments (384) (384) (384)
Reclassification adjustment (17) (17) (17)
----------
Comprehensive loss -- -- $ (14,918)
---------- ---------- ==========
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2002 595 103,018
Net loss -- (92,352) $ (92,352)
Unrealized loss on investments (545) (545) (545)
----------
Comprehensive loss -- -- $ (92,897)
---------- ---------- ==========
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2003 $ 50 $ 10,121
========== ==========
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR-ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
2003 2002 2001
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (92,352) $ (14,517) $ (950)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of tax) -- 956 --
Depreciation and amortization 4,168 1,436 1,493
Net loss from sale/disposal of property and equipment 590 16 1,975
Asset impairment and impairment of goodwill 9,580 -- 5,628
Deferred income taxes 1,127 1,946 (1,208)
Changes in asset and liabilities that provided (used) cash:
Accounts and notes receivable 3,190 538 383
Inventory, prepaids and other assets 134 1,344 (2,159)
Refundable income tax 9,393 (10,087) --
Accounts payable 3,420 (1,306) 1,034
Accrued liabilities (6,924) (1,938) 6,320
Deferred revenue (1,602) (88) (941)
Deposits -- -- (778)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (69,276) (21,700) 10,797
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for purchase of Raceworks (net of cash acquired) (833) -- --
Purchase of investments (7,054) (138,698) (60,950)
Proceeds from sale of investments 78,642 146,429 71,903
Notes receivable (150) -- 2,682
Acquisition of property and equipment (3,949) (7,050) (880)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 81 27 86
Acquisition of trademark -- -- (1)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash investing activities 66,737 708 12,840
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on notes payable (1,023) -- --
Issuance of common stock -- 109
Repurchase of common stock -- (15,485)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash (used in) financing activities (1,023) -- (15,376)
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (3,562) (20,992) 8,261
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 6,773 27,765 19,504
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 3,211 $ 6,773 $ 27,765
========= ========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $ 489 $ 1 $ 3,189
========= ========= =========
Interest $ -- $ -- $ 5
========= ========= =========
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CHAPTER 11 FILING
CART, Inc., ("CART") (a Michigan corporation) was organized as a
not-for-profit corporation in 1978, with its main purpose being to promote the
sport of automobile racing, primarily open-wheel type racing cars. As of January
1, 1992, the entity became a for-profit corporation and continued to use the
CART name.
In December 1997, Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc., (a Delaware
corporation) was formed to serve as a holding company for CART and its
subsidiaries (the "Reorganization"). Each outstanding share of common stock of
CART was acquired in exchange for 400,000 shares of common stock of the Company.
References to the "Company" mean Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc., through CART, its wholly-owned
subsidiary, owned, operated and sanctioned the open-wheel motorsports series
known in 2003 as the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered By
Ford. CART was responsible for organizing, marketing and staging each of the
races in the Champ Car World Series. The Company also acted as a promoter at
certain events. The Company staged events at four different types of tracks,
including superspeedways, ovals, temporary road courses and permanent road
courses, each of which required different skills and disciplines from the
drivers and teams.
On August 18, 2003, we publicly announced that we had received a proposal
from Open Wheel Racing Series ("Open Wheel") related to the acquisition of the
Company and that we were engaged in negotiations regarding a possible
transaction with Open Wheel.
On August 24, 2003, we publicly announced that our board of directors had
instructed management to continue negotiating with Open Wheel with respect to
all terms related to a possible acquisition of the Company. The Company, Open
Wheel and their respective advisors continued to engage in negotiations
regarding the terms of a possible transaction and related definitive agreements.
On September 10, 2003, representatives of the Company, Open Wheel and Open
Wheel Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Open Wheel, executed and
delivered the merger agreement and other related agreements and issued a joint
press release announcing the proposed transaction.
On December 2, 2003, we announced that representatives of Open Wheel had
informed us that Open Wheel believed that a number of conditions of the pending
merger between the parties would not be satisfied by the time of the special
meeting of stockholders that was scheduled for December 19, 2003.
On December 15, 2003, we announced that we had entered into an Asset
Purchase Agreement ("the Agreement") with Open Wheel. The Agreement would allow
Open Wheel to purchase the assets of CART, Inc. needed to operate the Champ Car
World Series and the stock of Pro-Motion Agency, Inc., our subsidiary that
operates the Toyota Atlantics series and CART Licensed Products, Inc., our
subsidiary that operates our licensed merchandise function. In addition, Open
Wheel would assume from us and CART, Inc. the rights and obligations under
certain promoter, sponsor and other contracts. Open Wheel stated that it
intended to continue to operate the Champ Car World Series and the Toyota
Atlantic series. The total consideration that would be paid under the agreement
was $3.0 million less $1.5 million in 2003 prize money to teams who were not
affiliated with Open Wheel; which was an obligation of CART, Inc. that would be
assumed by Open Wheel. The Agreement terminated the previously announced merger
agreement that we had entered into with Open Wheel on September 10, 2003.
On December 16, 2003, CART, Inc. filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy
F-7
Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Indiana (RE
CART, Inc., Case No. 03-23385-FJO-11, See Note 19).
An Amendment by Interlineation (the "Amendment") with respect to the
Agreement was entered into on January 15, 2004 to reflect the change in
consideration and the assumption of certain claims.
On February 13, 2004, the assets of CART, Inc, the stock of Pro-Motion
Agency, Inc. and CART Licensed Products, Inc., were sold to Open Wheel for total
cash consideration of $3.3 million, assumption of liabilities of $1.4 million in
2003 prize money to teams who were not affiliated with Open Wheel which was an
obligation of CART, Inc., forgiveness of $1.3 million in prize money due
principles of Open Wheel which was an obligation of CART, Inc. and the
assumption of certain promoter, sponsor and other contracts, pursuant to an
order of the bankruptcy court at a hearing held on January 28, 2004. CART, Inc.
continues to operate as debtor-in-possession under the Bankruptcy Code in order
to wind up its affairs. On July 23, 2004 CART, Inc. filed a Chapter 11 plan (the
"Plan") and disclosure statement (the "Disclosure Statement") with the
bankruptcy court (See Note 20).
We currently intend to liquidate our remaining assets, pay off our
remaining liabilities, and complete the process of liquidation and winding up
the Company's affairs as soon as practicable. Our Board of Directors has not
adopted a plan of liquidation and dissolution at this time, but will consider
this option when the liquidation and bankruptcy of our subsidiary CART, Inc. is
complete and after approval by our shareholders. In the event that our Board of
Directors adopts a plan of liquidation and dissolution, we would expect to incur
liquidation expenses, in addition to payments of ongoing operating expenses and
settlement of existing or potential obligations. Liquidation expenses may
include, among others, employee salaries, severance and related costs, legal and
accounting fees, as well as payments to a liquidation trustee. While we cannot
currently make a precise estimate of the expenses, we believe that a significant
portion of our current cash may be required to pay the above expenditures.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed above, the Company's
intention to liquidate the remaining assets, pay off the remaining liabilities,
and complete the process of liquidation and dissolution of the Company's affairs
raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the
outcome of this uncertainty.
Upon completion of the sale of substantially all of our operating assets
to Open Wheel in February 2004, most of our employees resigned and accepted
employment with Open Wheel and CART, Inc. ceased operations.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements of the
Company include the financial statements of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries - CART, Inc., American Racing Series, Inc.
("ARS"), Pro-Motion Agency, Ltd., CART Licensed Products, Inc and as of March 7,
2003, Raceworks LLC (See Note 10). At the end of the 2001 season, the Company
discontinued the operations of American Racing Series, Inc. All significant
intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Property and equipment have been written down to
their fair values (see asset impairment Note 12) and were depreciated using the
straight-line and accelerated methods over their estimated useful lives which
range from 3 to 20 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter
of the life of the leases or the remaining useful life of the leasehold
improvements.
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets" ("SFAS 144"), long-lived assets to be held and used by the Company are
reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate costs may not be
recoverable. Impairment losses on long-lived assets are recognized when book
values exceed expected undiscounted future
F-8
cash flows with the impairment measured on a discounted future cash flow basis
(see asset impairment footnote 12).
REVENUE RECOGNITION. Substantially all of the Company's revenue is derived
from sanction fees, promotion revenues, sponsorship revenues, television
revenues, engine leases and other miscellaneous revenue. Sanction fee revenues
are fees paid to the Company by track promoters to sanction a Champ Car event at
the race venue and to provide the necessary race management. In 2003 and 2002,
the Company self-promoted certain events. Revenues received for events the
Company promotes are recorded as race promotion revenues. The Company receives
sponsorship revenues from companies who desire to receive brand and product
exposure in connection with Champ Car races. Pursuant to broadcast agreements,
the Company generates revenues from advertising sales and for the right to
broadcast the races, with revenues based upon viewership with a minimum
guarantee for contracts through 2001 and for certain international contracts in
2002. In 2003 and 2002, the Company bought the air-time and paid for production
for certain races and received the advertising inventory for certain races. The
Company also receives revenues from royalty fees paid for licenses to use
service marks of the Company, various drivers, teams, tracks and industry
sponsors for merchandising programs and product sales.
Recognition of revenue from race sanction agreements is deferred until the
event occurs. Sponsorship revenue and engine lease revenue are recognized
ratably over the period covered by the agreement. Barter revenue is recognized
at the time of the event. Television revenue for rights sales is recognized
ratably over the race schedule and television advertising revenue is recognized
when the advertising is aired. Other revenues include membership and entry fees,
contingency awards money, rights fees and royalty income. Membership and entry
fees and contingency award money are recognized ratably over the race schedule.
Royalty income is recognized as the related product sales occur or on a monthly
basis based on a minimum guarantee.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash and cash equivalents include investments
with original maturities of three months or less at the date of original
acquisition.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS. The Company's short-term investments are
categorized as available-for-sale, as defined by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities". Unrealized holding gains and losses are reflected
as a net amount in a separate component of stockholders' equity as accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. For the purpose of computing
realized gains and losses, cost is identified on a specific identification
basis.
GOODWILL. In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and
Intangible Assets". The statement requires companies to discontinue amortizing
goodwill and certain intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Instead,
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives will be tested for
impairment upon adoption of the statement and annually thereafter. The Company
performs an annual impairment review for intangible assets during the fourth
quarter of each year, commencing with the fourth quarter of 2002. As a result of
adoption, the Company no longer records amortization expense related to goodwill
or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 142, effective January 1, 2002, which
resulted in a one-time, non-cash charge of $1.5 million, or $956,000 net of tax
benefit of $514,000, to write-off the value of its goodwill. The goodwill was
recorded under the purchase method of accounting for the purchases of Pro-Motion
Agency, Inc. and CART Licensed Products, LP, on April 10, 1998 and January 1,
1999, respectively. Such charge is non-recurring in nature and is reflected as a
cumulative effect of an accounting change in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations. Previous to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company
had accounted for its goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with the
accounting standards existing at the time, and the Company's analyses did not
result in recognition of any impairment loss prior to the adoption of SFAS No.
142, except as discussed in Note 10.
Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying
value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. In calculating the
impairment charge, the fair values of the reporting units were estimated using a
discounted cash flow methodology.
F-9
A reconciliation of net loss and loss per share, adjusted to exclude
amortization expense, net of tax, for the period prior to adoption and the
cumulative effect of accounting change recognized in the year of adoption, is as
follows:
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2003 DECEMBER 31, 2002 DECEMBER 31, 2001
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Reported net loss $ (92,352) (14,517) $ (950)
Add back: Goodwill amortization, net of tax -- -- 27
Add back: Trademark amortization, net of tax -- -- 17
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax -- 956 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Pro Forma net loss $ (92,352) $ (13,561) $ (906)
============ ============ ============
Basic and Diluted:
Reported net loss per share $ (6.27) $ (0.99) $ (0.06)
Amortization, net of tax -- -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax -- 0.07 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Pro Forma loss per share $ (6.27) $ (0.92) $ (0.06)
============ ============ ============
|
In the first quarter of 2003, the Company recorded goodwill in conjunction
with the purchase described in Note 10 - Acquisition of Raceworks, LLC.
Operating results and cash flows of Raceworks, LLC were significantly
lower than expected during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 as a result of
the event promoted by Raceworks, LLC in September in Miami. Based on those
results and other qualitative information, the future earnings forecasts were
revised. As a result of management's analysis, the Company recognized a non-cash
asset impairment charge of $1,262,000 to write-off goodwill and other intangible
assets related to the purchase of Raceworks, LLC. The fair value of the
reporting unit was estimated using the present value of expected future cash
flows. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the
carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. The
Company's reporting units are generally consistent with the operating segments
identified in Note 16 - Segment Reporting. Raceworks, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary included in the race promotions segment, is also a reporting unit.
MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES. The preparation of the consolidated financial
statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.
Specifically, management made significant estimates in assets and liabilities
pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement and bankruptcy filing for the
year-ended December 31, 2003. The actual outcome of the estimates could differ
from the estimates made in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements.
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION. On December 31, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No.
148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure." This
statement amends SFAS Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary
change to the fair value based methods of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of
SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial
statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation
and the effect of the method used on reported results.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company has chosen to follow Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
("APB No. 25") in accounting for its stock options granted to employees and
directors. Under APB No. 25, the Company does not recognize compensation expense
on the issuance of its stock options because the option terms are
F-10
fixed, and the exercise price equals the market price of the underlying stock on
the grant date.
However, as required by SFAS No. 123, the Company has calculated pro forma
information as if it had determined compensation cost based on the fair value at
the grant date for its stock options granted to employees and directors. There
were no options granted for the year-ended December 31, 2003. In accordance with
SFAS No.123, for the year ended December 31, 2002, the fair value of option
grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model for pro-forma purposes with the following assumptions used for all grants:
expected volatility of 71%, expected dividend yield of 0%, risk-free interest
rate of 3% and an expected life of 10 years. For the year ended December 31,
2001, the fair value of option grants is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for pro forma purposes with the following
assumptions used for all grants: expected volatility of 30%, expected dividend
yield of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 4% and an expected life of 10 years. Had
the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant
date for its stock under SFAS No. 123, net loss and diluted loss per share would
have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below for the years ended
December 31:
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
NET LOSS 2003 2002 2001
---------- ---------- ----------
As reported $ (92,352) $ (14,517) $ (950)
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under
the fair value based method, net of related tax effects (2,200) (2,065) (1,715)
---------- ---------- ----------
Pro forma $ (94,552) $ (16,582) $ (2,665)
========== ========== ==========
DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
As reported $ (6.27) $ (0.99) $ (0.06)
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under
the fair value based method, net of related tax effects (0.15) (0.14) (0.11)
---------- ---------- ----------
Pro forma $ (6.42) $ (1.13) $ (0.17)
========== ========== ==========
|
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS. On July 30, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146,
"Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". The
statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with
exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits
and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a
Restructuring)." SFAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are
initiated after December 31, 2002. This statement did not have a material effect
on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46")
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." and during December 2003 issued
Interpretation 46 ("FIN 46R") "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and
Interpretation of ARB 51". The term "variable interest" is defined in FIN 46 as
"contractual, ownership or other pecuniary interests in an entity that change
with changes in the entity's net asset value." Variable interests are
investments or other interests that will absorb a portion of an entity's
expected losses if they occur or receive portions of the entity's expected
residual returns if they occur. FIN 46R defers the effective date of FIN 46 for
certain entities and makes several other changes to FIN 46. The Company does not
expect the recognition provisions of FIN 46R to have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB amended and clarified financial accounting and
reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, "through the
issuance of SFAS No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities."SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or
modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June
30, 2003. The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 149 in fiscal 2003 did not have a
material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments
F-11
with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity."SFAS No. 150 modifies the
accounting for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance,
issuers could account for as equity. SFAS No. 150 requires that those
instruments be classified as liabilities in statements of financial position.
The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 150 in fiscal 2003 did not have a material
impact on its financial position or results of operations.
RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002
and 2001 consolidated financial statements in order for them to conform to the
2003 presentation.
3. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The following is a summary of the estimated fair value of
available-for-sale short-term investments by balance sheet classification at
December 31:
GROSS UNREALIZED
----------------
(IN THOUSANDS) COST FAIR VALUE GAIN LOSS
---- ---------- ---- ----
2003
U.S. agencies securities $ 7,306 $ 7,356 $ 50 $ --
======== ======== ======== ========
2002
Letters of credit $ 30 $ 30 $ -- $ --
Corporate bonds 2,538 2,556 18 --
U.S. agencies securities 76,003 76,903 900 2
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total short-term investments $ 78,571 $ 79,489 $ 918 $ 2
======== ======== ======== ========
|
Proceeds from sales of investments were approximately $78.6 million and
$146.4 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. In 2003 and 2002, gross gains and
losses on such sales were not significant.
Contractual maturities range from less than one year to two years. The
weighted average maturity of the portfolio does not exceed one year.
4. NOTES RECEIVABLE
In May 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with a third party
whereby we paid for the costs of capital improvements retained by the third
party necessary to stage an event which we promoted. We accepted an unsecured
note of $750,000 for said improvements, to be collected, without interest over
five years. The note was to be repaid over the life of the agreement at $75,000
per year and a final payment of $450,000 due in the fifth year. The Company
imputed interest on the note at a rate of 6% and recorded a discount which
reduced the note by $46,000. In November 2003, the Company terminated the
agreement and according to the terms of the contract the note was forgiven. The
note was written-off in during the year end December 31, 2003.
In June 2003, the Company entered into an amendment to a sanction
agreement with a promoter where we accepted a note in the amount of $400,000 as
payment for a portion of the sanction fee. This note is payable in 36 equal
monthly installments, bearing interest at 10% per annum, beginning January 1,
2004. The note is collateralized by all products and proceeds of all other
events staged by the promoter at the promoter's facility. We have not received
any payments on the note which were to begin on January 1, 2004. After an
assessment of the financial condition of the promoter and other considerations,
it was determined that the note should be been written-down to management's
estimate of its fair value of $150,000 and a loss has been recorded in asset
impairment and strategic charges in the amount of $320,139.
F-12
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following at December 31:
(IN THOUSANDS) USEFUL LIFE
2003 2002 (IN YEARS)
---- ---- ----------
Engines $ 2,273 $ 4,000 2
Equipment 5,251 7,242 5-20
Furniture and fixtures 248 425 10
Vehicles 2,377 4,065 5-7
Other 154 268 5 (except leasehold improvements)
-------- --------
Total 10,303 16,000
Less accumulated depreciation (5,318) (5,597)
-------- --------
Property and equipment (net) $ 4,985 $ 10,403
======== ========
|
Property and equipment were written down as of December 31, 2003 to their
fair-values pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement entered into with Open Wheel
Racing Series, LLC. (See Note 12). Depreciation expense recorded was $3.84
million, $1.44 million, and $1.49 million for the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002, and 2001 respectively.
6. CAPITAL STOCK
In 2003 and 2002, there were no repurchases or retirements of common
stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company repurchased and
retired 1,054,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $15.5
million, pursuant to its stock repurchase program authorized by the Board of
Directors in April 2001. The program allows the Company to repurchase up to 2.5
million shares of its outstanding common stock from time to time in open market
or privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases under the program will be made
at the discretion of management based upon market, business, legal, accounting
and other factors. Currently, the Company has no intention to purchase any of
its outstanding shares.
7. OPERATING LEASES
The Company had entered into two operating leases for office space, one in
Indianapolis, Indiana and one, with a former director, in Miami Florida, which
have terms through 2010. In December 2003, the lease in Miami was canceled in
exchange for a payment of $44,000 and forfeiture of the security deposit of
$16,000. The Indianapolis lease was sublet to Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC., at
substantially the same terms as our lease, and we retain office space for our
use at no cost, however, we remain liable on the lease. Total rent expense for
operating leases were approximately $361,493, $491,173 and $638,000 for 2003,
2002 and 2001, respectively.
Approximate future minimum lease payments under the non-cancelable
operating lease are as follows:
F-13
Years Ending December 31: (In Thousands)
2004 $ 309
2005 309
2006 309
2007 309
2008 309
2009 and thereafter 566
-------
Total 2,111
Less sublease revenue (2,111)
-------
Total $ --
=======
|
8. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for
differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future
based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the
differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are
established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected
to be realized.
SFAS No. 109 requires that net deferred tax assets be reduced by a
valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more
likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not
be realized. The Company has tax assets from U.S. net operating loss
carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards of $81.4 million and $.5
million, respectively. The carryforward items expire over the next 5 to 20
years. Failure to achieve taxable income within the carryforward period would
affect the ultimate realization of the net deferred tax assets. Due to the
financial condition of the Company described in Note 1, Management does not
believe that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The tax benefit for
current year losses and net deferred tax assets recorded at December 31, 2003
has been reduced by a $35.4 million valuation allowance. As a result, income tax
expense was $427,000 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2003.
The tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax
assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
2003 2002
---- ----
Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Basis difference in fixed assets $ 1,730 $ (678)
State tax net operating loss carryforward 2,716 682
Goodwill 828 438
Charitable contribution carryforwards 134 150
Tax credit carryforwards 28,157 --
State taxes -- (34)
Indianapolis lease deferral 59 67
Bad debt 1,699 --
Deferred compensation 23 --
-------- --------
Non-current deferred tax asset 35,346 625
Valuation allowance (35,346) (682)
-------- --------
Net non-current deferred tax liability $ -- $ (57)
======== ========
|
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the
years ended December 31:
F-14
(IN THOUSANDS)
2003 2002 2001
---- ---- ----
Current $ 484 $(8,927) $ 671
Deferred (57) 1,111 (1,183)
------- ------- -------
Total $ 427 $(7,816) $ (512)
======= ======= =======
Tax expense (benefit) from operations $ 427 $(7,302) $ (512)
Tax expense (benefit) from accounting change -- (514) --
------- ------- -------
Total $ 427 $(7,816) $ (512)
======= ======= =======
|
The reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) computed at the U.S. federal
statutory tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows:
2003 2002 2001
---- ---- ----
Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate (34.0%) (35.0%) (35.0%)
State income tax, net of federal benefit (1.7%) (0.9) (0.3)
Meals and entertainment 0.1 0.6 8.9
Tax exempt interest -- -- --
Valuation allowance 37.5 3.0 --
Other (1.9) (2.7) (8.6)
------ ------ ------
Total (0.0%) (35.0%) (35.0%)
====== ====== ======
|
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company offers a 401(k) savings plan. Contributions to the plan are in
the form of employee salary deferral, subject to discretionary employer-matching
contributions. The Company's contributions to the plan were approximately
$71,000, $81,000, and $86,000 in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. In February
2004, this plan was assumed by Open Wheel and the Company has no future
obligations under the plan.
10. ACQUISITION OF RACEWORKS, LLC
On March 7, 2003, the Company acquired one hundred percent (100%) of the
membership interests in Raceworks, LLC ("Raceworks"). The results of Raceworks'
operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since
that date. Raceworks is a motorsports promotion company and holds a revocable
license agreement to annually conduct a street race in downtown Miami through
2017, with an option to extend for an additional ten (10) years. The aggregate
purchase price was $1.2 million including $473,000 of cash and a promissory note
of $722,000. In December 2003, the Company entered into an agreement for full
and final settlement of the note for a cash payment to the note holders of
$361,250.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values, at the time of
acquisition, of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the
acquisition.
Current assets $ 449,000
Property and equipment 4,120,000
Other assets 36,000
Intangible assets including goodwill 1,262,000
-----------
Total assets acquired 5,867,000
-----------
Current liabilities (1,916,000)
Long-term debt (2,778,000)
-----------
Total liabilities assumed (4,694,000)
-----------
Net assets acquired $ 1,173,000
===========
|
F-15
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price was allocated to the
tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Raceworks based upon their
respective fair values as of the date of the acquisition. An allocation of the
purchase price has been made to major categories of assets and liabilities based
on available information at the date of acquisition.
In December 2003, Raceworks' operations were discontinued and a wind-up of
business is currently under way due to CART, Inc.'s bankruptcy filing and the
subsequent sale of its assets to Open Wheel and Open Wheel's decision not to
acquire the rights to race in Miami. This resulted in the intangible and
long-lived assets of Raceworks being written down to their estimated fair values
and an impairment charge of $5.1 million being incurred for the year ended
December 31, 2003. (See Note-2 Goodwill and Note-12 Asset Impairment)
In 2004, settlements have been negotiated with certain Raceworks, LLC.,
creditors which resulted in reductions to trade account payables of
approximately $520,000.
11. DEBT
At December 31, 2002 the Company had an unused bank line of credit of $1.5
million. There were no amounts outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 2001.
Advances on the line of credit were payable on demand, with interest at the
bank's prime rate. The line of credit was secured by the Company's deposits with
the bank. In September 2003, the Company canceled the line of credit.
In July 2002, the Company guaranteed a $1.8 million commercial term loan
in connection with the operations of Raceworks, LLC. The Company subsequently
assumed this loan in conjunction with the acquisition of Raceworks, LLC. The
principal on the loan shall be paid quarterly, commencing on October 31, 2003
and on the last day of each January, April, July and October thereafter, in the
amount of $50,000 per quarter. The Company made the October 2003 and January
2004 scheduled payments.
At December 31, 2003, the Company was in default of certain financial
covenants of the loan. As a result, the entire amount of the note has been
classified as current.
On May 10, 2004, The Company entered into an assignment and release
agreement that was for full and final settlement of any and all obligations
related to the loan in exchange for a cash payment from the Company of the
remaining principal balance of $1,700,000.
12. ASSET IMPAIRMENT AND STRATEGIC CHARGES
Dayton Indy Lights Championship. During the third quarter of 2001, the
Board of Directors of the Company adopted a formal exit plan with respect to the
discontinuance of the Dayton Indy Lights Championship ("DILC") effective at the
conclusion of the 2001 race season. This decision resulted from an in-depth
analysis of the Company's development series conducted by management of the
Company and Bain & Company, an independent consulting company. The analysis was
initiated to determine the future viability of the DILC, operated by ARS. This
analysis included discussions with DILC team owners and employees and
discussions with Toyota Atlantics Championship ("TAC") team owners and
employees. The TAC was operated by Pro-Motion. The analysis was completed in
July, 2001.
The Company reviewed the financial and operational performance of the DILC
and the TAC. Based upon such analysis, and based upon the information gathered
in discussions with team owners and employees, management of the Company
concluded that due to the current environment for open-wheel racing in the
United States, CART can only support one development series at this level. CART
had many discussions with sponsors of the DILC and the TAC and concluded that
the support of Toyota with the TAC and the equipment contracts in place for TAC
supported the decision to discontinue the DILC at the conclusion of the 2001
race season to focus its support and efforts on one development series.
F-16
In 2001, the Company recorded charges of $8.5 million related to the
formal exit plan for the discontinuance of operations of the DILC. The Company
recorded charges of $7.6 million related to the impairment of goodwill ($5.6
million) and a write-down of the carrying value of property and equipment ($2.0
million). The carrying value of the property and equipment that has been
impaired primarily relates to engines owned by ARS and used in the DILC. The
Company has fully depreciated and disposed of the engines.
The Company also recorded charges of $885,000 in 2001 resulting from
management's estimate of certain expenses following the decision by the Company
to discontinue the DILC operations. These charges included provisions for
doubtful accounts, severance payments and other settlement charges.
Raceworks, LLC. Operating results and cash flows of Raceworks, LLC were
significantly lower than expected, which we considered to be an indication of
impairment. Based on operating results and other qualitative information, the
future earnings forecasts were revised and the fair value determined. The
Company recognized a non-cash asset impairment charge of $1,262,000 to write-off
goodwill and other intangible assets related to the purchase of Raceworks, LLC.
The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using the present value of
expected future cash flows.
The Company reviewed the carrying value of the long-lived assets of
Raceworks, using estimated cash flows. The carrying values of the long-lived
assets were considered impaired. In the absence of quoted market prices, the
fair values of the long-lived assets were determined using estimates of amounts
at which the assets could be sold to third parties in current transactions, less
any sale costs. The Company recognized a non-cash asset impairment charge of
$2,038,000 for the period ended September 30, 2003 to reduce the carrying value
of the property and equipment of Raceworks, LLC.
In December of 2003, after the merger agreement with Open Wheel was
terminated as described in Note 1, it was determined that Open Wheel had no
interest in the assets of Raceworks, LLC or continuing to race in the city of
Miami. The Company initiated a plan to wrap-up the affairs of Raceworks by
closing the office and liquidating its remaining assets. The assets were
written-down to their estimated fair value and the Company recognized an asset
impairment charge of $1,755,000 in the quarter-ended December 31, 2003.
CART, Inc., Promotion Agency, LTD., and CART Licensed Products, Inc. The
sale of certain assets and common stock to Open Wheel Racing Series, on February
13, 2004, pursuant to the court approved sale described in Note 1, established
fair value for such assets. Because the carrying value of such assets and common
stock at December 31, 2003 exceeded their fair values an impairment charge was
recognized as follows:
Value received:
Cash $ 3,260,000
Liabilities assumed:
Points Fund and Royalties Payable 2,740,000
Intercompany Debt 570,881
Accounts Payable 191,751
Other Liabilities 32,338
------------
Total value received 6,794,970
Net book value of assets sold 11,000,937
============
Impairment recognized $ (4,205,967)
============
|
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REVENUE AGREEMENTS. The Company has entered into promoter and sponsorship
agreements that extend through various dates, with the longest date expiring in
the 2008 racing season. Under the promoter agreements, the Company was obligated
to sanction Champ Car World Series racing events and provide related race
management functions. Under the sponsorship agreements, the Company granted
certain corporations official sponsorship status. In return the corporations
received recognition
F-17
and status rights, event rights and product category exclusivity rights. The
promoter and sponsor agreements still in effect as of December 31, 2003 were
assumed by Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC, as part of the "Asset Purchase
Agreement" discussed previously.
Television agreements with various broadcast companies for production,
sales and worldwide distribution of the Company's events ended on December 31,
2003 .
TEAM ASSISTANCE. Beginning in 2003 the Company provided assistance to
certain teams to ensure that there were a sufficient number of race cars
competing in the Company's series. The Company spent $31.8 million in team
assistance, spread out over the race season, to assure a sufficient number of
competitors for the 2003 season. The agreements ended on December 31, 2003.
ENTRANT SUPPORT PROGRAM. Beginning in 2003, the Company provided financial
assistance to teams that participated in the Champ Car World Series, including
teams affiliated with our directors and/or 5% stockholders. The Entrant Support
Program ("ESP") provided up to $42,500 in cash payments to teams, per race, for
each car entered into the series. The agreements with the teams ended on
December 31, 2003.
TELEVISION TIME BUYS. In 2003, the Company entered into a time buy
agreement for the 2003 and 2004 race season. However, as a result of the "Asset
Purchase Agreement" discussed previously, the Company is not in the race
promotion business for 2004. Therefore the obligation of both parties subject to
the time buy agreement is non-assertive for the 2004 race season.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS. In October 2002, the Company provided a
deposit of $550,000 and a letter of credit in the amount of $1.7 million for the
production of conversion kits for race car chassis for the 2003 season. The
letter of credit guarantees that at least 20 of the kits would be purchased by
the Company's race teams. As the kits are purchased, the letter of credit will
be reduced accordingly. All 20 race kits have been purchased by the Company's
race teams, and therefore, the deposit was refunded on February 27, 2003 and the
letter of credit was canceled.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. The Company has employment agreements with its
officers. The employment agreements expire on December 31, 2004.
LITIGATION. On November 4, 2003, 88 Corp. filed suit against CART, Inc. in
the United States Federal District Court for the Central District of California.
88 Corp., the promoter of the CART Champ Car World Series race at the California
Speedway in Fontana, California, claimed that the race which was to be held on
November 2, 2003 was canceled due to a "force majeure" and requested a judicial
determination as to whether or not the organizational and rights fee of $2.5
million, previously paid by 88 Corp. to CART, minus reasonable expenses incurred
by CART, should be refunded to 88 Corp. As a result of the bankruptcy of CART,
this litigation was suspended. 88 Corp. has filed a proof of claim against CART
in the bankruptcy court proceedings requesting repayment of the $2.5 million,
imposition of a constructive trust, and such other relief as the bankruptcy
court deems appropriate. CART has objected to the claim and has asserted against
88 Corp. a claim for wrongful termination of the sanction agreement as it
relates to the 2003 and 2004 races in the amount of $5.2 million. These claims
are currently pending in bankruptcy court and we are unable to make a
determination as to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or estimate the
amount or range of the recovery or loss.
On December 16, 2003, CART, Inc., the Company's wholly owned subsidiary,
filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United
States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division.
CART, Inc.'s Chapter 11 Plan has been filed with the Bankruptcy Court. Based
upon filings by creditors of CART, Inc., there may be claims by creditors
against CART, Inc. which could result in litigation against CART, Inc. in
Bankruptcy Court. The Company is currently unable to determine the extent of
these asserted claims and whether or not they will ultimately result in
litigation involving CART, Inc.
On December 12, 2003, S. R. Holdings Co., filed an action against the
Company and Raceworks, LLC, its wholly owned limited liability company, for an
alleged breach of contract to
F-18
provide concession services at the Champ Car World Series race held in Miami,
Florida in 2003 and in future years. The case was filed in the Circuit Court of
Miami, Dade County, Florida. The Company filed answer denying all allegations.
Raceworks filed an answer denying all allegations and asserted a counterclaim
for breach of the agreement by S.R. Holdings for failure to make a minimum
payment to Raceworks. The Company is unable to make a determination as to the
likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or estimate of the amount or range of
possible loss.
On August 5, 2004 the Company was served with a complaint to avoid and
recover preferential transfers filed on behalf of WorldCom, Inc. and MCI, Inc.,
in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The
action alleges that the Company received $1,500,000 in July of 2002 which was a
payment within 90 days of the date that WorldCom, Inc. and its subsidiaries
commenced their bankruptcy by filing under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
The Company has not filed an answer at this point in time and is unable to make
a determination as to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. The range of the
possible loss is up to $1,500,000.
We are party to several lawsuits. We cannot predict the outcome of the
litigation, and at this time, management is unable to estimate the impact that
ultimate resolution of these matters may have on our financial position or
results of operations.
14. SEVERANCE EXPENSE
During 2001, the Company recorded severance expense relating to the
voluntary and involuntary resignation of certain employees, including the
Company's President/CEO. These expenses amounted to $4.3 million and are
included in administrative and indirect expenses.
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, severance payments of $0 and $2.3 million,
respectively, are accrued.
15. STOCK OPTION PLANS
1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN. In December 1997, the Board of Directors of the
Company (the "Board") authorized, and the stockholders of the Company approved,
a stock incentive plan for executive and key management employees of the Company
and its subsidiaries, including a limited number of outside consultants and
advisors, effective as of the completion of the initial public offering ("IPO")
(the "1997 Stock Option Plan"). Under the 1997 Stock Option Plan, key employees,
outside consultants and advisors (the "Participants") of the Company and its
subsidiaries (as defined in the 1997 Stock Option Plan) may receive awards of
stock options (both Nonqualified Options and Incentive Options, as defined in
the Stock Option Plan). A maximum of 2,000,000 shares of common stock are
subject to the 1997 Stock Option Plan. Options granted vest pro-rata over a
three-year period. No stock option is exercisable after ten years from the date
of the grant, subject to certain conditions and limitations. The purpose of the
1997 Stock Option Plan was to provide the Participants (including officers and
directors who are also key employees) of the Company and its subsidiaries with
an increased incentive to make significant contributions to the long-term
performance and growth of the Company and its subsidiaries.
In addition, in December 1997, the Board and the stockholders of the
Company approved a Director Option Plan permitting the granting of non-qualified
stock options ("Director NQSOs") for up to 100,000 shares of common stock to
directors of the Company who are neither employees of the Company nor affiliates
of a race team which participates in CART race events (an "Independent
Director"). Each person who is first elected or appointed to serve as an
Independent Director of the Company is automatically granted an option to
purchase 10,000 shares of Company common stock. In addition, each individual who
is re-elected as an Independent Director is automatically granted an option to
purchase 5,000 shares of Company common stock each year on the date of the
annual meeting of stockholders. Each of the options automatically granted upon
election, appointment or re-election as an Independent Director are exercisable
at a price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant. In addition, each Independent Director may elect to receive stock options
in lieu of any director's fees payable to such individuals.
F-19
All Director NQSOs are immediately exercisable upon grant. The exercise
price for all options may be paid in cash, shares of common stock of the Company
or other property. If an Independent Director dies or becomes ineligible to
participate in the Director Option Plan due to disability, his Director NQSOs
expire on the first anniversary of such event. If an Independent Director
retires with the consent of the Company, his Director NQSOs expire 90 days after
his retirement. In no event may a Director NQSO be exercised more than ten years
from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, there were 25,000 and
25,000, respectively, Director NQSOs issued and outstanding.
No further options will be granted under either the 1997 Stock Option Plan
or the Director's Stock Option Plan.
The following table summarizes information about stock options under the
1997 Stock Option Plan and Directors Stock Option Plan during 2003, 2002 and
2001 as follows:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE WEIGHTED
NUMBER OF REMAINING AVERAGE
1997 DIRECTOR & STOCK OPTION PLAN SHARES LIFE EXERCISE PRICE
---------------------------------
Options outstanding January 1, 2001 705,489 7.6 $ 20.99
Exercised (6,667) -- 16.00
Forfeited (96,250) -- 24.18
-------- -------- --------
Options outstanding December 31, 2001 602,572 6.6 20.50
(402,477 are exercisable)
Forfeited (337,302) -- 21.16
-------- -------- --------
Options outstanding December 31, 2002 265,270 4.1 19.67
(256,287 are exercisable)
Forfeited (89,968) -- 17.51
-------- -------- --------
Options outstanding December 31, 2003 175,302 4.7 $ 20.77
======== ======== ========
(175,302 are exercisable) *
|
*167,532 options were forfeited in May 2004, upon termination of certain
employees.
The weighted average exercise price of exercisable options at December 31,
2003 was $20.77. Options outstanding at December 31, 2003 range in exercise
price from $16.00 to $29.00.
2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN. In May 2001, the Company's Board of Directors
authorized and the stockholders of the Company approved a 2001 Long Term Stock
Incentive Plan ("2001 Stock Option Plan"), which provides for grants of stock
options to eligible participants including employees, officers, directors,
consultants and other key persons. The 2001 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan
authorizes the grant to participants of options to purchase up to 1,500,000
shares of the Company's common stock.
No officer may be granted more than 500,000 options during any one year.
Options are granted only to employees, officers, directors, consultants and
other persons providing key services to the Company or a subsidiary and the
purchase price of each option granted cannot be less than 100% of the fair
market value of the common stock on the date of grant.
Options granted under the Plan are incentive stock options or
non-qualified stock options as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended. The shares issued upon the exercise of options granted may be
previously unissued shares, reacquired shares, or shares bought in the market.
The purchase price for all shares purchased pursuant to options exercised must
be either paid in cash, or paid in full in common stock of the Company valued at
fair market value on the date of exercise, or a combination of cash and common
stock.
The term of each option may not exceed ten years and, additionally, may
not exceed twelve months following the termination of providing services to the
Company, unless modified by the Compensation Committee.
F-20
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
NUMBER REMAINING EXERCISE FAIR
2001 STOCK OPTION PLAN OF SHARES LIFE PRICE VALUE
---------------------- --------- ---- ----- -----
Options outstanding December 31, 2000 -- -- -- --
Granted 851,250 9.8 $ 15.35 $ 7.47
Forfeited (2,800) -- 14.68 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Options outstanding December 31, 2001 848,450 9.8 15.30 --
(40,000 are exercisable)
Granted 553,250 9.5 7.38 5.71
Forfeited (265,650) -- 15.26 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Options outstanding December 31, 2002 1,136,050 9.2 11.49 --
(217,016 are exercisable)
Forfeited (106,750) -- 9.93 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Options outstanding December 31, 2003 1,029,300 8.2 $ 11.65 --
(581,192 are exercisable)
|
*226,800 options were forfeited in May 2004, upon termination of certain
employees.
The weighted average price of exercisable options at December 31, 2003 was
$13.01. Options outstanding at December 31, 2003 range in exercise price from
$4.90 to $16.64. At December 31, 2003, 470,700 shares were reserved for issuance
under the 2001 Stock Option Plan.
16. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company has two reportable segments, sanctioning and race promotions.
In 2003, the Company added "Race Promotions" as a reportable segment. There were
no prior period adjustments relating to the new reportable segment.
Sanctioning encompasses all the business operations of organizing,
marketing and staging all of our open-wheel racing events when we act as a
sanctioning body as well as corporate expenses. We receive a sanction fee from
the event promoter for our services that is either fixed or is based upon a
profit sharing agreement. Sanction fees revenue, sponsorship revenue, television
revenue, engine lease revenue, race distributions and race expenses, television
expenses and administrative and indirect expenses are recognized in the
sanctioning segment.
Race promotions encompasses all the business operations of marketing and
promoting our open-wheel racing events when we act as promoter and have
exclusive rights to the event. We receive the revenues from the event and are
responsible for the expenses of the event.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in
the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company's long-lived assets
are substantially used in the sanctioning segment in the United States. The
Company evaluates performance based on income before income taxes.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
(In Thousands) SANCTIONING RACE PROMOTION OTHER* TOTALS
-------------- ----------- -------------- ------ ------
2003
Revenues $ 46,951 $ 2,474 $ 271 $ 49,696
Interest income 1,266 -- 8 1,274
Depreciation and amortization 3,790 -- 51 3,841
Segment loss before income taxes
(82,654) (9,790) 92 (92,352)
2002
Revenues $ 57,146 $ -- $ 99 $ 57,245
Interest income 3,749 -- 13 3,762
Depreciation and amortization 1,361 -- 75 1,436
Segment loss before income taxes (20,725) -- (138) (20,863)
|
F-21
2001
Revenues $ 69,915 $ -- $ 348 $ 70,263
Interest income 7,013 -- 20 7,033
Depreciation and amortization 1,395 -- 98 1,493
Segment loss before income taxes (1,421) -- (41) (1,462)
|
*Segment is below the quantitative thresholds for presentation as a reportable
segment. This segment is related to the Company's licensing royalties.
Reconciliations to the consolidated balance sheets totals at December 31
are as follows:
(In Thousands)
2003 2002
---- ----
Race Operations $ 18,925 $114,194
Race Promotion 894 --
Other 226 257
-------- --------
Total consolidated assets $ 20,045 $114,451
======== ========
|
Domestic and foreign revenues, which are allocated to each country based
on sanction fees, sponsorship revenues and television revenues, the three years
ended December 31 were as follows:
(In Thousands)
2003 2002 2001
---- ---- ----
United States $30,461 $33,820 $40,717
Canada 6,371 6,500 7,032
Mexico 5,175 6,704 2,590
Other foreign countries 7,689 10,221 19,924
------- ------- -------
Total 49,696 $57,245 $70,263
======= ======= =======
|
Revenues from one promoter in 2003 and 2002 were $6.4 million and $6.5
million respectively, which exceeded 10% of total revenues.
17. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") excludes dilution and is computed
by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of
securities that could share in the earnings. Shares contingently issuable relate
to shares that would have been outstanding under certain stock option plans (see
Note 14) upon the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2003 2002 2001
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE)
Net loss $(92,352) $(14,517) $ (950)
======== ======== ========
Basic and Diluted EPS:
Weighted average common shares outstanding 14,718 14,718 15,289
-------- -------- --------
Net loss per common share, basic $ (6.27) $ (0.92) $ (0.06)
======== ======== ========
|
Due to a loss from operations, 1,302,961, 1,426,171, and 1,078,255
incremental shares relating to the dilutive effect of stock options were
excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share due to their
anti-dilutive effect in 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively.
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has entered into transactions with entities that are
affiliated with the Company's directors and/or 5% stockholders (related
parties).
F-22
Gerald R. Forsythe, a 22.9% stockholder of the Company, is one of three
principal members of Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC, the others being Mr.
Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven. Open Wheel purchased the operating assets of CART,
Inc. pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, entered into in February 2004.
The consideration paid to CART, Inc. for the purchase of such assets, along with
the stock of Pro-Motion Agency, Ltd. and CART Licensed Products, Inc. was total
consideration of $3.3 million in cash, the assumption by the buyer of $1.4
million in prize money owed to teams not affiliated with the principals of Open
Wheel, forgiveness of $1.3 million in prize money due teams affiliated with
principals of Open Wheel, including Mr. Forsythe and the assumption of certain
promoter, sponsorship, and other contracts. The agreement was approved by order
of the bankruptcy court at a hearing held on January 28, 2004.
The following related party transactions occurred during the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2003.
The Company received sanction fees from promoters affiliated with related
parties. Total sanction fee revenue related to these entities for 2003, 2002 and
2001 was approximately $4.9 million, $10.6 million and $12.7 million,
respectively. No sanction fees from a single related entity provided more than
10% of the Company's revenues in 2003, 2001 and 2000.
The Company rented track facilities from promoters affiliated with related
parties. Total track rental expense related to these entities for 2003, 2002,
and 2001 was approximately $0, $853,000 and $59,000, respectively.
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company has accounts receivable of
approximately $518,000 and $566,000, respectively, due from related parties. The
receivables relate to billings associated with sanction fees and miscellaneous
team and promoter charges.
The Company receives entry fees and other race-related income to
participate in the Champ Car Series from teams affiliated with related parties.
Such fees received from teams amounted to $196,000, $655,000 and $710,000 in
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
The Company disburses purse winnings, awards and participation payments to
teams affiliated with related parties. Total purse winnings and awards related
to these teams for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $14.0 million, $11.3 million and
$6.4 million, respectively.
In 2003, the Company received engine lease revenue and provided financial
assistance to teams affiliated with related parties. Total engine lease income
and financial assistance related to the entities was $900,000 and $12.3 million,
respectively.
As part of the race in Miami, Florida, a special promotion was undertaken
whereby a rock music concert was cross-promoted in conjunction with the race
event. An agreement was entered into with Motorock, LLC, a rock concert
promoter, whose principals are Mr. Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven, who are also
principals in Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC., which purchased the assets of
CART, Inc. pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement as discussed above. The
Company received $141,000 from Motorock, LLC., in exchange for tickets,
hospitality and advertising rights at the race.
In 2004, the Company is sanctioning the races for Open Wheel Racing
Series, LLC., which is owned by Mr. Forsythe, a 22.9% owner of the Company
and Mr. Gentilozzi and Mr. Kalkhoven. The Company receives $12,500 for
each domestic race it sanctions and is reimbursed for various expenses it
incurs in sanctioning the events. Based on the terms of the Sanctioning
Agreement between the Company and Open Wheel, the agreement will expire
December 31, 2004.
The Company paid for at-track rights to promoters affiliated with related
parties in order to satisfy contractual obligations with certain sponsors. Total
at-track rights related to these entities for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were $0,
$400,000 and $500,000, respectively.
F-23
The Company paid for marketing expenses to promoters affiliated with
related parties. Total marketing expenses related to these promoters for 2003,
2002 and 2001 were $0, $700,000 and $616,000, respectively.
The Company pays royalties to teams and promoters affiliated with related
parties. Total royalty expense for these entities for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were
$33,000, $46,000 and $40,000, respectively.
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company has accounts payable and
royalties payable of approximately $33,000 and $46,000, respectively, due to
teams and promoters affiliated with related parties.
A former officer of the Company is a principal in a law firm which
received fees for legal services provided to the Company. Such fees amounted to
approximately $57,000, $125,000 and $126,000 in 2003, 2002 and 2001,
respectively.
19. SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
Following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) First Second Third Fourth Total
------------------------------------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
2003
----
Total revenues $ 6,164 $ 14,408 $ 18,170 $ 10,954 $ 49,696
Operating (loss) (14,405) (29,394) (34,900) (14,900) (93,599)
Net (loss) $ (8,989) $(34,513) $(34,404) $(14,446) $(92,352)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Loss per share
Basic $ (0.61) $ (2.34) $ (2.34) $ (0.98) $ (6.27)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted $ (0.61) $ (2.34) $ (2.34) $ (0.98) $ (6.27)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
|
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) First Second Third Fourth Total
------------------------------------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
2002
----
Total revenues $ 5,603 $ 19,292 $ 18,537 $ 13,813 $ 57,245
Operating loss (2,001) (6,759) (13,667) (2,224) (24,651)
Net (loss) before effect of accounting change (594) (3,668) (8,310) (989) (13,561)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (956) -- -- -- (956)
Net (loss) $ (1,550) $ (3,668) $ (8,310) $ (989) $(14,517)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Loss per share before cumulative effect
of accounting change:
Basic $ (0.04) $ (0.25) $ (0.56) $ (0.07) $ (0.92)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted $ (0.04) $ (0.25) $ (0.56) $ (0.07) $ (0.92)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Loss per share:
Basic $ (0.11) $ (0.25) $ (0.56) $ (0.07) $ (0.99)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted $ (0.11) $ (0.25) $ (0.56) $ (0.07) $ (0.99)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
|
20. CART, INC. BANKRUPTCY AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
CART, Inc. Bankruptcy:
On December 16, 2003, CART, Inc., the Company's largest subsidiary
that operated the Champ Car World Series filed a voluntary petition under
Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy
Court Southern District of Indiana (RE CART, Inc., Case No.
03-23385-FJO-11).
In the Chapter 11 case substantially all of the liabilities as of the
filing date are subject to compromise. The following table sets forth a break
down of these liabilities:
F-24
LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------- ------------
Accounts Payable $4,848
Accrued Payroll 68
Other Accrued Payables 710
------
Total liabilities subject to compromise $5,626
======
|
A court ordered payment of pre-petition debt for business insurance in the
amount of $40,768 was made subsequent to the filing of the bankruptcy petition
and prior to December 31, 2003.
A substantial dollar amount of claims were filed that are not included in
CART, Inc.'s liabilities as of December 31, 2003. The total amount of claims
filed by potential creditors and debtor scheduled amounts with the bankruptcy
court totaled $12.0 million, excluding the inter-company liability to CART,
Inc's parent company, Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. of $62.3 million. The
total claims exceed the liabilities recorded on CART's balance sheet because the
total claims represent not only accounts payable to each potential creditor but
also claims for future payments, disputed amounts owed to creditors, and
potential damages for contractual breaches. The following table sets forth
claims filed by potential creditors that are not included in CART, Inc.'s
liabilities as of December 31, 2003:
DISPUTED CLAIMS NOT INCLUDED IN LIABILITIES AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 IN THOUSANDS
88-Corporation-cancellation by promoter of Fontana race $ 2,500
Brands Hatch Circuits, Ltd.-termination of race promotion agreement 1,150
S.R. Holdings-concession contract for Raceworks, Inc. 1,000
Employment related contracts 500
IMG Motorsports-Cleveland, Inc.-Cleveland race promotion 438
Stars of Tomorrow-Promotion agreement 325
Other Claims 500
------------
Total $ 6,413
============
|
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. the parent company of CART, Inc., has
entered into an agreement whereby it will subordinate its claim for the
inter-company liability to the other creditors in exchange for the agreement of
the unsecured creditors of CART releasing the Company from all claims that could
be asserted against the Company.
Bankruptcy Subsequent Events:
In January 2004, the bankruptcy court approved payments related to
pre-petition employee expense reimbursements and health benefits in the amount
of $28,327.
On February 13, 2004, the assets of CART, Inc, the common stock of
Pro-Motion Agency, Inc. and CART Licensed Products, Inc., were sold to Open
Wheel for total cash consideration of $3.3 million. The agreement also included
Open Wheel assuming $1.4 million in 2003 prize money to teams who were not
affiliated with Open Wheel and forgiveness of $1.3 million in prize money due
principals of Open Wheel; all of the 2003 prize money was an obligation of CART,
Inc., and included in trade accounts payable at December 31, 2003. In addition,
Open Wheel assumed certain promoter, sponsor and other contracts. Prior to
finalizing the sale, CART, Inc. paid pre-petition payables in the amount of
$492,106 related to the contracts assumed by Open Wheel. The sale agreement was
pursuant to an order of the bankruptcy court at a hearing held on January 28,
2004.
F-25
CART, Inc. continues to operate as debtor-in-possession under the
Bankruptcy Code in order to wind up its affairs. On July 23, 2004 CART, Inc.
filed a Chapter 11 plan (the "Plan") and disclosure statement (the "Disclosure
Statement") with the bankruptcy court. The Plan provides for the distribution of
the asset sale proceeds and other currently available cash and the liquidation
and distribution of the remaining estate assets to CART, Inc.'s creditors. The
Disclosure Statement was approved by the bankruptcy court on August 3, 2004. The
Plan and Disclosure Statement were sent to CART Inc.'s creditors for voting; the
hearing on confirmation of the Plan will occur on September 13, 2004.
The following reflects unaudited condensed balance sheet, statement of
operations and statement of cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31,
2003, for CART, Inc.:
CART, INC.
DEBTOR IN POSSESSION
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003
(Dollars in Thousands)
Assets UNAUDITED
--------
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,980
Accounts Receivable 1,326
Current Portion of Notes Receivable 150
Prepaid Expenses 1,098
Other Current Assets 12
--------
Total Current Assets 4,566
Property and Equipment - Net 4,855
Investment in Subsidiaries 1,176
Other Assets 298
--------
Total Assets $ 10,895
========
Liabilities and Stockholder's Deficiency
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable $ 166
Payroll 49
Other 40
Liabilities of CART, Inc. subject to compromise 5,626
--------
Total Current Liabilities 5,881
Inter-company Payable to Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. 62,251
--------
Total Liabilities 68,132
Stockholder's Deficiency
Common Capital Stock 102
Additional Paid In Capital 15,975
Accumulated Deficit (73,314)
--------
Total Stockholder's Deficiency (57,237)
--------
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Deficiency $ 10,895
========
|
F-26
CART, INC.
DEBTOR IN POSSESSION
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
(Dollars in Thousands)
Unaudited
---------
REVENUES:
Sanction fees $ 24,660
Sponsorship revenue 6,017
Television revenue 1,889
Race promotion revenue 8,298
Engine leases 1,900
Other revenue 1,672
---------
Total revenues 44,436
EXPENSES:
Race distributions 58,677
Race expenses 7,798
Race promotion expense 13,635
Television expense 14,940
Administrative and indirect expenses 18,975
Asset impairment and strategic charges 4,481
Litigation expenses 2,660
Depreciation and amortization 3,765
---------
Total expenses 124,931
---------
OPERATING LOSS (80,495)
Realized gain on investments 85
Interest income 131
---------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (80,279)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 427
---------
NET LOSS $ (80,706)
=========
|
F-27
CART, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
(Dollars in Thousands)
UNAUDITED
---------
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Loss $(80,706)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,765
Loss from sale/disposal of property and
equipment 590
Asset impairment and impairment of goodwill 4,481
Deferred income taxes 705
Changes in asset and liabilities that
provided (used) cash:
Accounts and notes receivable 2,345
Prepaid expenses and other assets 483
Refundable income tax 10,242
Accounts payable 3,401
Accrued liabilities (6,460)
Deferred revenue (1,424)
--------
Net cash used in operating activities (62,578)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of investments 7,577
Notes receivable (150)
Acquisition of property and equipment (3,500)
Acquisition of trademark (14)
--------
Net cash provided by investing activities 3,913
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Inter-company payable 58,948
--------
Net cash provided by financing activities 58,948
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 283
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,697
--------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 1,980
========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $ 489
========
|
F-28
SCHEDULE II
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
(IN THOUSANDS)
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
DESCRIPTION BEGINNING CHARGED TO DEDUCTIONS BALANCE
OF PERIOD EXPENSE (1) END
OF PERIOD
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Allowance for doubtful
accounts (deducted from
accounts receivable):
Year Ended December 31, 2003 $1,282 $1,422 $ 550 $2,154
Year Ended December 31, 2002 7,388 1,223 7,329 1,282
Year Ended December 31, 2001 6,539 1,177 328 7,388
Allowance for doubtful
notes (deducted from
notes receivable):
Year Ended December 31, 2003 $ 21 $ 250 $ 21 $ 250
Year Ended December 31, 2002 219 -- 198 21
Year Ended December 31, 2001 -- 219 0 219
|
(1) Accounts deemed to be uncollectible.
S-1
EXHIBIT 2.1
IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION
In re: ) Chapter 11
)
CART, Inc., ) Case No. 03-23385 (FJO)
)
Debtor. )
)
|
CART'S CHAPTER 11 PLAN
BAKER & DANIELS
James M. Carr
300 North Meridian Street,
Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Counsel for CART, Inc.
Dated: ____ __, 2004
CART, Inc., a Michigan Corporation and the
debtor-in-possession in this Chapter 11 Case (the "Debtor"), hereby proposes the
following chapter 11 plan (the "Plan"). The specific provisions for implementing
this Plan are set forth in the succeeding Articles. The Definitions provided in
Article II of this Plan apply throughout the Plan.
ARTICLE I
OVERVIEW
This is a plan proposed pursuant to Subchapter II of chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sections 1121-1129). The Plan generally provides for
the liquidation and distribution of all of the assets of the Debtor's Estate.
The Bankruptcy Court will retain jurisdiction to determine the allowance of all
Claims and to effectuate and enforce the terms of this Plan as provided in
Article 9.2 below. This overview is only a summary; for a full and complete
understanding of the Plan, please consult the entire text of this Plan.
To complete the liquidation and distribution of the Debtor's Remaining
Estate Assets and to allow for the sale of New Stock to be issued by the Debtor
to CCWS (or to same other New Stock Buyer), upon the Transfer Date all Remaining
Estate Assets (which excludes Available Cash distributed as part of an Initial
Distribution and the Retained Assets) will be transferred to the CART
Liquidation Trust to be held, pending allowance or disallowance of Disputed
Claims, and distributed to holders of Allowed Claims. A Liquidation Trustee
shall administer the CART Liquidation Trust subject to oversight by the
Creditors' Committee and the Parent and the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy
Court. Included in the Remaining Estate Assets are certain claims and causes of
action belonging to the Estate against third parties, including but not limited
to the Estate's Claims Against 88 Corp.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
2.1. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Article II,
definitions and rules of construction contained in Sections 101 and 102 of the
Bankruptcy Code shall apply to this Plan. As used in this Plan, the following
terms shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context requires
otherwise.
2.1.01. "88 CORP. LITIGATION" means the proof of claim filed
by 88 Corp., the Debtor's objection thereto and the Debtor's claims against 88
Corp. more fully described at p. 23 below that the Debtor has asserted or may
assert for damages arising from the postponement and cancellation by 88 Corp. of
the scheduled 2003 Champ Car event at the Fontana California Speedway and 88
Corp.'s cancellation of the 2004 Champ Car event.
2.1.02. "ACCUS" means the Automobile Competition Committee
for the United States, of which Debtor is a member.
2.1.03. "ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIM" means any cost or expense of
administration of the Chapter 11 Case claimed timely against the Estate and
allowed under Section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, including any and all
expenses of operating the business of the Debtor after the Petition Date and all
allowances of compensation or reimbursement of expenses to the extent allowed by
the Bankruptcy Court under Sections 330 or 331 of the Bankruptcy Code and any
fees or charges assessed against the Estate under Chapter 123 of Title 28 of the
United States Code.
2.1.04. "ALLOWED ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIM FOR PROFESSIONAL FEES"
means an Administrative Claim for professionals employed by the Debtor or the
Creditors' Committee that is also an Allowed Claim.
2.1.05. "ALLOWED AMOUNT" means, with respect to a particular
Claim: (a) if the holder of such Claim has not filed a proof of claim as
prescribed by Bankruptcy Rule 3003 and the Bar Date Order, the Scheduled Claim
Amount, if any; (b) if the holder of such Claim has filed a proof of claim as
prescribed by Bankruptcy Rule 3003 and the Bar Date Order by the Bar Date, (i)
the amount stated in such proof of claim if no objection to or motion pursuant
to Section 502(c)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code for estimation of such proof of
claim has been interposed within the applicable period of limitation fixed by
the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Bankruptcy Court or
other applicable law; or (ii) such amount as shall be fixed or estimated, as the
case may be, by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court if an objection to or
motion pursuant to Section 502(c)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code for estimation of
such proof of claim has been interposed within the applicable period of
limitation fixed by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Bankruptcy
Court or other applicable law; or (c) with respect to an Administrative Claim,
the amount of such Claim or such amount as shall be fixed by a Final Order of
the Bankruptcy Court.
2.1.06. "ALLOWED CLAIM" means any Claim for which an Allowed
Amount has been determined or which is otherwise allowed pursuant to this Plan.
2.1.07. "ALLOWED INTEREST" means an Equity Interest to the
extent it has become allowed.
2.1.08. "ALLOWED GENERAL UNSECURED CLAIM" means a General
Unsecured Claim that is also an Allowed Claim.
2.1.09. "ASSETS" means all of the right, title and interest
of the Debtor in and to property of whatever type or nature (real, personal,
mixed, tangible or intangible), including property of the Debtor's estate, as
defined in Section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.10. "ASSET SALE" means the Debtor's sale of the Purchased
Assets to OWRS pursuant to the Sale Order which sale was closed on February 13,
2004.
2.1.11. "ASSET SALE PROCEEDS" means the net proceeds received
by Debtor as a result of the Asset Sale.
-2-
2.1.12. "AVAILABLE CASH" means all Cash other than (a) the
Reserve Funds and (b) any Cash reserved by the Liquidation Trustee for Trust
Administrative Expenses, subject to approval of the Creditors' Committee and the
Parent.
2.1.13. "AVOIDANCE ACTION" means an action to avoid a
transfer of the Debtor's property or an interest of the Debtor in property,
including actions arising under Sections 544, 545, 547, 548, 549 and 550 of the
Bankruptcy Code and any other applicable law.
2.1.14. "BALLOT" means a form mailed to holders of Claims and
Interests for the purpose of voting to accept or reject the Plan substantially
similar to Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
2.1.15. "BANKRUPTCY CODE" means Title 11 of the Bankruptcy
Reform Act of 1978, as amended, and as set forth in Sections 101 et seq. of
Title 11 of the United States Code.
2.1.16. "BANKRUPTCY COURT" means the United States Bankruptcy
Court for the Southern District of Indiana, or such other Court that may have
jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Case including any United States District Court
that may withdraw the statutory reference of the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case or any
related proceedings pursuant to Section 157(d) of Title 28 of the United States
Code.
2.1.17. "BANKRUPTCY RULES" means the Federal Rules of
Bankruptcy Procedure prescribed pursuant to Section 2075 of Title 28 of the
United States Code, as amended from time to time, including the local rules of
the Bankruptcy Court.
2.1.18. "BAR DATE" means March 31, 2004, the date fixed by
the Bar Date Order as the deadline by which all Persons asserting Claims or
Interests must file proofs of claim or interest or be forever barred from
asserting such Claim against or Interest in the Debtor and from voting on the
Plan and/or sharing in the distribution thereunder.
2.1.19. "BAR DATE ORDER" means the Order of the Bankruptcy
Court dated February 18, 2004 that fixed March 31, 2004 as the Bar Date.
2.1.20. "BUSINESS DAY" means any day except Saturday, Sunday
or other day on which commercial banks in the State of Indiana are generally
authorized by law to close.
2.1.21. "CART" means CART, Inc., the debtor in this
Chapter 11 Case.
2.1.22. "CART LIQUIDATION TRUST" means the trust established
pursuant to Article V herein.
2.1.23. "CASH" means cash and cash equivalents, including
bank deposits, checks and other similar items included among the Estate Assets.
2.1.24. "CCWS" means Champ Car World Series LLC, the Delaware
limited liability company that was formerly known as "Open Wheel Racing Series,
LLC".
-3-
2.1.25. "CHAPTER 11 CASE" means the chapter 11 case bearing
docket no. 03-23385 (FJO) in which CART, Inc. is the Debtor.
2.1.26. "CLAIM" has the same meaning as set forth in
Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.27. "CLAIMANT" shall mean a Person who asserts a Claim.
2.1.28. "CLASS" means a group of Claims or Interests that are
classified together pursuant to Article 3 of the Plan.
2.1.29. "CONFIRMATION DATE" means the date upon which the
Court enters an Order confirming the Plan pursuant to Section 1129 of the
Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.30. "CONFIRMATION HEARING" means the hearing scheduled by
the Bankruptcy Court to consider confirmation of the Plan pursuant to Bankruptcy
Code Section 1129.
2.1.31. "CONFIRMATION ORDER" means the Order confirming the
Plan pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.32. "CONTESTED" when used:
a. with respect to a Claim or Interest, means
the portion (including where appropriate, the whole) of any Claim or Interest:
which is scheduled by the Debtor as disputed, contingent or unliquidated and has
not been Allowed, or which scheduled Claim is the subject of an objection and
which has not been determined as Allowed or Disallowed by a Final Order, or
which has been filed pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and as to
which an objection to the allowance thereof has been filed with the Court within
the time limitation fixed by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the
Plan, or an order of the Court, which Claim has not been determined as Allowed
or Disallowed, by a Final Order, or
b. with respect to an Administrative Claim,
shall mean the portion (including where appropriate the whole) of an
Administrative Claim for which an objection to the allowance thereof has been
filed within any time limitation fixed by the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules,
the Plan or an order of the Court, which Administrative Claim has not been
determined as Allowed or Disallowed by a Final Order.
2.1.33. "CREDITOR" has the same meaning as set forth in
Section 101(10) of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.34. "CREDITORS' COMMITTEE" means the Official Committee
of Unsecured Creditors consisting of the Persons appointed to such committee in
the Chapter 11 Case under Section 1102(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or their
appointed successors.
2.1.35. "DEBTOR" means CART, Inc. which filed a petition to
commence the Chapter 11 Case on December 16, 2003.
-4-
2.1.36. "DISALLOWED" means, when used with respect to a
Claim, Administrative Claim, Tax Claim or Interest, the whole or portion thereof
that has been disallowed by the Court pursuant to a Final Order, or which is
withdrawn by or on behalf of the Claimant or holder of an Interest for which
such Claim, Administrative Claim, Tax Claim or Interest was filed.
2.1.37. "DISCLOSURE STATEMENT" means the Disclosure Statement
With Respect To Chapter 11 Plan of CART, Inc. filed by Debtor pursuant to
Section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code in the form as approved by a Final Order.
2.1.38. "DISPUTED" shall have the same meaning as
"Contested."
2.1.39. "DISTRIBUTION" means a payment with respect to an
Allowed Claim under the Plan.
2.1.40. "DISTRIBUTION DATE" means each of the dates following
the Effective Date upon which (a) the Debtor or the Liquidation Trustee is
required by this Plan to make one or more Distributions or (b) the Liquidation
Trustee decides to make a Distribution because the Liquidation Trustee deems
there to be sufficient Available Cash to make one or more Distributions, or (c)
a Distribution is otherwise ordered to be made by the Court.
2.1.41. "DISTRICT COURT" means the United States District
Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
2.1.42. "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the next business day after
the Confirmation Order is entered unless the Confirmation Order has been stayed
by an Order or an Order of the District Court, or such later date as the Debtor
and the Creditors' Committee may designate in writing.
2.1.43. "ENTITY" has the same meaning as set forth in
Section 101(15) of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.44. "ESTATE" means the Estate of the Debtor created
pursuant to Section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the commencement of its
Bankruptcy Case.
2.1.45. "ESTATE ASSETS" means at any time all Assets of the
Estate held by the Debtor or the CART Liquidation Trust.
2.1.46. "EXECUTORY CONTRACT" means any executory contract or
unexpired lease subject to Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, between the
Debtor and any other Person.
2.1.47. "FACE AMOUNT" means, with respect to a particular
Claim: (a) if the holder of such Claim has not filed a proof of Claim with the
Bankruptcy Court within the applicable period of limitation fixed by the
Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Rule 3003(c)(3) of the Bankruptcy Rules, the
Scheduled Claim Amount of such Claim; or (b) if the holder of such Claim has
filed a proof of Claim with the Bankruptcy Court within the applicable period of
limitation fixed by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to Rule 3003(c)(3) of the
Bankruptcy Rules, the amount stated in such proof of Claim.
-5-
2.1.48. "FINAL ORDER" means an Order or a judgment which is
not the subject of a pending appeal or petition for review, reconsideration or
rehearing, and which has not been reversed, stayed, modified or amended and with
respect to which the time to appeal from or to seek review, reconsideration or
rehearing of such Order or judgment shall have expired.
2.1.49. "FIRST DISTRIBUTION DATE" means with respect to an
Allowed Claim the day on which a first Distribution is made, which shall be the
later of (a) a date selected by Debtor that is no more than ten (10) Business
Days after the Effective Date or (b) within ten (10) Business Days after a Claim
becomes an Allowed Claim.
2.1.50. "GENERAL UNSECURED CLAIM" means any Claim against the
Debtor not otherwise classified herein and not entitled to priority under
Section 507 of the Bankruptcy Code, including any Deficiency Claim.
2.1.51. "HOLDER" means the holder of a Claim or Interest.
2.1.52. "IMPAIRED" has the same meaning as set forth in
Section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.53. "INITIAL DISTRIBUTION DATE" means the date on which
the Debtor makes the Initial Distributions.
2.1.54. "INITIAL DISTRIBUTIONS" means Distributions made by
the Debtor with respect to Claims that have become Allowed Claims as of the
Effective Date pursuant to Section 5.1.01.
2.1.55. "INTEREST" means with respect to the Debtor (a) an
"equity security" as that term is defined in the Bankruptcy Code, including the
Old Stock, and any other equity or membership interest, and (b) the legal,
equitable, contractual or other right to acquire or receive any of the
foregoing.
2.1.56. "LIQUIDATION TRUST AGREEMENT" means the agreement
that will establish the CART Liquidation Trust in substantially the same form as
attached as Exhibit "A" to this Plan.
2.1.57. "LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE" means Thomas L. Carter or (if
Mr. Carter should resign, be terminated, or otherwise become unable to perform
his duties as trustee) an individual selected by the members of the Creditors'
Committee and the Parent to succeed Mr. Carter to administer the CART
Liquidation Trust pursuant to the terms of the Liquidation Trust Agreement.
2.1.58. "MAXIMUM AMOUNT" means, with respect to any Disputed
Claim: (a) the amount agreed to by the CART Liquidating Trust and the Holder of
such Claim; (b) the amount, if any, estimated or determined by the Bankruptcy
Court in accordance with Bankruptcy Code Section 502(c); or (c) absent any such
agreement, estimation or determination, the liquidated amount set forth in the
proof of claim filed by the Holder of such Claim or, if no amount is so set
forth, the amount estimated by the CART Liquidating Trust.
-6-
2.1.59. "MEMBERSHIP" means Debtor's rights and obligations as
a member of ACCUS as defined in the ACCUS bylaws.
2.1.60. "NEW STOCK" means _____ shares of the capital stock
of Debtor to be issued effective as of the Transfer Date and transferred to CCWS
pursuant to Article 6.4 of this Plan.
2.1.61. "NEW STOCK BUYER" means CCWS or such other buyer of
the New Stock whose offer of New Stock Consideration is approved by the Court as
the highest and best purchase price for the New Stock.
2.1.62. "NEW STOCK CONSIDERATION" means cash which is the
greater of (a) the $110,000 offered by CCWS (the "Initial CCWS Offer") or (b)
the amount deemed by the Bankruptcy Court to be offered and paid by the New
Stock Buyer pursuant to the procedures described in the next sentence. If any
person wishes to make an offer to purchase the New Stock, they must submit such
offer in writing on or before 5:00 EST on the third Business Day prior to the
first date scheduled for the Confirmation Hearing. If Debtor (with advice from
the Creditors' Committee and the Parent) deems any such offer to be higher and
better than the Initial CCWS Offer then CCWS and all bidders making such a
higher and better timely offer will be allowed to participate in an auction
conducted in the Court room during the Confirmation Hearing and the Court shall
determine the highest and best offer at the conclusion of such auction.
2.1.63. "OLD STOCK" means all issued and outstanding Capital
Stock of Debtor including such capital stock held by Parent, as of the Effective
Date.
2.1.64. "ORDER" means an order of the Bankruptcy Court.
2.1.65. "OWRS ET AL." means Open Wheel Racing Series LLC
("OWRS"), organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, and its affiliate
Open Wheel Racing Acquisition Corp., the buyer of the Purchased Assets. On March
26, 2004, OWRS changed its name to "Champ Car World Series LLC".
2.1.66. "PARENT" means Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Indianapolis,
Indiana, of which Debtor is a wholly owned subsidiary.
2.1.67. "PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means any deposits or
investments permitted by Section 345 of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.68. "PERSON" means an individual, corporation,
partnership, association; joint stock company, joint venture, estate, trust,
unincorporated organization, government or any political subdivision thereof or
any other entity.
2.1.69. "PETITION DATE" means December 16, 2003, the date on
which the Debtor filed its Chapter 11 petition with the Bankruptcy Court.
-7-
2.1.70. "PLAN" means this Plan and all exhibits hereto,
either in its present form or as it may be altered, amended or modified from
time to time pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court or an order.
2.1.71. "POST-CONFIRMATION" means the period of time after
the Confirmation Date.
2.1.72. "POST-PETITION" means arising on or after the
Petition Date.
2.1.73. "PRE-PETITION" means arising before the Petition
Date.
2.1.74. "PRIORITY CLAIM" means a Claim entitled to priority
pursuant to Section 507(a)(3), 507(a)(4), or 507(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.75. "PROFESSIONAL FEE RESERVE" means the Cash reserved
within the CART Liquidation Trust for payment of outstanding professional fees
prior to allowance of such fees pursuant to Court Order.
2.1.76. "PROFESSIONAL PERSONS" means Persons retained or to
be compensated pursuant to Sections 327, 328, 330, 331, 1102, and 1103 of the
Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.77. "PRO RATA" or "PRO RATA SHARE" means, with respect to
an Allowed Claim, the same proportion that the Allowed Amount of such Allowed
Claim in any Class bears to: (a) the aggregate Allowed Amounts of all Allowed
Claims of that particular Class; plus (b) the aggregate Face Amounts of all
Disputed Claims of that particular Class, as reduced from time to time as and to
the extent that the Allowed Amounts, if any, of such Disputed Claims are
determined.
2.1.78. "PURCHASED ASSETS" means those assets of Debtor sold
to OWRS pursuant to the Debtor's Motion For Order Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Sections
105(a), 363, 365 And 1146(c) And Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2002, 6004 And 6006 (A)
Approving Asset Purchase Agreement; (B) Authorizing Sale And Transfer Of Assets
To Open Wheel Racing Series LLC Or To Another Highest Or Otherwise Best Bidder;
And (C) Authorizing Assumption And Assignment Of Certain Executory Contracts And
Leases (the "Sale Motion"), and the Sale Order, and the Asset Purchase Agreement
(the "APA").
2.1.79. "REJECTION DAMAGE CLAIM BAR DATE" means the date 30
days from the Confirmation Date.
2.1.80. "REMAINING ESTATE ASSETS" means as of the Transfer
Date all Estate Assets including but not limited to the New Stock Consideration,
the Reserve Funds, all of the Estate's accounts receivable and proceeds thereof,
and all of the Estate's right of action and causes of action (including all
Avoidance Actions and claims of the Estate against 88 Corp. included as part of
the 88 Corp. Litigation), excluding, however (a) Debtor's Membership in ACCUS;
(b) Debtor's Software Licenses; and (c) the amount of Cash distributed by Debtor
as part of the Initial Distribution.
-8-
2.1.81. "RESERVE FUNDS" means, collectively, the Contested
Administrative Claim Reserve, the Contested Unsecured Claim Reserve, the
Professional Fee Reserve and the Unclaimed Distribution Reserve.
2.1.82. "RETAINED ASSETS" means the assets retained by the
Debtor following the transfer of Remaining Estate Assets to the CART Liquidation
Trust on the Transfer Date, consisting only of Debtor's Membership in ACCUS and
the Software Licenses.
2.1.83. "SALE ORDER" means the Order of the Bankruptcy Court
dated February 2, 2004 authorizing the sale of substantially all of the Debtor's
assets to OWRS.
2.1.84. "SANCTIONING AGREEMENT" means the Sanctioning
Agreement executed between Debtor and CCWS and approved by the Bankruptcy Court
on April 12, 2004, whereby Debtor will provide sanctioning authority for certain
CCWS events.
2.1.85. "SANCTIONING AGREEMENT PAYMENTS" means all amounts
paid on or before the Transfer Date by CCWS to Debtor under the Sanctioning
Agreement.
2.1.86. "SCHEDULED CLAIM AMOUNT" means the amount of the
Claim of a Creditor, as of the Petition Date, listed on the schedule of
liabilities filed by the Debtors pursuant to Section 521(1) of the Bankruptcy
Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3003(b), and not characterized therein as disputed,
contingent or unliquidated.
2.1.87. "SECURED CLAIM" means any Claim against the Debtor to
the extent such Claim constitutes a Secured Claim under Sections 506(a) or
1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.
2.1.88. "SECURED CREDITOR" means any Creditor that holds a
Secured Claim.
2.1.89. "SOFTWARE AGREEMENT" [to be supplemented]
2.1.90. "SOFTWARE LICENSES" means all of Debtor's rights and
obligations in and under the Software Agreement.
2.1.91. "SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT" is the Conditional
Agreement to Subordinate Parent Claim between the Parent and Debtor, a copy of
which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C".
2.1.92. "SUBORDINATED CLAIMS" means all claims of Debtor's
Parent, that are subordinated to all other Allowed Claims in accordance with the
Subordination Agreement.
2.1.93. "TAXES" means all taxes, charges, fees, levies or
other assessments by any federal, state, local or foreign taxing authority,
including, without limitation, income, excise, property, sales, transfer, use
and occupancy, business privilege, net profits, occupation and withholding
taxes, including any interest, penalties or additions attributable to or imposed
on or with respect to such taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments.
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2.1.94. "TRANSFER DATE" means the date selected by Debtor on
or promptly after the Initial Distribution Date that all Remaining Estate Assets
are transferred by Debtor to the CART Liquidation Trust and the New Stock is
issued by Debtor and transferred to CCWS.
2.1.95. "TRUST ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES" means expenses of the
Liquidation Trust incurred on or after the Transfer Date including, without
limitation, the professional fees and costs incurred by the Liquidation Trustee
related to objections to Claims, sale and disposition of Estate Assets, and
litigation or other resolution of any and all Contested matters.
2.1.96. "TRUST ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE FUND" means the fund
established by the Liquidation Trustee from time to time to satisfy existing or
anticipated Trust Administrative Expenses.
2.1.97. "TRUST ASSETS" means the Remaining Estate Assets and
other Assets transferred by Debtor to the Liquidation Trust and all products or
proceeds thereof. Trust Assets will not lose their character as Assets of the
Debtor's Estate under Bankruptcy Code Section 541 by virtue of the transfer of
such Assets to the Liquidation Trust.
2.1.98. "UNCLAIMED PROPERTY" means any distributions to
Creditors under the Plan that are unclaimed one hundred twenty (120) days
following the date of such distribution to Creditors under the Plan.
2.1.99. "UNSECURED CREDITOR" means any Creditor that holds a
General Unsecured Claim.
2.2. INTERPRETATION
Unless otherwise specified, all section, article and exhibit
references in the Plan are to the respective section in, article of, or exhibit
to, the Plan, as the same may be amended, waived, or modified from time to time.
The headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and shall not
limit or otherwise affect the provisions hereof. Words denoting the singular
number shall include the plural number and vice versa, and words denoting one
gender shall include the other gender.
ARTICLE III
CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS
3.1. CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS. The Plan classifies the Claims
against and the Equity Interests in the Debtor, and such Claims and Equity
Interests shall be bound by the provisions of this Plan and are hereby
designated as the following Classes:
3.1.01. CLASS 1. Priority Claims.
3.1.02. CLASS 2. The Secured Claim of TLC Auto Collision LLC
3.1.03. CLASS 3. General Unsecured Claims.
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3.1.04. CLASS 4. The Subordinated Claim.
3.1.05. CLASS 5. The Old Stock.
3.2. TREATMENT OF IMPAIRED CLASSES. All holders of Allowed Claims
in Impaired Classes shall receive Distributions as set forth in this Section 3.2
on account of and in complete satisfaction of all such Allowed Claims, and any
rights and security interests held or asserted on account of such Allowed
Claims. Such Distributions shall be made to holders of Allowed Claims on the
Distribution Dates appropriate for such Allowed Claim.
3.2.01. CLASS 1. This Class consists of the Priority Claims,
including Priority Wage Claims entitled to priority under Section 507(a)(3) of
the Bankruptcy Code, Priority Employment Benefit Claims entitled to priority
under Section 507(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code and Priority Tax Claims entitled
to priority under Section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.
a. PRIORITY CLAIMS. Each holder of an Allowed
Priority Claim shall be paid in full, but without interest, on the First
Distribution Date from Available Cash.
b. CLASS 1 IS IMPAIRED UNDER THE PLAN.
3.2.02. CLASS 2. This Class consists of the Secured Claim of
TLC Auto Collision in the amount of $6,369.90.
a. SECURED CLAIM. The Secured Claim of TLC Auto
Collision shall be Allowed in the amount of $6,369.90 and paid in full on the
First Distribution Date, but without interest, from Available Cash.
b. CLASS 2 IS IMPAIRED UNDER THE PLAN.
3.2.03. CLASS 3. This Class consists of the General Unsecured
Claims.
a. GENERAL UNSECURED CLAIMS. Each holder of an
Allowed Class 3 Claim shall be entitled to receive, after payment of Classes 1
and 2 Allowed Claims in full, a Pro-Rata Distribution of the Available Cash on
the First Distribution Date and the Available Cash on each subsequent
Distribution Date until such Allowed Class 3 Claim is satisfied.
b. CLASS 3 IS IMPAIRED UNDER THE PLAN.
3.2.04. CLASS 4. This Class consists of the Subordinated
Claim.
a. THE SUBORDINATED CLAIM. In accordance with
the Subordinated Agreement, no distribution will be made to the Parent with
respect to the Subordinated Claim, unless all Allowed Claims in all other
Classes (except Class 5) have been satisfied in full.
b. CLASS 4 IS IMPAIRED UNDER THE PLAN.
3.2.05. CLASS 5. This Class consists of the Old Stock.
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a. TREATMENT OF THE OLD STOCK. The Old Stock
will be cancelled as of the Effective Date as provided in Section 6.4.01 and no
Distribution will be made with respect to the Interest in Debtor represented by
the Old Stock.
b. CLASS 5 IS IMPAIRED UNDER THE PLAN.
3.3. ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS.
3.3.01. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS. The aggregate amount
of all Contested Administrative Claims as of the First Distribution Date shall
be set aside by the Debtor in the Contested Administrative Claim Reserve.
Contested Administrative Claims that are thereafter Allowed shall be paid from
the Contested Administrative Claim Reserve. Such payment shall be made as and
when authorized by a Final Order. To the extent that an Administrative Claim is
Allowed and paid for an amount less than the amount reserved therefore, the
excess funds in the Contested Administrative Claims Reserve shall be made
available for distribution by the Liquidation Trustee in accordance with this
Plan.
3.3.02. PROFESSIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES. Any entity retained
and requesting compensation pursuant to Sections 327, 328, 330, or 331 of the
Bankruptcy Code shall be entitled to file an application for allowance of
compensation and reimbursement of expenses for time expended and expenses
incurred from and after the Petition Date, and through the Confirmation Date,
not later than the thirtieth (30) day after the Confirmation Date. The aggregate
amount of sums claimed in such application by the Professional Persons shall be
set aside and reserved in the Professional Fee Reserve, subject to the
consideration of such applications by the Bankruptcy Court and shall be paid as
and when and with respect to the amount approved by the Bankruptcy Court.
Professional fees and expenses incurred after the Confirmation Date payable by
the Estate shall be paid in accordance with Article IX of the Plan. To the
extent that any funds remain in the Professional Fee Reserve after payment of
all pre-Confirmation professional fees allowed by Final Order, such remaining
funds shall be distributed by the Liquidation Trustee in accordance with this
Plan.
ARTICLE IV
VOTING ON THE PLAN
4.1. CLASSES ENTITLED TO VOTE. The holders of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5 Claims are Impaired. Holders of Allowed Claims in Classes 1, 2 and 3 will
receive Distributions under the Plan and the Holder of the Allowed Claim in
Class 4 may receive one or more Distributions under the Plan and therefore all
such Holders of Claims are entitled to vote by casting a Ballot (in the manner
described on the Ballot) to accept or reject the Plan. The Holder of Interests
in Class 5 will receive no Distributions under the Plan and is deemed to reject
the Plan.
4.2. CLASS ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENT. A Class shall have accepted the
Plan if the Plan is accepted by at least two-thirds (2/3) in amount and more
than one half (1/2) in number of the Allowed Claims of the Class that have voted
on the Plan.
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4.3. CRAMDOWN. In the event that any Impaired Class of Claims shall
fail to accept the Plan in accordance with Section 1129(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code, the Debtor hereby requests that the Court confirm the Plan in accordance
with the "cramdown" provisions of Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.
ARTICLE V
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN
5.1. INITIAL DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSFER OF THE REMAINING ESTATE
ASSETS
5.1.01. INITIAL DISTRIBUTION. On the Initial Distribution
Date, the Debtor shall make Distributions from Available Cash with respect to
all Allowed Claims that are or were Allowed as of the Effective Date (the
"Initial Distribution").
5.1.02. TRANSFER DATE. On the Transfer Date, Debtor shall
transfer and assign to the CART Liquidation Trust all Remaining Estate Assets.
Thereafter, the Estate shall consist of the CART Liquidation Trust and the
Assets thereof.
5.1.03. TRANSFER TAXES. The Initial Distribution, any
subsequent Distribution, the transfers made on the Transfer Date and any other
transfer of Estate Assets or any portion(s) of Estate Assets pursuant to the
Plan shall constitute a "transfer under a plan" within the purview of Section
1146(c) of the Bankruptcy Code and shall not be subject to transfer, stamp or
similar Taxes.
5.2. THE CART LIQUIDATION TRUST.
5.2.01. CREATION OF THE CART LIQUIDATION TRUST. This Plan
shall be implemented by the establishment of the CART Liquidation Trust for the
sole purpose of holding, liquidating and distributing the Remaining Estate
Assets to the holders of the Allowed Claims in an orderly and timely fashion.
This includes prosecution and resolution of any and all Avoidance Actions, the
Estate's Claims Against 88 Corp., and other accounts receivable and causes of
action of the Debtor transferred to the CART Liquidation Trust as part of the
Remaining Estate Assets.
5.2.02. TRANSFERS TO THE CART LIQUIDATION TRUST. The
Confirmation Order shall appoint and authorize the Debtor to execute and deliver
the Liquidation Trust Agreement and any and all documents, instruments and
agreements necessary to carry out the provisions of this Plan, to create the
CART Liquidation Trust, and to transfer all Remaining Estate Assets to the CART
Liquidation Trust on the Transfer Date free and clear of all Claims and liens
and contractually imposed restrictions, except for any lien provided for in this
Plan and in the Liquidation Trust Agreement. All of the Remaining Estate Assets
(after the Initial Distribution) shall be administered by and through the
Liquidation Trustee on behalf of the holders of Allowed Claims pursuant to the
terms of this Plan.
5.3. THE ROLE OF THE CREDITORS' COMMITTEE AND THE PARENT
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5.3.01. DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF THE CREDITORS' COMMITTEE AND THE
PARENT WITH RESPECT TO THE CART LIQUIDATION TRUST.
The duties of the Creditors' Committee and the Parent shall
include:
a. monitoring the activities of the Liquidation
Trustee (including objections to and the resolution of Claims);
b. monitoring any sale by the Liquidation
Trustee of any of the Remaining Estate Assets and reviewing and approving such
sales;
c. reviewing, advising, and approving the
prosecution and settlement of all adversary proceedings or contested matters
proposed or undertaken by the Liquidation Trustee, including such proceedings
with respect to Avoidance Actions or the 88 Corp. Litigation;
d. monitoring and approving the Distributions
under the Plan;
e. monitoring objections to Claims and other
actions taken by the Liquidation Trustee to cause Claims to become Allowed or
Disallowed;
f. reviewing and approving the Liquidation
Trustee's retention of professionals;
g. reviewing and approving any proposed
post-Confirmation modifications to the Plan;
h. reviewing and approving compensation and
professional fee and reimbursement requests; and
i. performing such other duties that may be
necessary and proper to effectuate the purposes of the Plan.
5.3.02. CREDITORS' COMMITTEE AND PARENT'S LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY. Subsequent to the Transfer Date, neither the Creditors' Committee or
the Parent, nor any of their members, designees, counsel, accountants or other
professionals, or any duly designated agents or representatives of the
Creditors' Committee or the Parent, or their respective employees, shall be
liable for the act or omission of any other member, designee, agent or
representative of the Creditors' Committee or the Parent, nor shall any member
or representative be liable for any act or omission taken or omitted to be taken
in its capacity as a member of the Creditors' Committee or a representative of
the Parent, other than acts or omissions resulting from such member's or
representative's willful misconduct or fraud.
5.4. THE SERVICE AND DUTIES OF THE LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE
5.4.01. THE LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE. From and after the Transfer
Date, Thomas L. Carter shall serve as the Liquidation Trustee, and as of the
Transfer Date the Liquidation Trustee
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shall have the rights and powers set forth herein in order to carry out and
implement the purposes and intent of the Plan. The Liquidation Trustee shall
endeavor to collect and liquidate all Remaining Estate Assets and close the CART
Liquidation Trust in a reasonably expeditious manner, but also in the best
interests of the Creditors. The work of the Liquidation Trustee shall be
monitored by the Creditors' Committee and the Parent consistent with the
provisions of this Article V.
5.4.02. BOND. The Liquidation Trustee shall not be required
to secure performance as trustee by posting a bond or otherwise, unless
otherwise required by an Order. If the Bankruptcy Court so orders, the
Creditors' Committee, in its sole discretion, shall establish the value of the
non-Cash Remaining Estate Assets for purposes of determining the amount of any
bond.
5.4.03. TITLE. After the Transfer Date, the legal title to
all Remaining Estate Assets shall be vested in the Liquidation Trust. Upon
creation of the Liquidation Trust, the holders of Claims against the Debtor will
have the beneficial interest in all Trust Assets to the extent of their rights
provided by this Plan.
5.4.04. GENERAL POWERS. Except as otherwise provided in this
Plan, the Liquidation Trustee shall have, without prior or further Court
approval rights, powers, and duties of the Debtor as debtor-in-possession and
"trustee" under the Bankruptcy Code and such powers and authority necessary to
fulfill the purpose of the Liquidation Trust set forth in Article V hereof,
including, but not limited to, the following:
a. to object to and resolve Claims;
b. to prosecute and defend all actions
affecting the Liquidation Trust and to compromise or settle any suits, claims,
or demands, or waive or release any rights relating to the Liquidation Trust as
provided herein, including without limitation prosecuting any Avoidance Actions
and/or the 88 Corp. Litigation;
c. to prosecute, settle, or otherwise resolve
all claims or causes of action that are Trust Assets and Disputed Claims and to
deposit any proceeds therefrom in the Liquidation Trust for distribution
pursuant to the provisions of this Plan;
d. to make any Permitted Investments;
e. to make Distributions as set forth in this
Plan;
f. to pay post-confirmation administrative
expenses for which the Estate is liable under this Plan; and
g. to otherwise engage in all acts that would
constitute ordinary course of business in performing the obligations of a
trustee under a trust of this type.
h. Specifically, without limitation, subject to
the approval of the Creditors' Committee and the Parent, the Liquidation Trustee
shall have the power to institute,
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join or defend actions or declaratory judgments and, consistent with the terms
of this Plan, to take such other action and make any terms deemed reasonable, to
investigate with respect to and enforce any instruments, contracts, agreements
or causes of action related to or being part of the Liquidation Trust,
including, without limitation, the right to apply to the Bankruptcy Court for
authority to conduct examinations and require production of documents pursuant
to rule 2004 of the Bankruptcy Code. No further Order shall be required for the
Liquidation Trustee to lawfully convey title to any of the Trust Assets.
5.4.05. LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST ASSETS. The Liquidation
Trustee shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to liquidate all of the
Trust Assets. The sale of any Trust Assets shall be free and clear of any and
all liens, claims, interests and encumbrances pursuant to Section 363(f) of the
Bankruptcy Code. The proceeds from the liquidation of such Trust Assets will be
distributed according to the terms of the Plan.
5.4.06. LIMITATION ON THE LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE'S POWERS. The
Liquidation Trustee may invest and reinvest all funds held by the Liquidation
Trust (subject to Distribution requirements set forth herein) in Permitted
Investments which are designed to provide a reasonable return to the CART
Liquidation Trust and are consistent with the liquidity requirements for payment
of post-confirmation administrative expenses and making of Distributions. The
Liquidation Trustee shall not be responsible, and shall have no liability
whatsoever, to the holders of Claims or any other Person for any loss to the
Liquidation Trust, or the amount of interest thereon, resulting from the
investment thereof in such Permitted Investments. The Liquidation Trustee shall
not invest any funds in a security or instrument that does not constitute a
Permitted Investment or take any action that may cause the Liquidation Trust to
become subject to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
5.4.07. SELECTION OF AGENTS AND PROFESSIONALS. After
providing the Committee and the Parent with reasonable notice, the Liquidation
Trustee may select and employ legal counsel, accountants, financial advisors,
consultants and other agents (including those previously retained by the Debtor)
which are necessary to assist the Liquidation Trustee in the performance of its
duties. The Liquidating Trustee shall provide the Committee and the Parent with
the scope and nature of any such employment and the proposed budget for such
employment. The fees and expenses of such professionals, subject to review and
approval by the Committee and the Parent, shall constitute Trust Administrative
Expenses and shall be paid from the Trust Administrative Expense Fund upon the
monthly submission of bills to the Creditors' Committee and the Parent. If no
objection to payment is received within five (5) Business Days following
delivery of any bill, the bill shall be paid by the Liquidation Trustee. If
there is a dispute as to the amount of any bill which is not resolved, such
dispute shall be submitted to the Bankruptcy Court for a determination of its
reasonableness. The uncontested portion of each bill shall be paid on or about
the sixth Business Day after delivery.
5.4.08. TRUST ACCOUNTS. The Liquidation Trustee may maintain
such accounts as necessary at any banks or financial institutions organized
under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, as he may,
in his discretion, select in accordance with Section 345(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code.
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5.4.09. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS. Subject to the approval of the
Creditors' Committee and the Parent, the Liquidation Trustee shall have the
power to compromise or settle Disputed Claims and all claims or causes of action
that are part of the Remaining Estate without further order of the Bankruptcy
Court, unless such matters are presently subject to a pending, contested matter
or adversary proceeding before the Bankruptcy Court, or other court of competent
jurisdiction.
5.4.10. PAYMENT OF TRUST ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES/RESERVE OF
FUNDS. The Liquidation Trustee shall pay all Trust Administrative Expenses such
as Trust Administrative Expenses are incurred in the ordinary course of
administering the Liquidation Trust, including, but not limited to, (i) any fees
of the Liquidation Trustee provided for in Section 5.5 and (ii) any fees of
professionals retained by the Liquidation Trustee provided for in Section
5.4.11. To the extent that the Trust Administrative Expense Fund is depleted,
the Liquidation Trustee may, in his discretion, use proceeds of the Avoidance
Actions and/or the Asset Sale Proceeds and Estate Assets to pay such Trust
Administrative Expenses.
5.4.11. RELIANCE ON AGENTS AND PROFESSIONALS. The Liquidation
Trustee may rely upon agents and professionals retained in good faith and in the
exercise of reasonable judgment. The Liquidation Trustee shall have no liability
or responsibility in acting upon the advice of such agents and professionals
unless it shall be proved that such reliance constituted willful misconduct or
gross negligence.
5.4.12. RELIANCE ON DOCUMENTS.
The Liquidation Trustee:
a. may rely and shall be protected in acting
upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report,
notice, request, consent, order, and other paper or document believed by him to
be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
and
b. shall have no liability or responsibility
with respect to the form, execution, or validity thereof and no duty to inquire
as to the identity, authority, or rights of the persons so signing or
presenting.
5.5. COMPENSATION OF THE LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE. Subject to periodic
review and approval by the Bankruptcy Court as specified in the Liquidation
Trust Agreement, the Liquidation Trustee is authorized to pay himself $100.00
per hour as compensation for his services from the Trust Assets and reimburse
himself for reasonable costs and expenses reasonably incurred in the performance
of his duties as Liquidation Trustee.
5.6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF LIQUIDATION
TRUSTEE.
5.6.01. STANDARD OF CARE. The Liquidation Trustee shall
exercise the rights and powers vested by this Plan and use the same degree of
care and skill in performing the duties of the Liquidation Trustee as a prudent
Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of that
Person's own affairs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Liquidation Trustee
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shall only be liable for damage caused to the Estate proximately caused by his
gross negligence, or willful misconduct, except as otherwise provided herein.
5.6.02. NO LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF PREDECESSOR. In the event
that a successor Liquidation Trustee is appointed, such successor Liquidation
Trustee shall not be in any way responsible for the acts or omissions of any
Liquidation Trustee in office prior to the date on which such successor becomes
a Liquidation Trustee, unless a successor Liquidation Trustee expressly assumes
such responsibility.
5.6.03. NO IMPLIED OBLIGATIONS. The Liquidation Trustee shall
not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are
specifically set forth herein.
5.6.04. NO PERSONAL OBLIGATION. None of the provisions hereof
shall require the Liquidation Trustee to expend or risk his own personal funds
or otherwise incur personal financial liability or expense in the performance of
his duties hereunder. Persons dealing with the Liquidation Trustee or Persons
seeking to assert claims against him shall look only to the Estate Assets to the
extent permitted by this Plan or applicable law, to satisfy any liability
incurred by the Liquidation Trustee to such Person in carrying out the terms of
the CART Liquidation Trust, and the Liquidation Trustee shall have no personal
or individual obligation to satisfy any such liability.
5.6.05. INDEMNIFICATION. The Liquidation Trustee shall be
indemnified by and receive reimbursement from the CART Liquidation Trust against
and from any and all losses, claims, damages, and expenses (including, without
limitation, any fees of counsel or other expenses incurred in defense or
investigation of actions or proceedings in respect thereof) which he may incur
in the exercise and performance of any of his powers and duties under this Plan
except to the extent such losses, claims, damages and expenses were caused by
the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Liquidation Trustee.
5.7. REMOVAL OF LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE.
The Liquidation Trustee may be removed
a. with or without cause by the unanimous vote
of the Committee and the Parent; or
b. for cause shown upon application to a court
of competent jurisdiction by any Holder of an Allowed Claim.
The Liquidation Trustee shall continue to serve as the
Liquidation Trustee after his removal and until the appointment of a successor
Liquidation Trustee shall become effective, unless otherwise ordered by such
court.
If the Liquidation Trustee is removed for "cause," as that
term is hereinafter defined, he shall not be entitled to any accrued but unpaid
fees, reimbursements, or other compensation under this Plan or otherwise. For
purposes of this Plan, the term "cause" shall
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mean the Liquidation Trustee's gross negligence or willful misconduct in
performing his duties under this Plan.
If the Liquidation Trustee is removed:
a. without cause;
b. by virtue of his inability to perform his
duties under this Plan due to illness or other physical or mental disability;
c. following the liquidation of all or
substantially all of the Estate Assets; or
d. for any reason whatsoever other than for
"cause,"
the Liquidation Trustee shall be entitled to all accrued and unpaid fees,
reimbursements and other compensation, to the extent incurred or arising or
relating to events occurring before such removal.
5.8. RESIGNATION. The Liquidation Trustee may resign by an
instrument in writing signed by him and (i) forwarded to each member of the
Creditors' Committee and to the Parent, and (ii) filed with the Bankruptcy
Court, or any other court of competent jurisdiction; provided that the
Liquidation Trustee shall continue to serve as the Liquidation Trustee after his
resignation until the appointment of a successor Liquidation Trustee shall
become effective in accordance with Section 5.8 hereof or as otherwise provided
by court order.
5.9. APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE. In the event of
the death, resignation, incompetence, total disability, or removal of the
Liquidation Trustee, the Creditors' Committee and the Parent, together, may
appoint a successor Liquidation Trustee if by unanimous vote, or alternatively,
the Bankruptcy Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction shall have the
authority to appoint a successor Liquidation Trustee. Such appointment may
specify the date on which such appointment shall be effective, such date not
exceeding 90 days from the event of death, resignation, incompetence, total
disability or removal of the Liquidation Trustee. Every successor Liquidation
Trustee appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to such
court and to the retiring Liquidation Trustee an instrument accepting such
appointment and delivery the bond (if required) provided for pursuant to Section
5.4.02 of this Plan; thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring
Liquidation Trustee shall become effective and such successor Liquidation
Trustee without any further act, deed, or conveyance shall become vested with
all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Liquidation Trustee.
5.10. TERMINATION OF THE CART LIQUIDATION TRUST. The CART
Liquidation Trust shall be terminated upon either of the following events: (i)
the liquidation and Distribution of all of the Trust Assets and the distribution
of the Asset Sale Proceeds, or (ii) the unanimous determination by the
Creditors' Committee and the Parent that the remaining Estate Assets have no
value to the creditors of the Estate and no further efforts to liquidate such
Estate Assets should
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be undertaken. Notice of the termination of the CART Liquidation Trust shall be
filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
ARTICLE VI
EFFECTUATING THE PLAN
6.1. FUNDING AND DISBURSEMENTS.
6.1.01. NO SEPARATE DISBURSING AGENT. All Distributions under
this Plan after the Initial Distribution shall be made from the CART Liquidation
Trust by the Liquidation Trustee; no separate Disbursing Agent will be employed.
The Liquidation Trustee shall continue in his role until all Trust Assets are
liquidated, all Distributions are made and a final decree is entered closing the
Chapter 11 Case, whereupon all of the Liquidation Trustee's powers, rights and
duties shall terminate. The Liquidation Trustee shall be responsible for filing
Post-Confirmation reports with the Court and paying from Trust Assets
Post-Confirmation U.S. Trustee's fees and other Trust Administrative Expenses.
6.1.02. PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS THAT HAVE ACCRUED
BUT NOT BEEN FILED, FOR WHICH ALLOWANCE IS PENDING AND DISPUTED ADMINISTRATIVE
CLAIMS. Funds shall be segregated and reserved on the Effective Date for the
payment of the portion of the Administrative Claims for which allowance by the
Bankruptcy Court is pending, which have accrued but not been filed as of the
Effective Date or which are Disputed Claims. If an Administrative Claim for
which allowance is pending or which, as of the Effective Date, has accrued but
not yet been filed, becomes an Allowed Administrative Claim, such Claim shall be
paid within ten (10) days after, and to the extent that, such pending
Administrative Claim becomes an Allowed Administrative Claim. If a portion of an
Administrative Claim is a Disputed Claim, the disputed portion of such
Administrative Claim shall be paid in full in the same manner as provided in
Section 3.3 with respect to Allowed Administrative Claims within ten (10) days
after, and to the extent that, such Disputed Claim becomes an Allowed
Administrative Claim. In the event that after payment of Allowed Administrative
Claims in full there remains funds, such funds shall be available for
distribution to the holders of Allowed Unsecured Claims until such Claims are
paid in full.
6.1.03. MEANS OF CASH PAYMENT. Cash Payments made pursuant to
the Plan shall be in U.S. funds, by check drawn on a domestic bank. Fractional
cash payments shall be rounded down to the nearest next whole dollar.
6.1.04. DISTRIBUTIONS. The provisions of this Section of the
Plan shall be subject to the time limitation provided for in Section 6.1.05 with
regard to undeliverable Distributions and to the time limitations provided for
in Section 6.1.06 of the Plan with regard to the time limit for cashing checks
issued pursuant to the Plan. Distributions and deliveries to holders of Allowed
Claims shall be made at the addresses set forth on the proofs of Claim filed by
such holders (or at the last known addresses of such holders if no proof of
Claim is filed or if the Disbursing Agent has been notified in writing of a
change of address). If any Distribution is returned as undeliverable (e.g.,
"forwarding time expired," "address unknown," etc.), no further
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Distributions to such holder shall be made unless and until the Disbursing Agent
is timely notified in writing as provided in Section 6.1.06 of such holder's
then current address, at which time all missed Distributions shall be made to
such holder without interest. All amounts in respect of undeliverable
Distributions made by the Disbursing Agent shall be returned to the Disbursing
Agent and shall be maintained by the Disbursing Agent in the Unclaimed
Distribution Reserve Fund, subject to the provisions of Section 6.1.06 below.
6.1.05. DEADLINE TO CLAIM DISTRIBUTIONS. Unless a holder of a
Claim for a Distribution which has been returned as provided for in Section
6.1.04 above notifies the Disbursing Agent in writing of such holder's correct
address on or before the one hundred and eightieth (180th day following the
Distribution Date with respect to such undeliverable Distribution), all
undeliverable Distributions shall be added to the existing funds to be
distributed to other holders of Claims consistent with the terms of the Plan. In
such event, the Claim upon which such Distribution was made shall be deemed
waived and the Claim shall be discharged and released in full for all purposes,
and the Disbursing Agent shall be under no further obligation to distribute
funds of the estate to such holder of a Claim.
6.1.06. TIME BAR TO CASH PAYMENTS. Checks issued by the
Disbursing Agent in respect of Allowed Claims shall be null and void if not
cashed within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of issuance thereof.
Requests for reissuance of any check shall be made directly to the Disbursing
Agent by the holder of the Allowed Claim with respect to which such check
originally was issued.
6.1.07. TRANSACTIONS ON BUSINESS DAYS. If the Distribution
Date, or any other date on which a transaction may occur under the Plan shall
occur on a day that is not a Business Day, the transactions contemplated by the
Plan to occur on such day shall instead incur on the next succeeding Business
Day.
6.2. TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES
6.2.01. EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES. Upon the
Effective Date all Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases which have not
otherwise been assigned to CCWS or rejected or assumed by the Debtor prior to
the Effective Date are hereby rejected under this Plan.
6.2.02. REJECTION DAMAGE CLAIMS. Persons who are parties to
Executory Contracts that are rejected and who claim damages by reason of such
rejection shall become Class 3 Creditors and shall be treated in the same manner
as other Class 3 Creditors. All proofs of Claim for damages for Executory
Contracts rejected prior to the Bar Date shall be filed on or before the Bar
Date, or shall be forever barred. All proofs of Claim for damages for Executory
Contracts rejected pursuant to the Plan shall be filed on or before thirty (30)
days after the Confirmation Date.
6.2.03. OBJECTIONS TO REJECTION DAMAGE CLAIMS. Objections to
proofs of Claim for damages resulting from rejected Executory Contracts may be
filed by the Liquidation Trustee with the Bankruptcy Court prior to the later of
ninety (90) days after the Transfer Date or sixty
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(60) days following the filing of such proofs of Claim for damages. Said
objections shall be served upon the holder of the Claim to which such objection
is made.
6.3. RESOLUTION OF CLAIMS
6.3.01. DISPUTED CLAIMS. Distributions shall not be made with
respect to any Disputed Claim until an Order, judgment, decree or approval of a
settlement agreement with respect to such Claim becomes a Final Order. The CART
Liquidation Trust shall establish a Contested Unsecured Claim Reserve upon the
availability of funds, by reserving a percentage, as approved by the Committee
and the Parent, in cash (the "Reserve Percentage") of the Face Amount of all
such Contested Unsecured Claims with respect to General Unsecured Claims, and
the full Face Amount of such Claims as to which priority is claimed, unless
otherwise ordered with respect to any Claims by virtue of a motion to estimate.
The CART Liquidation Trust may modify the Reserve Percentage upon ten days
negative notice to: (a) all Persons on the Debtor's service list; and (b) the
holders of Claims in the Contested Unsecured Claims reserve. The Liquidation
Trustee may eliminate the reserve for any Claim upon its disallowance or other
resolution. Distribution with respect to Disputed Claims shall be made within
thirty (30) days after an Order, judgment, decree or settlement agreement with
respect to such Claims becomes a Final Order.
6.3.02. FAILURE TO FILE PROOF OF CLAIM. Any holder of a Claim
that did not file a proof of Claim by the Bar Date shall be barred from
participating in the Plan or obtaining a distribution hereunder unless the Claim
is listed in the Debtor's Schedule of Liabilities and is not designated as
contingent, unliquidated or disputed.
6.4. EQUITY INTERESTS IN DEBTOR.
6.4.01. CANCELLATION OF OLD STOCK, ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF
NEW STOCK. As of the Effective Date, and in accordance with the Subordination
Agreement, the Old Stock will be cancelled. As of the Transfer Date, Debtor
shall issue the New Stock. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Section 363, Debtor will
sell and transfer such New Stock to the New Stock Buyer free and clear of all
liens, claims, or encumbrances for the New Stock Consideration.
6.4.02. DISCHARGE OF CLAIMS AGAINST AND ONGOING BUSINESS OF
DEBTOR. From and after the Transfer Date, the Debtor shall: continue to own the
Retained Assets; be owned and operated as a subsidiary of CCWS or such other New
Stock Buyer, be discharged and relieved from any and all Claims or obligations
arising against Debtor on or prior to the Transfer Date, and shall no longer be
subject to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court.
6.5. AVOIDANCE ACTIONS AND RECOVERIES.
6.5.01. AVOIDANCE ACTIONS AND OTHER ACTIONS. All Avoidance
Actions, all Claims relating to Post-Petition transactions under Section 549 of
the Bankruptcy Code, all transfers recoverable under Section 550 of the
Bankruptcy Code, all causes of action against any Person on account of
indebtedness and any other causes of action in favor of the Debtor (including
without limitation such causes of action included as part of the 88 Corp.
Litigation)
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are hereby expressly preserved and retained for enforcement subsequent to the
Transfer Date exclusively by the Liquidation Trustee (collectively, the
"Preserved Actions"). In the sole discretion of the Liquidation Trustee, any
Preserved Action may be pursued by informal demand and/or by the commencement of
litigation.
6.5.02. RECOVERIES. To the extent that any proceeds are
recovered from any Avoidance Action or any other cause of action reserved for
prosecution pursuant to the Plan, such proceeds shall be distributed to
Creditors in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Neither the Debtor, the
Creditors' Committee, the Parent, the Liquidation Trustee, nor their counsel
shall have any obligation or duty to review, investigate or prosecute any
Avoidance Action.
6.6. 88 CORP. LITIGATION. Debtor contends that the Estate holds
good and valuable claims against 88 Corp. arising out of a sanctioning agreement
between Debtor and 88 Corp. dated October 29, 1999 (the "Fontana Agreement")
with respect to Champ Car racing events (each an "Event") that the parties
agreed would occur at the Fontana California Speedway ("Fontana") during each of
the years 2000 through 2004. Debtor and 88 Corp. initially agreed that the 2003
Event would take place on Sunday, November 2, 2003. The Fontana Event was
scheduled as the last event of Debtor's 2003 Champ Car racing season. 88 Corp.
advised Debtor that it would not allow the 2003 Event to occur as initially
agreed, asserting a force majure excuse and refused to offer a reasonable
alternative postponement date, effectively canceling the 2003 Event. Debtor also
contends that 88 Corp. wrongly cancelled the 2004 Event. Pursuant to the Fontana
Agreement, 88 Corp. may be liable to the Estate in an amount of $5.2 million
(that is, $2.6 million for each cancelled Event) plus prejudgment interest and
attorneys fees expended by the Estate to pursue the Estate's causes of action
against 88 Corp. for its breach of the Fontana Agreement. The foregoing
generally describes what are referred to herein as the "Estate's Claims Against
88 Corp." The Estate's Claims Against 88 Corp. are more fully described at p. __
of the Disclosure Statement. 88 Corp. and one or more of its affiliates filed a
proof of a Claim on March 30, 2004 asserting Claims against the Estates (the "88
Corp. POC"). Also, on January 16, 2004 88 Corp. and one or more of its
affiliates filed 88 Corp. And The California Speedway Corporation's Motion To
Condition The Debtor's Use Of Property (the "Constructive Trust Motion")
asserting that the Court should impose a constructive trust on funds held by the
Debtor representing installments of sanction fees paid by 88 Corp. to the Debtor
with respect to the 2003 Event. Debtor has opposed and intends to continue to
oppose the allowance of the 88 Corp. POC or the granting of the relief requested
by the Constructive Trust Motion. The Estate's Claims Against 88 Corp. and the
Debtor's opposition to the 88 Corp. POC and the Constructive Trust Motion are
collectively referred to herein as the "88 Corp. Litigation". All 88 Corp.
Litigation is hereby expressly preserved and retained for enforcement subsequent
to the Transfer Date exclusively by the Liquidation Trustee.
ARTICLE VII
PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING AND TREATING CONTESTED CLAIMS
7.1. TIME LIMIT FOR OBJECTIONS TO CLAIMS. To the extent not
previously done by the Debtor, objections to Claims shall be filed by the
Liquidation Trustee (subject to the approval of the Creditors' Committee and the
Parent) with the Court and served on the holder of each of the
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Claims to which objections are made not later than ninety (90) days after the
Transfer Date, or within such other time period as may be fixed by the Court.
7.2. PROSECUTION OF OBJECTIONS/CLAIMS. After the Transfer Date,
only the Liquidation Trustee (subject to the approval of the Creditors'
Committee and the Parent), shall have authority to file, litigate to judgment,
settle or withdraw objections to Contested Claims.
7.3. DISTRIBUTIONS ON PARTIALLY CONTESTED CLAIMS. Distributions
under the Plan shall only be made with respect to Allowed Claims, provided,
however, that to the extent a Contested Claim is not contested in its entirety,
the Debtor (with respect the First Distribution or the Liquidation Trustee) may
issue Distributions in accordance with the Plan with respect to any uncontested
portion of such Contested Claim.
7.4. RESERVES FOR PROFESSIONAL FEES AND CONTESTED CLAIMS. On each
Distribution Date, there shall be reserved:
a. the Professional Fee Reserve
b. the Contested Administrative Claim Reserve
Cash reserved pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be set aside, held and
maintained by the Liquidation Trustee in these Reserves, for the benefit of the
holders of Contested Claims covered by these Reserves, pending resolution of
their Contested Claims. Upon any Contested Claim becoming an Allowed Claim in
whole or in part, the amount of Cash then due to the Claimant on such Claim
shall be paid and distributed to such Claimant on the Distribution Date, subject
to and in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. Upon any Contested Claim
becoming a Disallowed Claim, in whole or in part, the amount of Cash reserved on
account of such Disallowed Claim, or disallowed portion thereof, shall become
available for Distribution pursuant to the terms of this Plan, except to the
extent determined by the Liquidation Trustee to be necessary to fund Trust
Administrative Expenses.
7.5. DISPUTES REGARDING RIGHTS TO PAYMENTS OR DISTRIBUTIONS. Any
other provision of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event of any
dispute between and among Claimants or other Persons (including the Person or
Persons asserting the right to receive the disputed payment or Distribution) as
to the right of any Person to receive or retain any payment or Distribution to
be made to such Person under the Plan, the Debtor or the Liquidation Trustee
may, inter alia, in lieu of making such payment or Distribution to such Person,
make it instead into a segregated account, for payment of the Distribution as
ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as the interested parties to
such dispute otherwise agree among themselves.
7.6. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM CART LIQUIDATION TRUST. From and after the
Transfer Date, any and all Distributions shall come from the CART Liquidation
Trust, and the Debtor shall have no liability for such Distributions.
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ARTICLE VIII
RELEASES; STAY; DISCHARGE; BINDING EFFECT
8.1. RELEASES OF PARENT ET AL.. As of the Effective Date, the
Subordination Agreement shall become binding on the Debtor and any and all
Successors in Interest (as defined below), the Parent and any and all Releasors
(as defined below). As of the Effective Date, in consideration for, among other
things, the obligations of the Debtor under the Plan and other agreements or
documents to be entered into or delivered in connection with the Plan, (i) the
Debtor, the Debtor's Estate, and any and all Successors in Interest; (ii) any
Person who votes in favor of the Plan; and (iii) any holder of any Allowed Claim
who receives and accepts any Distribution under the Plan (each a "Releasor" and
collectively, "Releasors") in each case will be deemed to forever release, waive
and discharge all claims, obligations, suits, judgments, damages, demands,
debts, rights, causes of action and liabilities, whether liquidated or
unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown,
foreseen or unforeseen, then existing or thereafter arising in law, equity or
otherwise, that are based in whole or part on any act, omission, transaction or
other occurrence taking place on or prior to the Effective Date that such entity
has, had or may have against the Parent, and any of the Parent's owners,
subsidiaries, affiliates, representatives, partners, officers, directors,
shareholders, members, agents, employees and attorneys and all of their
respective heirs, executors, predecessors, successors and assigns. As used in
this Section 8.1, Successors in Interest includes any chapter 11 or chapter 7
trustee appointed for the Debtor's bankruptcy estate; the Creditors' Committee
or any other statutory committee of unsecured creditors appointed in this
Chapter 11 Case; any entity appointed for the purpose of liquidating any assets
or claims of the Debtor, including but not limited to the CART Liquidation Trust
and the Liquidation Trustee; and any other successors to or assigns from the
Debtor.
8.2. NO SUCCESSOR LIABILITY. The New Stock Buyer is not assuming
and shall not in any way whatsoever be liable or responsible, as successor or
otherwise, for any Claims, liabilities, debts or obligations of Debtor or the
Liquidation Trustee.
8.3. STAY. From and after the Confirmation Date, the stay imposed
by Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code will remain in effect until the Case is
closed pursuant to Section 350 of the Bankruptcy Code except as otherwise
expressly provided herein.
8.4. DISCHARGE. Pursuant to Section 1141(d)(1)(A) of the Bankruptcy
Code, confirmation of the Plan shall discharge the Debtor from any Claim that
arose prior to the Confirmation Date, and any Claim of the type specified in
Sections 502(g), 502(h) or 502(i) of the Bankruptcy Code, whether or not a proof
of claim is filed or deemed filed, the Claim is Allowed, or the holder of the
Claim accepted the Plan. Without limitation of the foregoing, all Distributions
after the Initial Distributions shall be made from the CART Liquidation Trust
and the Debtor shall have no liability for any such Distributions.
8.5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Notwithstanding any other provision
of the Plan, (i) as of the Effective Date, the following entities shall have no
liability for actions taken or omitted to be taken under or in connection with
the Plan or in connection with the Chapter 11 Case or the operation or the
administration of the Debtor during the Chapter 11 Case other than their willful
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misconduct or fraud, and (ii) subsequent to the Confirmation Date, the following
entities shall have no liability for any actions taken in connection with
implementation of the Plan, other than their willful misconduct or fraud:
a. Debtor (including the Post-Confirmation Debtor), the
Liquidation Trustee and the financial advisors, attorneys and accountants of the
Debtor and/or the Liquidation Trustee (but only in such capacities); and
b. the Creditors' Committee and the members, financial
advisors, attorneys and accountants of the Creditors' Committee (but only in
such capacities);
c. the Parent and the employees, representatives,
financial advisors, attorneys and accountants of the Parent (but only in such
capacities contemplated by the Plan) and
d. the Persons enumerated in this Section 8.5 shall be
indemnified by the CART Liquidation Trust, for any expenses which such Person
may incur or to which such Person may become subject in connection with any
action brought or threatened against such Person in connection with service
with, or on behalf of, the Debtor, the Liquidation Trustee, the Parent, or the
Creditors' Committee, except to the extent that such person is determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction to have incurred liability as a consequence of
willful misconduct or fraud.
8.6. TITLE TO ASSETS. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan or
the Bankruptcy Code, on the Transfer Date, title in and to all of the Remaining
Estate Assets shall vest in the CART Liquidation Trust, and title in and to all
of the Retained Assets shall vest in the Debtor, pursuant to Sections 1141(b)
and (c) of the Bankruptcy Code, free and clear of all Claims and Equity
Interests.
8.7. AVOIDANCE CLAIMS AND RIGHTS OF ACTION. From and after the
Confirmation Date, to the extent not otherwise adjudicated or settled prior to
or as part of the Plan, all rights and/or claims of the Debtor relating to
Avoidance Claims are hereby preserved, transferred to the CART Liquidation
Trust, and may be pursued by the Liquidation Trustee. Any recovery realized by
the Liquidation Trustee on account of such Avoidance Claims shall be the
property of the CART Liquidation Trust and shall be distributed in accordance
with the terms of this Plan.
ARTICLE IX
REMAINING ISSUES
9.1. MISCELLANEOUS.
9.1.01. PAYMENT OF U.S. TRUSTEE'S FEES. All fees payable
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1930 shall be paid when due until the closing of
the Debtor's case.
9.1.02. NO ADMISSION AGAINST INTEREST. Neither the filing of
the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, nor any statement contained therein, shall
be or be deemed an admission
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against interest. In the event that the Plan is not consummated, neither the
Plan, the Disclosure Statement nor any statement contained therein may be used
or relied upon in any manner in any suit, action, proceeding or controversy
within or outside the Bankruptcy Court involving the Debtor or its former or
present officers, directors or Interest Holders.
9.1.03. NO WAIVER. Nothing set forth in the Plan or the
Disclosure Statement shall be deemed a waiver or release of any claims, rights
or causes of action against any Person other than the Debtor except as set forth
in Section 8.1 and 8.2.
9.1.04. POST-CONFIRMATION NOTICE. Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule
2002 and any applicable local Bankruptcy Rules, notice of all post-Confirmation
matters for which notice is required to be given shall be deemed sufficient if
served upon counsel for the U.S. Trustee's Office, counsel to the Committee,
counsel to the Debtor, counsel to the Parent and counsel to the CART Liquidation
Trust and all persons on the Debtor's Bankruptcy Rule 2002 service list. With
the exception of the Debtor, the Committee and the United States Trustee, any
Person desiring to remain on the Debtor's Bankruptcy Rule 2002 service list
shall be required to file a request for continued service and to serve such
request upon counsel to the Liquidation Trustee, Debtor, the Parent and the
Creditors' Committee within thirty (30) days subsequent to the Effective Date.
Persons shall be notified of such continued notice requirements in the notice of
entry of the Confirmation Order. Persons who do not file a request for continued
service shall be removed from the Bankruptcy Rule 2002 service list.
9.1.05. SURVIVAL OF THE CREDITORS' COMMITTEE. From and after
the Effective Date, and until the Final Distribution Date the Creditors'
Committee shall continue in existence to oversee, along with the Parent, the
actions of the Liquidation Trustee and to otherwise take any actions necessary
in connection with the implementation of the Plan. Members of the Creditors'
Committee shall be entitled to reimbursement by the CART Liquidation Trust of
their actual reasonable out-of-pocket-expenses upon the filing of a statement
requesting such expenses and serving such statement upon the United States
Trustee. The professionals retained by the Creditors' Committee shall in such
capacity be entitled to receive payment of reasonable compensation and
reimbursement of expenses from the CART Liquidation Trust only for services
provided to the Creditors' Committee subsequent to the Effective Date with
respect to monitoring the implementation of the Plan. The reasonable fees and
expenses of the Creditors' Committee's counsel following the Effective Date
shall be payable by CART Liquidation Trust upon presentment of a statement for
services rendered and for reimbursement of expenses. Should all or any portion
of such statement be disputed, and such dispute can not be resolved by the
affected parties, the undisputed portion of such statement shall be paid and the
disputed portion shall be submitted to the Bankruptcy Court for determination,
upon notice only to the professional that submitted such statement. In the event
the Bankruptcy Court lacks jurisdiction with respect to such dispute or refuses
to hear such dispute, such dispute shall be brought before such other court as
has jurisdiction hereof.
9.1.06. PLAN MODIFICATION. The Plan may be altered, amended
or modified before or after the Confirmation Date in accordance with Section
1127 of the Bankruptcy Code.
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9.1.07. SETOFF AGAINST CLAIMS. The CART Liquidation Trust and
the Debtor may set off against any Claim, and the payments made pursuant to the
Plan in respect of such Claim, any claims or causes of action of any nature
whatsoever that the Debtor may have against the holder of the Claim, but neither
the failure to do so nor the allowance of such Claim shall constitute a waiver
or release by the CART Liquidation Trust or the Debtor of any claims, rights or
causes of actions against the holder of the Claim. Any payment in respect of a
disputed, unliquidated or contingent Claim shall be returned promptly to the
CART Liquidation Trust in the event and to the extent such Claims are determined
by the Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction not to be Allowed
Claims. Confirmation of the Plan shall bar any right of setoff claimed by a
Creditor unless such Creditor filed, prior to the Confirmation Date, a motion
for relief from the automatic stay seeking the authority to effectuate such a
setoff right. All defenses of the CART Liquidation Trust with respect to any
such motion are hereby preserved.
9.1.08. FURTHER ACTION. The CART Liquidation Trust and the
Debtor are authorized to take any action necessary or appropriate to execute the
provisions of the Plan.
9.1.09. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY. Unclaimed Property shall be
deposited in a segregated account established by the CART Liquidation Trust.
Such Unclaimed Property shall be held in such account, in trust, for the benefit
of the holders of Allowed Claims entitled thereto under the terms of the Plan.
For a period of one hundred twenty (120) days following the distribution to
Creditors under the Plan, Unclaimed Property: (a) shall be held in such
segregated account solely for the benefit of such holder or holders which have
failed to claim such Unclaimed Property; and (b) shall be released from such
segregated account and delivered to the holder entitled thereto upon
presentation of proper proof by such holder of its entitlement thereto. After
expiration of one hundred and twenty (120) days, the holders of Allowed Claims
theretofore entitled to such Unclaimed Property shall cease to be entitled
thereto, and such Claims of the Unclaimed Property shall be deemed disallowed in
their entirety and the funds shall be redistributed to the other holders of
Allowed Claims in order of priority in accordance with the terms of this Plan.
Such funds shall not be subject to the escheat laws of any state.
9.1.10. ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS BAR DATE. Any and all
applications for the request for the final allowance of Administrative Claims
incurred by professionals employed pursuant to Sections 327 and 1103 of the
Bankruptcy Code shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served upon counsel
to the Debtor and the CART Liquidation Trust on or before the date which is
sixty (60) days after the Effective Date. Failure to file and serve timely such
applications or requests shall result in the disallowance of such Administrative
Claims and such Administrative Claims shall be barred forever.
9.1.11. EXCULPATION. The Debtor and the CART Liquidation
Trust and their respective attorneys, financial advisors and agents, the Parent
and its employees, representatives, financial advisors and agents, the
Creditors' Committee and its present and former members and their respective
attorneys and financial advisors and agents shall not have, nor shall they
incur, any liability to any Creditor or Interest holder or to any other Person
for any act or omission in connection with or arising out of the Chapter 11 Case
or out of their administration of the Plan or property of the Debtor's estate or
the amounts to be distributed under the Plan except for their
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own recklessness or willful misconduct, and in all respects they shall be
entitled to rely upon the advice of counsel with respect to their duties and
responsibilities under the Plan.
9.1.12. DEBTOR'S AND LIQUIDATION TRUSTEE'S EMPLOYMENT OF
PROFESSIONALS AND FEES. The Debtor shall continue to retain Baker & Daniels as
its counsel subsequent to the Effective Date solely to effect an orderly
transition to CART Liquidation Trust of the matters vesting in the CART
Liquidation Trust. Such professionals to the Debtor shall be paid their
reasonable fees and expenses without the necessity of further, Order of the
Bankruptcy Court allowing such fees and expenses. The reasonable fees and
expenses of the Debtor's counsel following the Effective Date shall be payable
by the CART Liquidation Trust upon presentment of a statement for services
rendered and for reimbursement of expenses. Should all or any portion of such
statement be disputed, and such dispute can not be resolved by the affected
parties, the undisputed portion of such statement shall be paid and the disputed
portion shall be submitted to the Bankruptcy Court for determination, upon
notice only to the professional that submitted such statement. In the event the
Bankruptcy Court lacks jurisdiction with respect to such dispute or refuses to
hear such dispute, such dispute shall be brought before such other court as has
jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, fees and expenses paid to
professionals for the Debtor and attributable to any period prior to the
Effective Date shall continue to be subject to, approval by the Bankruptcy Court
to the extent required by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Cash
Collateral Stipulation and other applicable orders. The Liquidation Trustee may
employ Baker & Daniels as counsel for the CART Liquidation Trust to be
compensated from Trust Assets as provided in Article 5.
9.2. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION.
9.2.01. IN GENERAL. The Bankruptcy Court shall retain
jurisdiction over the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case for the following purposes:
a. To determine the extent, validity and amount
of any and all Claims and Disputed Claims, whether secured or unsecured.
b. To determine any and all applications for
compensation through the Effective Date or thereafter only as required pursuant
to the Plan.
c. To determine any and all: (i) causes of
action brought by the CART Liquidation Trust or the Debtor against third
Persons; (ii) adversary proceedings; and (iii) contested matters.
d. To determine any motions for assumption or
rejection of Executory Contracts and the allowance of any Claims resulting from
the rejection of Executory Contracts.
e. To effectuate, interpret, and enforce the
provisions of the Plan.
f. To correct any defect, cure any omission or
reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or the Confirmation Order as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of the Plan.
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g. To determine such other matters as may be
provided for. in the Confirmation Order or as may be authorized under the
provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
9.3. COMPLIANCE.
9.3.01. COMPLIANCE WITH TAX REQUIREMENTS. In connection with
the Plan, the Liquidation Trustee shall comply with all withholding and
reporting requirements imposed by federal, state, local, and foreign taxing
authorities and all Distributions hereunder shall be subject to such withholding
and reporting requirements.
9.3.02. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS. If notified by
any governmental authority that it is in violation of any applicable law, rule,
regulation, or order of such governmental authority relating to its businesses,
the Debtor shall comply with such law, rule, regulation, or order; provided that
nothing contained herein shall require such compliance by the Debtor if the
legality or applicability of any such requirement is being contested in good
faith in appropriate proceedings by the Debtor, and, if and where appropriate,
an adequate reserve has been set aside on the books of Debtor.
ARTICLE X
REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION
10.1. REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION. The Debtor respectfully requests
confirmation of the Plan in accordance with Section 1129(a) and/or Section
1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Debtor has executed this Plan this _____
day of June, 2004.
CART, INC.
By:___________________________________
Its:__________________________________
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EXHIBIT A
[Liquidation Trust Agreement: To be supplemented]
-32-
EXHIBIT B
[Ballot: To be supplemented]
-33-
EXHIBIT C
[Subordination Agreement: To be supplemented]
-34-
IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION
In re: ) Chapter 11
)
CART, Inc., ) Case No. 03-23385 (FJO)
)
Debtor. )
)
|
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR
CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF CART, INC.
BAKER & DANIELS
James M. Carr (#3128-49)
300 North Meridian Street, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Telephone: (317) 237-0300
Facsimile: (317) 237-1000
Counsel to CART, Inc.
Dated: ____________, 2004
THIS IS A SOLICITATION BY THE DEBTOR IN THIS CHAPTER 11 CASE,
AND IS NOT A SOLICITATION BY ITS ATTORNEYS, FINANCIAL ADVISORS OR OTHER
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS. INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO A
CERTIFIED AUDIT.
THIS PROPOSED DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT
AS CONTAINING ADEQUATE INFORMATION UNDER BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTION 1125(B) FOR USE
IN THE SOLICITATION OF ACCEPTANCES OR REJECTIONS OF THE CHAPTER 11 PLAN
DESCRIBED HEREIN. THE FILING AND DISSEMINATION OF THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ARE
NOT INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS, A SOLICITATION OF VOTES ON THE
PLAN. VOTES ON THE PLAN MAY NOT BE SOLICITED UNTIL A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT HAS
BEEN APPROVED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT. THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS BEING
SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL BUT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE COURT. THE DEBTOR
RESERVES ITS RIGHT TO AMEND OR SUPPLANT THIS PROPOSED DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AT OR
BEFORE THE HEARING TO CONSIDER THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.
[Remainder of page intentionally blank]
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IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS DIVISION
In re: ) Chapter 11
)
CART, Inc., ) Case No. 03-23385 (FJO)
)
Debtor. )
)
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DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR
CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF CART, INC.
ARTICLE I
INTRODUCTION
1.1. PURPOSE OF THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.
The above-captioned debtor and debtor in possession (the
"Debtor" or "CART") provides this Disclosure Statement (the "Disclosure
Statement") to the Office of the United States Trustee, the Securities and
Exchange Commission and to all of the Debtor's known Creditors and Interest
Holders pursuant to Section 1125(b) of Title 11 of the United States Code (the
"Bankruptcy Code") for the purpose of soliciting acceptances of CART's Chapter
11 Plan (the "Plan"), which has been filed with the United States Bankruptcy
Court for the Southern District of Indiana (the "Bankruptcy Court"). By Order
dated ____ 2004, this Disclosure Statement was approved by the Bankruptcy Court
as containing "adequate information" under Section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Debtor strongly urges you to read this Disclosure Statement
because it contains a summary of the Plan and important information concerning
Debtor's history, operations, and current status. The Disclosure Statement also
provides information as to alternatives to the Plan. A copy of the Plan
accompanies this Disclosure Statement as a separate document and is attached as
Exhibit 1.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MUCH OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN HAS
BEEN TAKEN, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FROM INFORMATION CONTAINED IN DEBTOR'S BOOKS
AND RECORDS. ALTHOUGH DEBTOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO BE ACCURATE IN ALL MATERIAL
RESPECTS, IT IS UNABLE TO WARRANT OR REPRESENT THAT ALL OF THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IS WITHOUT ERROR.
Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms contained
in this Disclosure Statement shall have the same meanings as ascribed to them in
the Plan. All capitalized terms used in this Disclosure Statement and not
defined herein or in the Plan, but that are defined in the
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Bankruptcy Code, shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the
Bankruptcy Code. All capitalized terms used in this Disclosure Statement and not
defined herein, in the Plan or in the Bankruptcy Code, but that are defined in
the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the "Bankruptcy Rules" or "Bankruptcy
Rule") shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Bankruptcy Rules. Holders
of Claims or Interests receiving this Disclosure Statement should carefully
review the Plan in conjunction with their review of this Disclosure Statement.
PLEASE REVIEW THE PLAN IN ITS ENTIRETY.
NO REPRESENTATION CONCERNING DEBTOR OR THE VALUE OF ITS ASSETS
HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH IN THIS
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT OR ANY OTHER. DEBTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
INFORMATION, REPRESENTATION OR INDUCEMENT MADE TO OBTAIN YOUR ACCEPTANCE, WHICH
IS OTHER THAN, OR INCONSISTENT WITH, INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND IN THE
PLAN.
The purpose of this Disclosure Statement is to provide
Creditors and Interest Holders with information determined by the Court to be
adequate to enable them to make an informed decision to vote to accept or reject
the Plan.
1.2. SOURCES OF INFORMATION.
The information contained in this Disclosure Statement has
been obtained from the Debtor's books and records and from pleadings filed by
the Debtor and other parties-in-interest. Every reasonable effort has been made
to present accurate information and such information is believed to be correct
as of the date hereof. Any value given as to the Assets of the Debtor is based
upon an estimation of such value. You are strongly urged to consult with your
financial and legal advisors to understand fully the Plan and Disclosure
Statement.
The financial information contained in this Disclosure
Statement is given as of the date hereof, unless otherwise specified. The
delivery of this Disclosure Statement does not, under any circumstance, imply
that there has been no change in the facts set forth herein since such date.
This Disclosure Statement is intended, among other things, to summarize the Plan
and must be read in conjunction with the Plan and its exhibits. If any conflicts
exist between the Plan and Disclosure Statement, the terms of the Plan shall
control.
1.3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Should you have any questions regarding the Plan or this
Disclosure Statement, or require clarification of any information presented
herein, please contact:
Thomas L. Carter
CART, Inc.
5350 West Lakeview Parkway South Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
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Melissa M. Hinds
BAKER & DANIELS
300 North Meridian, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 237-0300
ARTICLE II
THE DEBTOR
2.1. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBTOR.
2.1.01. HISTORY.
Debtor, a Michigan corporation with its principal place of
business in Indianapolis, Indiana, was formed in 1978. At the time, the United
States Auto Club ("USAC") was the sanctioning body for open wheel racing. Due to
the increasing concern among race team owners regarding escalating costs and
limited promotional activities, in November 1978, a group of 18 of the then
existing 21 open wheel racing team owners left USAC to form CART and the Champ
Car World Series.
Until 1995, Debtor was the preeminent , open-wheel racing
organization in the United States. During that time period it produced many
household names for both racing and non-racing fans, such as Mario Andretti,
Emerson Fittipaldi, A.J. Foyt and Bobby Unser. In 1995, the Indy Racing League
("IRL") was formed as a rival open-wheel racing series due to differences of
opinion over the future direction of open-wheel racing in the United States. In
1998, CART formed a holding company, "Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc."
("Championship" or "Parent") which became the parent of CART and completed an
initial public offering of stock (an "IPO"). Debtor is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Championship, a Delaware corporation. Championship is a publicly held company
whose stock was traded until recently on the New York Stock Exchange.
In 2003, Debtor owned, operated and marketed the 2003
Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford (the "Series").
Racing teams competed in Debtor's 2003 motorsports racing series in pursuit of
the Vanderbilt Cup. Debtor's "Champ Cars" are thoroughbred racing machines that
reach speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour, showcasing the technical expertise
of various manufacturers. Championship's wholly owned subsidiary Pro-Motion
Agency, Ltd., an Illinois corporation, owns and operates the Champ Car top
development series, the Toyota Atlantic Championship.
Beginning in 2002, Debtor began incurring significant losses
in the operation of its business. Debtor was only able to operate through the
2003 Series with the assistance loans and other financial accommodations made to
Debtor by its Parent totalling in excess of $60 million.
As detailed below, beginning in October of 2002 the Parent
engaged Bear Stearns to assist Parent and Debtor in developing a strategic
solution to Debtor's financial difficulties. Bear Sterns began a concerted
effort to locate a merger partner, purchaser or some other person
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to provide a financial fix for Debtor's problems. On September 20, 2003, Parent
and OWRS executed a merger agreement that was intended to result in OWRS
replacing Parent's public shareholders as the owner of Parent and the infusion
of sufficient financial support for Debtor to allow for the ongoing operation of
Debtor's racing business. However, on December 2, 2003 the merger collapsed.
Parent and OWRS announced that the merger would not proceed to a closing.
2.1.02. THE CHAPTER 11 CASE.
On December 16, 2003 (the "Petition Date"), CART Inc, the
Debtor, commenced its Chapter 11 Case under the United States Bankruptcy Code,
11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., as amended (the "Bankruptcy Code") for the
purpose of liquidating its assets and distributing cash proceeds to creditors.
At the time of filing, the Debtor had executed the APA to sell substantially all
of its assets to OWRS,(1) subject to a higher and better offer at a public
auction and contingent upon bankruptcy court approval. At a sale hearing on
January 28, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court approved the proposed sale to OWRS. The
sale of the Debtor's assets to OWRS closed on February 13, 2004.
The Debtor is completing the liquidation of, not reorganizing,
its business assets. The Debtor will not be conducting any business operations
in the future, and has proposed a Plan which provides for the ongoing
liquidation of its non-Cash Assets and distribution of its Cash to its
Creditors. Upon the confirmation and consummation of the Plan, most of Debtor's
Available Cash will be distributed to Holders, as of the Effective Date, of
Allowed Claims and the Remaining Estate Assets and Available Cash of the Debtor
will vest in a liquidating trust established pursuant to the Plan for the
benefit of the Creditors.
In accordance with Bankruptcy Code Section 1125, the Debtors
are submitting this Disclosure Statement to Holders of Claims against Debtor's
Estate for the purpose of soliciting acceptances of the Plan, which the
Bankruptcy Court will consider for confirmation on __, 2004 at p.m. This
Disclosure Statement is intended to provide information required by Section
1125(b) of the Bankruptcy Code; that is, information of a kind and in sufficient
detail to enable the Creditors who are entitled to vote to make an informed
decision to accept or reject the Plan.
Attached as exhibits to the Disclosure Statement are: (i)
Exhibit 1, a copy of the Plan (Attached to the Plan are three exhibits: Exhibit
"A", the Liquidating Trust Agreement; Exhibit "B", a sample ballot; and Exhibit
"C", the Subordination Agreement), (ii) Exhibit 2, a copy of the proposed order
approving this Disclosure Statement.
2.2. EVENTS LEADING TO COMMENCEMENT OF THE BANKRUPTCY CASE.
Beginning in 2001, Debtor experienced a decrease in
promotional and advertising revenues and decreased attendance at some race
venues. Although Debtor remained profitable through 2001, after the split with
IRL (1996 through 2002), Debtor's profitability deteriorated as
(1) OWRS' name change to Champ Car World Series LLC ("CCWS") was effective on
March 26, 2004.
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a number of circumstances and occurrences resulted in an economic downturn in
Debtor's fortunes. Those circumstances and occurrences included:
a. Engine Manufacturers. Two of the three
engine manufacturers that supplied engines for the Champ Car series (the
"Series") left after the 2002 Series to participate in the IRL. The Series'
teams, which were supported to a significant degree by engine manufacturers and
suppliers (in some cases, these car manufacturers supplied free engines and
provided other financial support to certain teams), were being encouraged to,
and some did, follow those manufacturers to IRL. In addition, the manufacturers
were major sponsors for teams, race promoters and also purchased large
quantities of television advertising. The teams that elected to continue to
participate in the Series experienced a dramatic loss in sponsorship revenue
related to the departed engine manufacturers as well as the adverse economic
conditions that caused companies to cut back promotion and advertising of their
brands. In addition, in 2003, the teams experienced increased costs because they
were required to pay for the lease of engines as compared to receiving cost-free
engine leases in the past. These conditions required Debtor to spend significant
amounts on entrant support programs and team participation payments to encourage
teams to remain in the Series.
b. Race Venues. Beginning in 2001, Debtor lost
several important race venues. Three of Debtor's more profitable international
races were lost due to an adverse political climate in the case of Brazil, the
bankruptcy of the promoter in the case of Germany, and the decision by the race
venue in the case of Japan, which was owned by Honda Motor Company, not to renew
with Debtor but rather to run an IRL event in which participating teams were
using Honda engines. Debtor was also forced to cancel another race in Texas due
to safety concerns. In addition, promoters of Debtor's other events were
experiencing weakening revenue streams and therefore began demanding lower
sanction fees or sanction fees that were based either in whole or in part on a
revenue or net income sharing model. Debtor lost some promoters altogether. In
order to preserve important markets, Debtor began self-promoting some of its
Series' races rather than utilizing third party promoters. Debtor promoted two
of its races in 2002 and six of its races in 2003. Unfortunately, the expenses
of self-promoted races were significantly greater than the revenues generated.
c. Television Exposure/Advertising. During
2001, Debtor began negotiations for a new television agreement to replace its
existing television agreement that was due to expire at the end of the Series'
2001 season. The expiring agreement guaranteed that at least half of the Series'
races would be shown on network television (ABC) and the balance of the races
would be shown on ESPN. The expiring agreement also provided a guaranteed amount
of income with no offsetting expenses plus a profit sharing arrangement.
Unfortunately, Debtor was unable to negotiate an acceptable television agreement
to replace the expiring agreement. Therefore, beginning in 2002, Debtor began
buying the air-time and bearing the production costs for its television
broadcasts in order to provide its race sponsors, race promoters and team
sponsors with adequate television coverage of its races. Debtor's television
revenue thus became dependent solely upon advertising and international rights
sales. In addition, the new television agreements provided for fewer network
broadcasts and a significant number of races broadcast on a cable network with
less exposure than ESPN. Due to adverse economic and industry developments, the
revenue generated from sales of television advertising was significantly less
than the costs to produce and air the television broadcasts.
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d. Sponsorship Revenues. Beginning in 1999,
Debtor had outsourced its sponsorship sales pursuant to a long-term contract
which guaranteed Debtor a minimum amount of annual sponsorship revenue plus
escalations on an annual basis. At the beginning of 2001, however, Debtor's
sponsorship sales partner defaulted on its contract, ceased operations and filed
for bankruptcy protection. As a result, Debtor was required to build an internal
sponsorship sales force. This sales force had to operate under adverse economic
conditions that caused corporate sponsors to reduce their expenditures for both
teams and the Series. The decline in sponsorship revenue was also attributable
to Debtor's weakened television package, as Debtor's sponsors valued a
sponsorship opportunity largely on the amount of exposure they receive on
television. In some cases, corporate sponsors left the Series to align
themselves with IRL. In other cases, corporate sponsors left motorsports
altogether. Debtor's title sponsor for the previous four years decided not to
renew its title sponsorship and withdrew from the Series after the 2002 season.
In October, 2002, the Parent retained Bear, Stearns & Co.,
Inc. ("Bear Stearns"), a well-regarded national investment banking and financial
advisory firm, to assist in evaluating potential strategic alternatives to
increase shareholder value, prepare marketing materials relating to the sale or
financing of Debtor, assist in the preparation and implementation of a marketing
plan relating to the sale or financing of Debtor, solicit purchase or financing
offers for the Parent, Debtor or their respective assets from qualified buyers
or financiers, and assist in structuring and negotiating any transaction
resulting therefrom. The Parent was further advised in these regards by the
nationally recognized law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP ("Cravath").
Bear Stearns took numerous steps to attempt to find a buyer,
merger partner, financing or some other financial solution to Debtor's financial
problems, including but not limited to: (1) Bear Stearns, together with
management, prepared a Confidential Information Memorandum (the "Marketing
Book"); and (2) Bear Stearns contacted potential strategic acquirers, equity
investors and financing sources concerning strategic alternatives. There were no
limitations set by the Parent on the types of investors, buyers or
merger/financial partners Bear Stearns could contact or on the structure or type
of transaction Bear Stearns could review and present to Parent or Debtor.
From May through September 2003, Bear Stearns contacted or was
contacted by forty-four (44) potential strategic and financial investors, many
of whom were strategic investors within the motorsports community, including
Kevin Kalkhoven, Gerald Forsythe and Paul Gentilozzi, principals of Open Wheel
Racing Series LLC and its affiliate Open Wheel Acquisition Corporation
(collectively referred to as "OWRS"). As of September 10, 2003, twenty-four (24)
prospective investors, including IRL and an affiliate of NASCAR, had executed
confidentiality agreements with the Parent and received a copy of the Marketing
Book.
During this time, the overall economic, financial and
operating conditions affecting Debtor's business continued to deteriorate.
Consequently, it became clear that Debtor might not have sufficient resources to
fund the Series in 2004, even if the entry support, team participation and team
assistance payments were reduced.
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On August 15, 2003, OWRS delivered a letter to the Parent
outlining an acquisition proposal. On August 18, 2003, Cravath, Parent's
counsel, delivered a draft merger agreement to OWRS' counsel.
On August 19, 2003, two proposals were received expressing
preliminary interest. Bear Stearns assisted the Parent and the Parent's counsel,
Cravath, in evaluating those proposals from a financial point of view and the
contingencies related thereto.
In an effort to solicit a proposal that was superior to OWRS'
merger proposal, Bear Stearns suggested that the Parent's board of directors
direct Bear Stearns to contact all potential strategic and financial investors
whom Bear Stearns had previously contacted or who had previously contacted Bear
Stearns (excluding representatives of OWRS) during its solicitation effort to
advise these entities or individuals that the Parent had entered into a merger
agreement with OWRS and to provide them with copies of the preliminary version
of a proxy statement filed by the Parent with the SEC on October 7, 2003. On or
about October 9, 2003, Bear Stearns was directed and did send re-solicitation
letters to all such potential acquirers and financing sources.
Given the lack of competing offers, Parent had limited
negotiating leverage as it negotiated a merger agreement with OWRS. On September
10, 2003, Parent and OWRS executed the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
September 20, 2003 (the "Merger Agreement").
The Merger Agreement is and has been since its execution a
public document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and readily
available through SEC internet access sites. Debtor was not a party to the
Merger Agreement. Because the Merger Agreement contemplated only the
substitution of an OWRS affiliate for the many public shareholders (and thereby
become the owner of the entity resulting from the merger of Parent with another
OWRS affiliate), the merger was never contemplated to have any direct result on
Debtor, its assets, liabilities, financial condition or Debtor's creditors.
Subsequent to the public announcement of the merger on
September 10, 2003, and despite Bear Stearns solicitation and re-solicitation
efforts, Bear Stearns received no new proposals from strategic acquirers, equity
investors or financing sources concerning strategic alternatives nor did any
entities or individuals request a copy of the Marketing Book.
On December 2, 2003, the merger collapsed. OWRS advised the
Parent that OWRS believed that a number of the conditions precedent to a closing
of the merger could not occur and that OWRS would not waive any of the closing
conditions. Irrespective of the Parent's view on the likelihood that many of the
conditions precedent questioned by OWRS could and would occur, after conferring
with its counsel, the Parent believed that OWRS could assert that one of the
conditions to closing could not be met. Thus, Parent concluded that the merger
would not be consummated.
Thereafter, on December 15, 2003, Debtor entered into an asset
purchase agreement (the "APA") with OWRS. The APA, which was contingent on
Bankruptcy Court approval, called for the sale of substantially all of the
Debtor's assets, as well as the assignment
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of many of Debtor's executory contracts and unexpired leases to OWRS.2 The
following day, on December 16, 2003, Debtor filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in
the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
ARTICLE III
THE CHAPTER 11 CASE
3.1. OVERVIEW OF CHAPTER 11.
Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code ("Chapter
11") contains the general reorganization provisions of the federal Bankruptcy
Code. A corporation or other entity such as the Debtor may voluntarily commence
a case under Chapter 11 for the purposes of reorganizing or restructuring its
financial affairs (including its debt and equity capitalization). Upon the
commencement of a Chapter 11 case an estate is created consisting of generally
all property interests of the Chapter 11 "debtor" and an automatic stay goes
into effect that generally stops creditors and all other parties from taking
action outside of the Bankruptcy Court against the debtor or its assets. The
United States Trustee, a federal official, typically appoints a committee of
unsecured creditors to serve as a "watch dog" to protect the general interests
of unsecured creditors in the Chapter 11 case.
Often in Chapter 11 cases, debtors attempt to negotiate with
representatives of key interested parties (such as secured creditors) or groups
(unsecured creditors and shareholders) to develop plans that will provide the
treatment of claims (in the case of creditors) and interests (in the case of
shareholders). During a 120 day "exclusive period" after the commencement of the
case, which may be shortened or lengthened by the Court, only a debtor may
propose a Chapter 11 plan for confirmation by the Court. After the expiration of
the "exclusive period" any party in interest may propose such a plan, including
a plan that calls for the liquidation of the debtor company. When a plan is
filed with the Court its proponent must also file a disclosure statement that
provides to creditors and shareholders adequate information to allow them to
cast informed votes to accept or reject the plan. If the Court approves the
disclosure statement, the plan will be submitted to creditors and shareholders
for voting. If sufficient numbers of creditors, representing a sufficient amount
of claims, and holders of a sufficient number of shares vote to accept the plan
and other requirements are met the Court may, after a hearing, "confirm" the
plan.
After confirmation, the Plan will establish the rights and
interests of creditors and shareholders in the Debtor's assets. For information
regarding voting requirements for confirmation of the Plan, see pages 15-17.
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3.2. SIGNIFICANT CHAPTER 11 EVENTS.
In an effort to preserve and maximize the value of its assets
and its business operations, the Debtor took significant steps in its Chapter 11
case before filing the Plan. The significant Chapter 11 events to date include
the following:
3.2.01. THE APA. Although the APA was entered into the day
before the Debtor's Petition Date, it provided a process for the sale of
substantially all of the Debtor's assets. Contingent upon Bankruptcy Court
approval, the APA contemplated a sale of substantially all of the Debtor's
assets, as well as the assumption and assignment of many of Debtor's executory
contracts to OWRS or someone making a higher and better offer for the assets.
3.2.02. FILING THE PETITION. On December 16, 2003, Debtor
filed its voluntary Chapter 11 petition in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern
District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division. The Debtor employed various
professionals to represent it and assist it in this chapter 11 case, principally
the law firm of Baker & Daniels (as Chapter 11 counsel).
3.2.03. THE SALE MOTION AND SALE PROCEDURE MOTION. Among
Debtor's first day motions were its Motion For Order Pursuant to 11 U.S.C.
Section 105(a), 363, 365 And 1146(c) And Fed. R. Bank. P. 2002, 6004 And 6006
(A) Approving the Asset Purchase Agreement; (B) Authorizing Sale And Transfer of
Assets to Open Wheel Racing Series LLC Or To Another Highest Or Otherwise Best
Bidder; And (C) Authorizing Assumption And Assignment Of Certain Executory
Contracts And Leases Filed By Debtor (the "Sale Motion") and the accompanying
Emergency Motion To Establish (A) Procedures For Sale Of Assets Free And Clear
Of Liens, Claims, Encumbrances And Interests, (B) Certain Overbid Protections
And A Break-Up Fee, (C) Form Of Notice For The Sale, And (D) Form Of Notice
Regarding Assumption And Assignment Of Certain Executory Contracts (the "Sale
Procedures Motion"). In the Sale Motion, the Debtor asked for authority to sell,
subject to the receipt of a higher and better competing offer submitted pursuant
to the sale procedures, as detailed in the Sales Procedures Motion, certain of
its assets free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances and interests,
exclusive of any and all debts, liabilities, obligations, commitments or
responsibilities associated therewith other than particularly identified assumed
liabilities, and to assume and assign certain executory contracts and one or
more unexpired leases in connection therewith to OWRS, pursuant to the terms of
the APA.
3.2.04. THE CREDITORS' COMMITTEE. Pursuant to 11 U.S.C.
Section 1102(A), the United States Trustee appointed an Official Unsecured
Creditors' Committee (the Committee") on December 24, 2003, which has remained
active in this Chapter 11 case. The Court authorized the employment of Kroger,
Gardis & Regas, LLP as counsel to the Committee.
3.2.05. SALE PROCEDURES. By an Order dated December 30, 2003,
the Court set January 23, 2004 as the deadline for submitting bids and set
specific guidelines for determining qualified bidders. the Order also
established that OWRS, as the "stalking horse" bidder, was entitled to a
break-up fee in the event of a sale to an alternate purchaser.
3.2.06. DEBTOR'S SCHEDULES. The Debtor filed its Statement of
Affairs, Summary of Schedules, and Schedules on January 12, 2004.
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3.2.07. THE SALE HEARING. On January 28, 2004, the Court held
a hearing on the Sale Motion. In addition to the bid by OWRS, IRL was the only
other party to submit a timely bid. The Court determined that IRL was a
qualified bidder and therefore able to amend or enhance its bid during the
hearing. After both OWRS and IRL made all of the proposals that each wished to
amend and enhance their respective bids, counsel for the Creditors' Committee
recommended to the Court for approval the proposals made by OWRS as constituting
the highest and best bid offer. The Court agreed, and subsequently entered an
Order authorizing the sale to OWRS.
3.2.08. SALE CLOSING. On February 13, 2004, the sale between
OWRS and Debtor closed.
3.2.09. BAR DATE. In an Order dated February 18, 2004, the
Court set March 31, 2004 as the bar date for all pre-petition claims against the
Debtors.
3.2.10. THE SANCTIONING AGREEMENT. In an Order dated April
12, 2004, the Court granted Debtor's Motion For An Order Authorizing Debtor To
Enter Into A Sanctioning Agreement With Open Wheel Racing Series LLC. Not only
did the Sanctioning Agreement provide CCWS the needed sanctioning pursuant to
ACCUS rules, but it also was beneficial to the estate; CCWS agreed to pay
$12,500 in sanctioning fees for each Event sanctioned by the Debtor.
3.2.11. SALE OF THE LAGUNA SECA NOTE AND THE LAGUNA SECA
RECEIVABLE. In an Order dated May 6, 2004, the Court granted Debtor's Motion for
an Order Authorizing Debtor to Sell Promissory Note and Account Receivable.
Pursuant to the Order, the Debtor was authorized to sell the Laguna Seca Note
and the Laguna Seca Receivable to CCWS for $150,000. At the time the Order was
entered, Laguna Seca had filed a proof of claim (the "Laguna Seca Proof of
Claim") in the Chapter 11 Case for $59,190.24. The Order noted that that Laguna
Seca Receivable, which was in the amount of $74,000, was subject to setoff by
the Laguna Seca Proof of Claim if and to the extent the Laguna Seca Proof of
Claim was later allowed by the Court.
3.2.12. 88 CORP. LITIGATION. The 88 Corp. Litigation remains
an ongoing issue in the Chapter 11 Case. A summary of the 88 Corp. Litigation is
below:
On January 16, 2004, 88 Corp. and one or more of its
affiliates filed 88 Corp. And The California Speedway Corporation's Motion To
Condition The Debtor's Use Of Property (the "Constructive Trust Motion")
asserting that the Court should impose a constructive trust on funds held by the
Debtor representing installments of sanction fees paid by 88 Corp. to the Debtor
with respect to the 2003 Event. 88 Corp. and one or more of its affiliates filed
a proof of a Claim on March 30, 2004 asserting Claims against the Estate (the
"88 Corp. POC").
Debtor has opposed and intends to continue to vigorously
oppose the allowance of the 88 Corp. POC or the granting of the relief requested
by the Constructive Trust Motion. The Estate's Claims Against 88 Corp. and the
Debtor's opposition to the 88 Corp. POC and the Constructive Trust Motion are
collectively referred to herein as the "88 Corp. Litigation". The Plan preserves
and retains all 88 Corp. Litigation for enforcement subsequent to the Transfer
Date by the Liquidating Trustee.
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Debtor contends that the Estate holds good and valuable claims
against 88 Corp. arising out of a sanctioning agreement between Debtor and 88
Corp. dated October 29, 1999 (the "Fontana Agreement") with respect to Champ Car
racing events (each an "Event") that the parties agreed would occur at the
Fontana California Speedway ("Fontana") during each of the years 2000 through
2004. Debtor's claims, referred to herein as the "Estate's Claims Against 88
Corp.", arise out of 88 Corp's cancellation of the 2003 and 2004 Events
Debtor contends that 88 Corp. cancelled and failed to stage
the 2003 Competition, without legal justification or excuse, in material breach
of the Fontana Agreement. The Fontana Agreement provided two permissible grounds
for 88 Corp. to cancel or fail to stage an Event, which are provided for in
Sections 9(A) and 9(B), respectively. Pursuant to the CART Rule Book and under
Section 9(A) of the Fontana Agreement, 88 Corp. had the right to cancel an Event
if CART failed by the closing date for entries, and after seven (7) days written
notice of 88 Corp.'s intent to cancel, to provide at least twenty (20) entrants
for the Event. Section 9(B) additionally granted either party the right to
cancel an Event due to a "force majeure," as defined in the Promoter Agreement.
There are no other legally permissible justifications for canceling or failing
to stage a Competition pursuant to the Fontana Agreement.
Paragraph 9(C) of the Fontana Agreement provides that:
If Organizer/Promoter [i.e., 88 Corp.] cancels or fails to
stage a Competition for any reason other than those mentioned
in this paragraph 9, Organizer/Promoter shall forthwith pay to
CART and CART shall be entitled to enforce collection of the
total amount required under this Agreement for such
Competition and the next succeeding year's Competition as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty, together with all
costs incurred by CART in connection therewith, including
reasonable attorney fees, and interest at the rate of prime,
as published by Citibank, NA, New York, New York, on the first
day of the quarter in which the breach occurred; provided,
however, that Organizer/Promoter's liability under this
liquidated damage provision will be limited to the total
amount due for the cancelled Event and the Event for the
following year only.
Debtor maintains that 88 Corp.'s cancellation of, and failure to stage, the 2003
Competition as scheduled on November 2, 2003, was not justified by any reason
mentioned in Paragraph 9 of the Fontana Agreement. 88 Corp. does not contend
that CART failed to provide the requisite number of entrants for the 2003
Competition under Paragraph 9(A) of the Fontana Agreement. 88 Corp. contends
that, as a result of the wildfires in southern California in October of 2003,
the cancellation of the 2003 Competition was justified by the "force majeure"
provision under Paragraph 9(B) of the Fontana Agreement.
Debtor disputes this contention. Even if the wildfires did
prevent the running of the 2003 Competition on its scheduled date, 88 Corp. and
its affiliates failed to schedule the 2003 Competition for the "[n]ext clear
day" as provided in the Fontana Agreement. The only alternative dates 88 Corp.
and its affiliates offered were long after the 2003 Champ Car Series was
scheduled to conclude with the declaration of the winner of the Vanderbilt
Cup. .
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In October 2003, prior to the cancellation of the 2003
Competition, 88 Corp. also unilaterally cancelled the 2004 Event, without any
legal justification or excuse, in breach of the Fontana Agreement. 88 Corp.
cancelled the 2004 Event based on a Notice dated October 2, 2003 (the "October
2003 Notice"), which 88 Corp.'s subsidiary, The California Speedway Corporation,
issued to Championship pursuant to Paragraph 9(A) of the Fontana Agreement. The
October 2003 Notice stated that "the Organizer/ Promoter intends to cancel the
2004 Competition if CART is unable to provide not less than twenty (20) entrants
for the 2004 Competition." When CART failed to identify twenty (20) entrants for
the 2004 Competition within seven (7) days after the October 2003 Notice, 88
Corp. (through its parent, International Speedway Corporation) took the position
that "CART's failure to respond to The California Speedway's notice of October
2, 2003, within the time permitted and the manner required by the existing
sanction agreement [i.e., the Promoter Agreement] makes discussion of possible
2004 dates moot." Debtor contends that the October 2003 Notice was ineffective
to provide a legal justification for cancellation of the 2004 Competition. The
October 2003 Notice was ineffective for each of the following reasons: 88 Corp's
unilateral cancellation of the 2004 Event constituted a material breach of the
Fontana Agreement.
Pursuant to the Fontana Agreement, Debtor believes that 88
Corp. is liable to the Estate in an amount of $5.2 million (that is, $2.6
million for the cancelled 2003 Event and $2.6 million for the cancelled 2004
Event) plus prejudgment interest and attorneys fees expended by the Estate to
pursue the Estate's Claims Against 88 Corp.
3.3. MONTHLY OPERATING REPORTS.
The Debtor has filed monthly operating reports for each month
during the pendency of its Chapter 11 Case. The most recent report filed, as of
the date of this Disclosure Statement, was for the month of April, 2004. The
operating reports reflect, inter alia, the following:
MONTH CASH RECEIPTS CASH DISBURSEMENTS NET CASH FLOW CASH BALANCE
----- ------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------
December 2003 $ 81,759.43 $ 210,787.11 ($ 129,027.68) 1,980,035.59
January 2004 $ 60,188.28 $ 452,375.38 ($ 392,187.10) 1,587,848.49
February 2004 $3,398,385.04 $ 1,355,397.00 $2,042,988.04 3,639,836.53
March 2004 $ 300,481.30 $ 106,417.96 $ 194,063.34 3,824,899.87
April 2004 $ 177,746.16 $ 70,299.03 $ 107,447.13 3,932,347.81
May 2004
|
Any Creditor desiring copies of the Debtor's operating reports
may obtain them at the Office of the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court at the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana, or from Debtor's
counsel:
Melissa M. Hinds
BAKER & DANIELS
300 North Meridian, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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ARTICLE IV
VOTING AND PLAN CONFIRMATION
4.1. VOTING ON THE PLAN.
4.1.01. IMPAIRED CLAIMS OR INTEREST. Pursuant to Section 1126
of the Bankruptcy Code, only the holders of Claims or Interests in Classes
"Impaired" by the Plan may vote on the Plan. Pursuant to Section 1124 of the
Bankruptcy Code, a Class of Claims or Interests may be "Impaired" if the Plan
alters the legal, equitable or contractual rights of the Holders of such Claims
or Interests treated in such Class.
4.1.02. ELIGIBILITY. In order to vote on the Plan, a Creditor
and/or Interest Holder must have timely filed or been assigned a timely filed
proof of Claim or Interest, unless its Claim or Interest is scheduled by the
Debtor and is not identified as disputed, unliquidated or contingent on the
Debtor's Schedules of Assets and Liabilities (the "Schedules").
4.1.03. BINDING EFFECT. Whether a Creditor or Interest Holder
votes on the Plan or not, such Person will be bound by the terms of the Plan if
the Plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. Absent some affirmative act
constituting a vote, a Creditor or Interest Holder will not be included in the
vote: (i) for purposes of accepting or rejecting the Plan; or (ii) for purposes
of determining the number of Persons voting on the Plan.
4.1.04. PROCEDURE. The Bankruptcy Code entitles only Holders
of Impaired Claims or Interests who receive some distribution under a proposed
plan to vote to accept or reject that plan. Holders of Claims or Interests that
are unimpaired under a proposed plan are conclusively presumed to have accepted
that plan and are not entitled to vote on it. Holders in classes of Claims or
Interests that will receive no distribution under a proposed plan are
conclusively presumed to reject that plan and are, therefore, also not entitled
to vote on it.
Classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are Impaired by the Plan. Holders of
Allowed Claims in Classes 1, 2, and 3 will receive Distributions under the Plan
and the Holder of the Allowed Claim in Class 4 may receive one or more
Distributions under the Plan and therefore all such Holders of Claims are
entitled to vote by casting a Ballot to accept or reject the Plan. The Holder of
Interests in Class 5 will receive no Distributions under the Plan and is deemed
to reject the Plan.
A BALLOT FOR ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN IS BEING
PROVIDED ONLY TO HOLDERS OF CLAIMS IN CLASSES ENTITLED TO VOTE. In order for
your vote to count, you must complete, date, sign and properly mail the enclosed
Ballot (please note that envelopes have been included with the Ballot) to:
Melissa M. Hinds
BAKER & DANIELS
300 North Meridian, Ste. 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3017, the Bankruptcy Court has
ordered that original Ballots for the acceptance or rejection of the Plan must
be received by mail or overnight delivery by counsel to the Debtor at the
address set forth above on or before 4:00 p.m., _____, 2004 Eastern Time. Once
you have delivered your Ballot, you may not change your vote, except for cause
shown to the Bankruptcy Court after notice and hearing.
Any Ballot received by counsel to the Debtor that is
incomplete in any way shall be deemed to be cast as follows:
(i) Ballots received that do not evidence the
amount or evidence an incorrect amount of such Creditor's Claim or such Interest
Holder's Interest shall be completed or corrected, as the case may be, based
upon the Schedules filed by the Debtor if no proof of Claim or Interest has been
filed by such Creditor or Interest holder, or based upon timely filed proofs of
Claim or Interest, and counted as a vote to accept or reject the Plan;
(ii) Ballots received that do not identify the
Creditor or Interest Holder, whether or not signed by the Creditor or Interest
Holder, shall not be counted as a vote to accept or reject the Plan;
(iii) Ballots received that do not reflect in
which Class such Ballot is cast or incorrectly classify such Creditor's Claim or
Interest Holder's Interest and that are otherwise properly completed shall be
completed or corrected, as the case may be, and counted as a vote to accept or
reject the Plan; and
(iv) Ballots that are completed, except that such
Creditor or Interest Holder failed to vote to accept or reject the Plan, shall
be completed and counted as a vote to accept the Plan.
4.2. ACCEPTANCE OF THE PLAN.
4.2.01. CREDITOR AND INTEREST HOLDER ACCEPTANCE. As a
Creditor and/or Interest Holder, your acceptance of the Plan is important. In
order for the Plan to be accepted by an Impaired Class of Claims, a majority in
number and two-thirds in dollar amount of the Claims voting (of each Impaired
Class of Claims) must vote to accept the Plan, or the Plan must qualify for
cramdown of any non-accepting Class pursuant to Section 1129(b) of the
Bankruptcy Code. In any case, at least one impaired Class of Creditors,
excluding the votes of Insiders, must actually vote to accept the Plan. You are
urged to complete, date, sign and promptly mail the enclosed Ballot. Please be
sure to complete the Ballot properly and legibly identify the exact amount of
your Claim or Interest and the name of the Creditor or Interest Holder.
4.2.02. CRAMDOWN ELECTION. If all Classes do not accept the
Plan, but at least one Impaired Class votes to accept the Plan, excluding the
votes of Insiders, the Debtor may attempt to invoke the "cramdown" provisions.
Cramdown may be an available remedy, because the Debtor believes that, with
respect to each Impaired Class, the Plan is fair and equitable within the
meaning of Section 1129(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code and does not discriminate
unfairly.
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4.3. CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN.
4.3.01. REQUIREMENTS. The requirements for Confirmation of
the Plan are set forth in detail in Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code. The
following summarizes some of the pertinent requirements:
a. ACCEPTANCE BY IMPAIRED CLASSES. Except to
the extent that the cramdown provisions of Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy
Code may be invoked, each Class of Claims and each Class of Interests must
either vote to accept the Plan or be deemed to accept the Plan because the
Claims or Interests of such Class are not Impaired.
b. FEASIBILITY. The Bankruptcy Court is
required to find that the Plan is likely to be implemented and that parties
required to perform or pay monies under the Plan will be able to do so.
c. "BEST INTEREST" TEST. The Bankruptcy Court
must find that the Plan is in the "best interest" of all Creditors. To satisfy
this requirement, the Bankruptcy Court must determine that each holder of a
Claim against, or Interest in, the Debtor: (i) has accepted the Plan; or (ii)
will receive or retain under the Plan money or other property which, as of the
Effective Date, has a value not less than the amount such holder would receive
if the Debtor's property was liquidated under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code
on such date.
d. "CRAMDOWN" PROVISIONS. Under the
circumstances which are set forth in detail in Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy
Code, the Bankruptcy Court may confirm the Plan even though a Class of Claims or
Interests has not accepted the Plan, so long as one Impaired Class of Claims has
accepted the Plan, excluding the votes of Insiders, if the Plan is fair and
equitable and does not discriminate unfairly against such non-accepting Classes.
The Debtor will invoke the "cramdown" provisions of Section 1129(b) of the
Bankruptcy Code should any voting Class fail to accept the Plan.
4.3.02. PROCEDURE. To confirm the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court
must hold a hearing to determine whether the Plan meets the requirements of
Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code (the "Confirmation Hearing"). The Bankruptcy
Court has set ______, 2004 __a/p.m. Eastern Time, for the Confirmation Hearing.
4.3.03. OBJECTION TO CONFIRMATION. Any party-in-interest may
object to the Confirmation of the Plan and appear at the Confirmation Hearing to
pursue such objection. The Court has set _______, 2004, as the deadline for
filing and serving upon Debtor's counsel and counsel to the Committee objections
to Confirmation of the Plan. Objections to Confirmation must be filed with the
Bankruptcy Court at the following address:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern
District of Indiana
Indianapolis Division
116 U.S. Courthouse
46 E. Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
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with a copy served upon counsel to the Debtor:
James M. Carr
BAKER & DANIELS
300 North Meridian, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
and a copy served upon counsel to the Committee:
James A. Knauer
KROGER, GARDIS & REGAS, LLP
111 Monument Circle, Suite 900
Indianapolis, IN 46204
4.3.04. EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION. Except as otherwise provided
in the Plan or in the Confirmation Order, Confirmation vests title to property
of the Debtor's estate in the Liquidating Trust; free and clear of all Claims
and liens of Creditors subject to the provisions of the Plan. Confirmation
serves to make the Plan binding upon the Debtor, all Creditors, Interest Holders
and other parties-in-interest, regardless of whether they cast a Ballot to
accept or reject the Plan.
ARTICLE V
SUMMARY OF THE PLAN
5.1. IN GENERAL.
The Plan provides for the liquidation of the Assets in the
manner and within the time frames set forth below:
5.1.01. INITIAL DISTRIBUTION. On the Initial Distribution
Date, the Debtor shall make a distribution from Available Cash with respect to
all Claims that constitute Allowed Claims as of the Effective Date. After
payment in full, without interest, to Classes 1, 2 and 3, the remaining
Available Cash will be distributed Pro Rata to the members of Class 4.
5.1.02. CREATION OF THE CART LIQUIDATION TRUST AND TRANSFER
OF THE REMAINING ESTATE ASSETS TO CART LIQUIDATION TRUST. Upon the Transfer
Date, the Remaining Estate Assets will be transferred and assigned, pursuant to
the Liquidation Trust Agreement, to a newly formed Michigan trust which will be
known as the CART Liquidation Trust. The Liquidation Trustee, Thomas L. Carter,
will serve as the trustee of the CART Liquidation Trust and will oversee the
distribution of the Remaining Estate Assets in accordance with the terms of the
Plan. Upon the distribution of the Remaining Estate Assets, the CART Liquidation
Trust shall be terminated and cease to exist
5.1.03. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS. Subject to the approval of the
Creditors' Committee, the Liquidation Trustee shall have the power to compromise
or settle Disputed Claims and all claims or causes of action that are part of
the Estate without further order of the
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Bankruptcy Court, unless such matters are presently subject to a pending,
contested matter or adversary proceeding before the Bankruptcy Court, or other
court of competent jurisdiction.
5.1.04. AVOIDANCE ACTIONS. The Liquidation Trustee , at the
direct of the Creditors' Committee, will perform an analysis of potential
Avoidance Actions. To the extent such actions are identified, the CART
Liquidation Trust will, subject to the discretion of the Liquidation Trustee and
the Creditors' Committee, commence adversary proceedings in an effort to recover
all avoidable transfers. The net proceeds of such Avoidance Actions will be
distributed pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
5.1.05. LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST ASSETS. The Liquidation
Trustee shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to liquidate all of the
Trust Assets. The sale of any Trust Assets shall be free and clear of any and
all liens, claims, interests and encumbrances pursuant to Section 363(f) of the
Bankruptcy Code. The proceeds from the liquidation of such Trust Assets will be
distributed Pro Rata to the Holders of Claims or Interests in Class 4 according
to the terms of the Plan, as summarized below.
5.1.06. SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTION DATES. Upon the payment of
Classes 1, 2 and 3 in full, but without interest, each Holder of an Allowed
Class 4 Claim shall be entitled to receive a Pro-Rata Distribution of the
Available Cash on each subsequent Distribution Date until such Allowed Class 4
Claim is satisfied in full.
5.2. CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS.
5.2.01. CLASS 1. This Class consists of the Priority Claims,
including Priority Wage Claims entitled to priority under Section 507(a)(3) of
the Bankruptcy Code, Priority Employment Benefit Claims entitled to priority
under Section 507(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code and Priority Tax Claims entitled
to priority under Section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.
5.2.02. CLASS 2. This Class consists of the Secured Claim of
TLC Auto Collision.
5.2.03. CLASS 3. This Class consists of the General Unsecured
Claims.
5.2.04. CLASS 4. This Class consists of the Subordinated
Claim.
5.2.05. CLASS 5. This Class consists of the Old Stock.
5.3. TREATMENT OF UNCLASSIFIED CLAIMS.
Each Holder of an Allowed Administrative Claim shall be paid
in full in Cash the amount of such Allowed Administrative Claim on or as soon as
reasonably practicable after the latest of (i) the Initial Distribution Date,
(ii) the date such Administrative Claim becomes Allowed and (iii) the date fixed
by the Bankruptcy Court, unless such Holder shall agree to a different treatment
of such Claim (including, without limitation, any different treatment that may
be provided for in the document governing such Claim).
5.3.01. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS. Each Holder of an
Administrative Claim (other than such Allowed Administrative Claim or portion
thereof which, by its express
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terms, is not due or payable by the Initial Distribution Date) shall be paid in
full, but without interest, no later than the Initial Distribution Date from the
Available Cash. The aggregate amount of any Contested Administrative Claims as
of the Distribution Date shall be set aside by the Debtor in the Contested
Administrative Claim Reserve. Contested Administrative Claims that are
thereafter Allowed shall be paid from the Contested Administrative Claim
Reserve. Such payment shall be made as and when authorized by a Final Order. To
the extent that there remain funds in the Contested Administrative Claims
Reserve after all Allowed Administrative Claims have been paid in full, such
remaining funds shall be distributed by the Liquidation Trustee in accordance
with this Plan.
5.3.02. PROFESSIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES. Any entity retained
and requesting compensation pursuant to Sections 327, 328, 330, or 331 of the
Bankruptcy Code shall be entitled to file an application for allowance of final
compensation and reimbursement of expenses for time expended and expenses
incurred from and after the Petition Date, and through the Confirmation Date,
not later than the thirtieth (30) day after the Confirmation Date. The aggregate
amounts of sums payable to the Professional Persons shall be set aside and
reserved in the Professional Fee Reserve.
5.4. TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS.
5.4.01. CLASS 1. The Allowed Claims in this Class will be
paid in full, but without interest, in cash on, or as soon as practicable after,
the Effective Date.
5.4.02. CLASS 2. The Secured Claim will be paid in full, but
without interest, in cash on, or as soon as practicable after, the Effective
Date. Pursuant to the Stipulation And Agreed Entry For Adequate Protection
(Relinquish Collateral And Allow Secured Claim ) signed by counsel for the
Debtor and counsel for TLC Auto Collision and entered by the Court on February
18, 2004, TLC Auto Collision, the only member of Class 2 and the only secured
creditor of the Debtor, has a secured claim in the amount of $6,369.90.
5.4.03. CLASS 3. The Allowed Claims in this Class will
receive Pro Rata distributions from available cash after the full satisfaction
of Claims in Classes 1 and 2 and Pro Rata distributions from the liquidation of
the remaining Estate Assets at each subsequent Distribution Date, as soon as
practicable after, the Effective Date.
5.4.04. CLASS 4. Pursuant to the Subordination Agreement,
which subordinates the claim of Debtor's largest creditor, the Parent, no
distribution will be made to the Parent with respect to the Subordinated Claim
unless all Allowed Claims in all other Classes have been satisfied in full.
5.4.05. CLASS 5. The Old Stock will be cancelled as of the
Effective Date as provided in Section 6.1 and no Distribution will be made with
respect to the interest in Debtor represented by the Old Stock.
5.5. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN.
5.5.01. IN GENERAL. The Plan is a liquidating plan and
provides for the distribution of the Asset Sale Proceeds and the Estate Assets
and the payment of the proceeds
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generated therefrom to Creditors in accordance with the priorities set forth in
the Bankruptcy Code.
5.5.02. CONTROL OF ASSET SALE PROCEEDS. Upon the Transfer
Date, the Remaining Estate Assets, will be transferred to the CART Liquidation
Trust for the purpose of distribution to all Creditors.
5.5.03. LIQUIDATION OF THE REMAINING ESTATE ASSETS. The CART
Liquidation Trust will pursue the liquidation of the Debtor's Remaining Estate
Assets through the initiation and prosecution (or continued prosecution) of
adversary proceedings or other legal action, including the 88 Corp. Litigation,
in any court of competent jurisdiction as to estate causes of action against
third parties; or alternatively negotiated resolutions of such claims; and the
liquidation of various miscellaneous assets.
5.5.04. TRANSFER TAXES. Any transfer of the Debtor's Assets
prior to or on the Effective Date and pursuant to the Plan shall constitute a
"transfer under a plan" within the purview of Section 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy
Code and shall not be subject to transfer, stamp or similar taxes.
5.5.05. ESTIMATED PLAN DISTRIBUTION. The Allowed
Administrative Claims, Priority Employee Benefit Claims, Priority Tax Claims and
Priority Wage Claims, and the Secured Claim shall be paid in full under the
Plan. The amount of the Plan distribution on account of Class 3 General
Unsecured Claims, exclusive of any recovery resulting from the prosecution of
Avoidance Actions or other litigation, is estimated to be approximately ___%
based upon a preliminary claims analysis.
5.5.06. LIQUIDATION ANALYSIS. To be filed with the Court.
5.6. DISBURSEMENT AGENT.
5.6.01. NO SEPARATE DISBURSING AGENT. All distributions of
payments under the Plan will be made by the CART Liquidation Trust.
5.7. EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES.
5.7.01. ASSUMPTION/REJECTION. The Plan provides that, upon
the Effective Date, all leases and Executory Contracts which were not previously
rejected by the Debtor prior to the Effective Date shall be deemed rejected as
of the Effective Date.
5.7.02. REJECTION DAMAGES. Persons who are parties to
Executory Contracts that are rejected and who claim damages by reason of such
rejection shall become Class 3 Creditors and shall be treated in the same manner
as other Class 3 Creditors. All proofs of Claim for damages for Executory
Contracts rejected prior to the Bar Date shall be filed prior to the Bar Date,
or shall be forever barred. All proofs of Claim for damages for Executory
Contracts rejected pursuant to the Plan shall be filed on or before thirty (30)
days after the rejection of such Executory Contracts, or shall be forever
barred.
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5.8. MODIFICATION OF THE PLAN.
5.8.01. PLAN MAY BE MODIFIED. The Plan may be modified at any
time before or after the Confirmation Date in accordance with Section 1127 of
the Bankruptcy Code.
5.9. PLAN CONTROLS.
5.9.01. PLAN PROVISIONS CONTROL. In the event and to the
extent that any provision of the Plan is inconsistent with the provisions of
this Disclosure Statement or any other agreement or instrument required or
contemplated to be executed by the Debtor, the provisions of the Plan shall
control.
5.10. BINDING EFFECT.
5.10.01. PROVISIONS OF PLAN ARE BINDING. The provisions of the
Plan and the Confirmation Order shall be binding and inure to the benefit of,
the holders of Claims against, and Interests in, the Debtor and its respective
successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives, whether or not such
persons voted to accept or reject the Plan.
5.11. PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTED CLAIMS AND INTERESTS.
5.11.01. OBJECTIONS TO CLAIMS. Prior to Confirmation, any
party-in-interest shall have the right to object to the allowance of any Claim.
Subsequent to Confirmation, the CART Liquidation Trust will have the exclusive
right to object to the allowance of any Claim. Such Objections, if any, shall be
filed with the Bankruptcy Court no later than one hundred and twenty (120) days
after the Effective Date, unless extended by Order of the Bankruptcy Court.
5.11.02. DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO DISPUTED CLAIMS. The
CART Liquidation Trust shall reserve funds for the payment of Disputed Claims by
reserving in cash an appropriate percentage of the Face Amount of such Disputed
Claims with respect to General Unsecured Claims and the full Face Amount of such
Claims to which priority is claimed. Distributions with respect to Disputed
Claims will be made when an Order, judgment, decree or settlement agreement with
respect to such Claims becomes a Final Order.
5.12. RETENTION OF CLAIMS BELONGING TO THE DEBTOR.
5.12.01. AVOIDANCE ACTIONS AND OTHER ACTIONS. Except as
previously waived or released, all Avoidance Actions, all Claims relating to
Post-Petition transactions, all transfers recoverable under Section 550 of the
Bankruptcy Code and all causes of action in favor of the Debtor, including the
Estate's Claims included in the 88 Corp. Litigation, are preserved and retained
for enforcement exclusively by the CART Liquidation Trust at the direction of
the Creditors' Committee, subsequent to the Effective Date. Proceeds recovered
from such causes of action shall be distributed to Creditors in accordance with
the provisions of the Plan. Approximately _______ of potentially avoidable
transfers have been identified.
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5.13. TAX CONSEQUENCES.
5.13.01. IN GENERAL. A Creditor that receives cash in
satisfaction of its Allowed Claim will generally receive a gain or loss with
respect to the principal amount of the Allowed Claim equal to the difference
between: (i) the Creditor's basis in the Claim (other than any Claim in respect
to accrued interest); and (ii) the balance of the cash received after any
allocation to the accrued interest. The Debtor has not determined the character
of any gain or loss to be recognized by an Interest Holder with respect to any
distribution such Interest Holder may receive under the Plan. CREDITORS AND
INTEREST HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE
TREATMENT OF DISTRIBUTIONS MADE UNDER THE PLAN.
ARTICLE VI
POST CONFIRMATION ISSUES
6.1. CONTINUED EXISTENCE AFTER CONFIRMATION.
6.1.01. CANCELLATION OF OLD STOCK, ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF
NEW STOCK. As of the Effective Date, and in accordance with the Subordination
Agreement, in which the Parent agreed to subordinate its Claim to the Allowed
Claims of Debtor's other Claimants, the existing equity ownership in CART held
by the parent (the "Old Stock") will be cancelled. As of the Transfer Date,
Debtor shall issue the New Stock. Debtor will transfer such New Stock to CCWS,
or to such other buyer if a higher or better offer by such buyer is received,
for the New Stock Consideration. The New Stock Consideration shall be deposited
in and become part of the Contested Unsecured Claim Reserve and therefore be
part of the Remaining Estate Assets transferred to the CART Liquidation Trust.
6.1.02. EFFECT OF TRANSFER OF NEW STOCK ON DEBTOR'S ACCUS
MEMBERSHIP; SOFTWARE LICENSES. Because the Remaining Estate Assets exclude
Debtor's membership in ACCUS and Debtor's Software Licenses, upon the sale of
the New Stock to the New Stock Buyer, the New Stock Buyer will control Debtor's
ACCUS membership and Software Licenses.
6.1.03. WIND-UP OF AFFAIRS. Upon the Confirmation Date, the
CART Liquidation Trust shall continue as a limited liability company solely for
the purpose of winding up its affairs, prosecuting and defending actions or
proceedings by or against them, collecting and discharging obligations,
disposing and conveying its property, collecting and dividing the Remaining
Estate Assets and consummating the terms of the Plan.
6.1.04. ROLE OF THE CREDITORS' COMMITTEE. From and after the
Effective Date, and until the Final Distribution Date, the Creditors' Committee
shall continue in existence to oversee the actions of the Liquidating Trustee
and to otherwise take any action necessary in connection with the implementation
of the Plan. The professionals retained by the Creditors' Committee shall be
entitled to payment from the CART Liquidation Trust of compensation or
reimbursement of expenses only for services-performed with respect to monitoring
the implementation of the Plan. Members of the Creditors' Committee shall be
entitled to
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reimbursement by the CART Liquidation Trust for their actual reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
6.1.05. NO SUCCESSOR LIABILITY. The New Stock Buyer is not
assuming and shall not in any way whatsoever be liable or responsible, as
successor or otherwise, for any Claims, liabilities, debts or obligations of
Debtor or the Liquidation Trustee.
6.1.06. DISCHARGE. Pursuant to Section 1141(d)(1)(A) of the
Bankruptcy Code, confirmation of the Plan shall discharge the Debtor from any
Claim that arose prior to the Confirmation Date, and any Claim of the type
specified in Sections 502(g), 502(h) or 502(i) of the Bankruptcy Code, whether
or not a proof of claim is filed or deemed filed, the Claim is Allowed, or the
holder of the Claim accepted the Plan. Without limitation of the foregoing, all
Distributions after the Initial Distributions shall be made from the CART
Liquidation Trust and the Debtor shall have no liability for any such
Distributions.
6.2. EMPLOYMENT OF COUNSEL AND FEES.
6.2.01. EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONALS AFTER CONFIRMATION. All
professionals employed by the Debtor and the Creditors' Committee during the
pendency of the Chapter 11 Case shall continue to be employed, and will be
entitled to compensation as Administrative Claims from the estate for their
services after the Effective Date and until the closing of the Chapter 11 Case.
Compensation for professionals' services rendered after the Effective Date by
such professionals shall be payable by the CART Liquidation Trust upon
presentment of a statement for services rendered and for reimbursement of
expenses without the necessity of further Order of the Bankruptcy Court allowing
such fees and expenses. However, should the CART Liquidation Trust dispute all
or any portion of such statement, and such dispute cannot be resolved by the
affected parties, the CART Liquidation Trust shall pay the undisputed portion of
such statement and shall submit the disputed portion to the Bankruptcy Court for
determination, upon notice only to the professional that submitted such
statement.
6.3. EXCULPATION AND RELEASE OF CERTAIN CLAIMS.
6.3.01. EXCULPATION. The CART Liquidation Trust and the
Debtor and its respective attorneys, financial advisors and agents; and the
Committee and its present and former members and their respective attorneys,
financial advisors and agents; shall not have, nor shall they incur, any
liability to any Creditor, Interest Holder or to any other Person for any act or
omission in connection with or arising out of the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case or
out of their administration of the Plan or property of the Debtor's estate or
the amounts to be distributed under the Plan except for their own recklessness
or willful misconduct, and in all respects they shall be entitled to rely upon
the advice of counsel with respect to their duties and responsibilities under
the Plan.
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ARTICLE VII
FEASIBILITY
7.1. FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS.
7.1.01. BANKRUPTCY CODE STANDARD. The Bankruptcy Code
requires that, in order to confirm the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court must find that
Confirmation of the Plan is not likely to be followed by the liquidation or the
need for further financial reorganization of the Debtor unless contemplated by
the Plan.
7.1.02. NO NEED FOR FURTHER REORGANIZATION OF THE DEBTOR. The
Plan provides for the distribution of all of the Asset Sale Proceeds and the
liquidation of all of the Remaining Assets. Accordingly, the Debtor believes
that all Plan obligations will be satisfied without the need for further
reorganization of the Debtor.
ARTICLE VIII
ALTERNATIVES TO THE PLAN
8.1. CHAPTER 7 LIQUIDATION.
8.1.01. BANKRUPTCY CODE STANDARD. Notwithstanding acceptance
of the Plan by the requisite number of Creditors and Interest Holders of any
Class, the Bankruptcy Court must still independently determine that the Plan
provides each member of each Impaired Class of Claims and Interests a recovery
that has a value at least equal to the value of the distribution that each such
Person would receive if the Debtor were liquidated under Chapter 7 of the
Bankruptcy Code on the Effective Date.
8.1.02. PLAN IS IN BEST INTEREST OF CREDITORS. The Debtor
believes that the Plan satisfies this standard because the Plan provides for an
orderly distribution of the Asset Sale Proceeds and the liquidation of any
Remaining Assets. Furthermore, the Debtor believes that the Plan also provides
Creditors with a degree of certainty that would not exist if the estate were
subject to a Chapter 7 liquidation and eliminates all risks and expenses of the
marketplace and continual administration of the Debtor. In particular, in the
event of conversion to a Chapter 7 case there is no assurance that a trustee
would seek subordination of the Subordinated Claim that the Parent has agreed to
Subordinate as part of the package represented by this Plan. If all or any
substantial part of Parent's Subordinated Claim were not subordinated, the
allowed claims of general unsecured creditors then the percentage recover
anticipated pursuant to this Plan would likely be significantly diminished. In
addition, there is also no assurance that a trustee would be able to negotiate
the sale of the New Stock. In this regard, in the event of a liquidation under
Chapter 7, it is not very likely that Creditors will receive payment of their
Allowed Claims and the following is likely to occur:
a. Additional administrative expenses,
including trustee's commissions, fees for trustee's accountant, attorneys and
other professionals likely to be retained, would be incurred with priority over
general unsecured claims under Section 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.
- 25 -
b. Payment to each Class would likely be
substantially delayed.
It is the Debtor's belief that in a Chapter 7 liquidation of
the Debtor, the Unsecured Creditors would not receive a greater distribution
than will be received pursuant to the Plan. Accordingly, the Debtor believes
that the Plan is in the best interests of Creditors.
8.2. RISK FACTORS.
8.2.01. NO ASSURANCES. There can be no assurance by the
Debtor of the success of any Avoidance Actions or other litigation.
8.3. RECOMMENDATIONS.
8.3.01. CONFIRMATION OF PLAN PROVIDES BEST OUTCOME It is the
position of the Debtor and the Creditors' Committee that the Plan is
substantially preferable to a liquidation under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy
Code. Conversion of this Chapter 11 Case would result in: (i) substantial delays
in the distribution of any proceeds (if any) available under such alternative;
(ii) increased uncertainty as to whether payments would be made to Unsecured
Creditors; and (iii) substantially increased administrative costs.
THE DEBTOR RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE PLAN.
ARTICLE IX
CONCLUSION
It is important that you exercise your right to vote on the
Plan. It is the Debtor's and the Committee's belief and recommendation that the
Plan fairly and equitably provides for the treatment of all Claims against the
Debtor.
- 26 -
SIGNATURE PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Debtors have executed this Disclosure
Statement this ___ day of _______ 2004
CART, INC.
By: /s/
----------------------------------------
BAKER & DANIELS
By: /s/
----------------------------------------
James M. Carr (#3128-49)
300 North Meridian Street, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Telephone: (317) 237-0300
Facsimile: (317) 237-1000
|
Attorneys for CART, Inc.
- 27 -
EXHIBIT 10.40
AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
AND
CHRISTOPHER R. POOK
This is an amendment to the Employment Agreement entered into as of
December 18, 2001 by and between Championship Auto Racing Teams, a Delaware
corporation ("Company"), and Christopher R. Pook ("Pook"). This Amendment is
entered into on this 30th day of January, 2004.
In consideration of the promises set forth below, the parties agree to
amend the Employment Agreement between the Company and Pook as follows:
1. Change of Control
Section 6 of the Employment Agreement provides for a
definition of change, control, or proposed change of control. The parties agree
that an issue has arisen as to whether or not a change of control, or proposed
change of control under Section 6 of the Employment Agreement has occurred. In
the event that a change of control, or proposed change of control did take
place, it may, under certain circumstances, entitle Pook to certain payments
under Section 6.5(iii). The parties agree that Pook shall waive and not in any
form enforce such provisions, provided that Pook has been paid the compensation
and benefits set forth in this Amendment.
2. Compensation through December 18, 2004
The Company shall pay to Pook the following:
- A bonus of $67,500, payable upon execution of this
Amendment.
- Prepayment of a car allowance of $600 per month
through December 18, 2004.
- Prepayment of health, life, and disability insurance
through December 18, 2004.
- Continue payment of Pook's current monthly salary
through December 18, 2004.
- Mr. Pook will be reimbursed for all of his reasonable
expenses incurred in connection with the performance
of his services under the Employment Agreement.
3. General Duties
Mr. Pook shall continue to perform his duties as Director,
Chief Executive Officer, and President of the Company through December 18, 2004,
or such earlier time as the Company has liquidated or files for protection under
the Federal Bankruptcy Act.
4. Prepayment of Salary in the Event of Bankruptcy or Liquidation
In the event that the Company makes a decision to file
bankruptcy, or enters into a plan of liquidation, then the remaining balance of
Pook's salary through December 18, 2004 shall be wire transferred to Pook no
less than forty-eight (48) hours before such bankruptcy filing or adoption of a
plan of liquidation.
5. Remaining Terms of Employment Agreement
All of the remaining terms and conditions of the Employment
Agreement between the Company and Pook shall remain in full force and effect and
shall not be amended by this Amendment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment on the
date first set forth above.
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC. CHRISTOPHER R. POOK
/s/ Thomas L. Carter /s/ Christopher R. Pook
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------
By: Thomas L. Carter, Chief Financial Officer Christopher R. Pook
|
EXHIBIT 10.41
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
5350 Lakeview Parkway Drive South
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
February 9, 2004
Thomas L. Carter
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.
5350 Lakeview Parkway Drive South
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
Dear Tom:
The purpose of this letter is to confirm our understanding with respect
to your continued employment as the Chief Financial Officer of Championship Auto
Racing Teams, Inc. ("Championship"). This letter will supersede the agreement
between Championship and you, dated March 16, 2001, and that prior agreement
shall be extinguished and shall be void and of no force and effect. The
following is the offer of Championship:
1. Position. Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance,
Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer (and such other positions with
Championship or CART, Inc. as mutually agreed upon).
2. Salary. Your salary of $210,000 will be continued to be paid
to you in accordance with an agreed-upon schedule through December 31, 2004.
3. Term. Commencing with the date of this letter and terminating
on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2004; (ii) a determination by Championship
for any reason, or for no reason; or (iii) the dissolution of Championship, or a
final adjudication of bankruptcy of Championship, or (iv) termination for cause
as defined herein.
4. Fringe Benefits. You shall participate in such Championship
benefit plans as are agreed to with Championship, including, without limitation,
medical, dental, life and disability insurance plans, which will be either a
continuation of Championship's current plans or new, comparable plans. You shall
receive a $600 per month to reimburse you for use of an automobile and insurance
and maintenance with respect thereto.
5. Vacation. You will be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation
during 2004.
6. Expense Reimbursement. Championship will reimburse you for all
reasonably, ordinary, and necessary travel entertainment and other expenses
incurred by you in connection with your services for Championship in accordance
with policies to be determined between Championship and yourself.
7. Termination for Cause. For purposes of this agreement,
termination for "cause" means termination of your employment by Championship by
reason of your dishonesty
Thomas L. Carter
Page 2
or fraud, gross negligence in the performance of your duties, a material breach
of this agreement, intentional engagement in acts seriously detrimental to
Championship's operations, or conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude,
provided, however, that you must receive written notice of the performance
deficiencies and given at least ten (10) business days to correct the
deficiencies.
8. Payments from CART, Inc. To the extent that you receive any
payments related to your employment from CART, Inc., or Championship receives
any reimbursement for services that you are providing to CART, Inc., such
amounts will be property of Championship and you will have no claim to those
amounts.
9. Payment on Termination. Unless you are terminated for cause,
upon termination for any reason, Championship will pay you the remainder of your
salary through December 31, 2004 and the fringe benefits and expense
reimbursements through December 31, 2004. In the event that Championship
declares bankruptcy or completes its insolvency, the salary and benefits will be
prepaid not less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to taking such action.
10. Entire Agreement: Modifications. This agreement represents the
entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter of
this agreement and supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous
understandings, agreements, plans and negotiations, whether written or oral with
respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, any
understandings, agreements, or obligations with respect to any past or future
compensation, bonuses, reimbursements, or other payments to you, including those
set forth in any prior employment agreement or arrangement. All modifications to
this agreement must be in writing signed by Championship and you.
If this proposal is acceptable to you, please sign a copy of
this letter agreement and return it to me at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely yours,
CHAMPIONSHIP AUTO RACING TEAMS, INC.
/s/ Christopher R. Pook
--------------------------------------------
By: Christopher R. Pook,
Chief Executive Officer
|
Accepted and Agreed to this 9th day of February, 2004
/s/ Thomas L. Carter
-----------------------------------
Thomas L. Carter
|
EXHIBIT 10.42
CONDITIONAL AGREEMENT TO SUBORDINATE PARENT CLAIM
This Conditional Agreement To Subordinate Parent Claim (the
"Conditional Agreement") is between Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Parent"), and CART, Inc., a Michigan corporation
("CART"), and is made effective as of January 26, 2004.
Recitals
A. Parent owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
CART.
B. CART is a debtor-in-possession in a chapter 11 case pending in
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana (the
"Court"), as Case No. 03-23385 (FJO) (the "Chapter 11 Case").
C. The Parent holds an unsecured pre-petition claim against CART
in the amount of $63,297,145.72 arising out of advances that the Parent made to
CART from time to time beginning in 2003 (the "Parent Claim").
D. CART has filed in the Chapter 11 Case a motion (the "Sale
Motion") asking the Bankruptcy Court to approve an Asset Purchase Agreement,
dated as of December 15, 2003, as amended by an Amendment by Interlineation
dated January 15, 2004 (the "APA"), by and among Open Wheel Racing Series LLC
and Open Wheel Acquisition Corporation as "Purchaser" (collectively, "OWRS") and
Parent and CART as "Sellers".
E. Parent will derive significant benefit if the Court grants the
Sale Motion and approves the APA in the Chapter 11 Case and the APA is closed.
Agreement
In consideration of the above recitals and for other good and valuable
consideration, including actions that may be taken in reliance upon this
Conditional Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. Parent agrees that Parent will subordinate its right or claim
to any payment with respect to the Parent Claim, and any and all other claims it
may have against CART and CART's bankruptcy estate in the Chapter 11 Case to the
full payment of all claims of all other creditors holding allowed unsecured
claims against CART in the Chapter 11 Case (with such subordination referred to
herein as the "Parent Subordination") subject to the "Conditions" defined in
paragraph 2 below.
2. The Parent Subordination is subject to the following
Conditions, that are conditions precedent to such Parent Subordination: 1) the
Sale Motion is granted by the Court and becomes a final, non-appealable order
and the APA is closed and 2) the Court enters an order that is final and
non-appealable in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the
Parent (the "Release Order") approving a general release of any and all claims
that may exist or may be asserted against the Parent by a) CART, b) CART's
bankruptcy estate, c) any chapter 11 or chapter 7 trustee appointed for the CART
bankruptcy estate, d) any statutory committee of unsecured creditors appointed
in the Chapter 11 Case, e) any entity appointed for the purpose of liquidating
any assets or claims of CART and f) any creditor in the CART Chapter 11 Case who
accepts any payment with respect to an allowed claim in the Chapter 11 Case.
3. Except to the extent counsel for CART advises CART that to do
so would constitute a breach by CART of any of its duties as a
debtor-in-possession, CART agrees to use its best efforts to obtain entry of the
Release Order.
4. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Indiana
and any dispute with regard to this agreement shall be presented to and resolved
by the Court.
-2-
Dated: 1/28/2004 CART, Inc.
By: /s/ Thomas L. Carter
-------------------------------
Its: CFO
Championship Auto Racing Teams,Inc.
By: /s/ Christopher R. Pook
-------------------------------
Its: President/CEO
|
-3-
EXHIBIT 10.43
NEW EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT
This Agreement (the "Agreement") is made between CART, Inc., a Michigan
corporation with its principal place of business in Indianapolis, Indiana
("CART"), and Open Wheel Racing Series LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
with its principal place of business in Indianapolis, Indiana ("OWRS").
RECITALS
A. CART is a debtor-in-possession in a chapter 11 case pending in
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana (the
"Bankruptcy Court"), Case No. 03-23385 (FJO) (the "Chapter 11 Case").
B. CART is the wholly owned subsidiary of Championship Auto
Racing Teams, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business
in Indianapolis, Indiana ("Championship").
C. CART, Championship, and OWRS are parties to that certain Asset
Purchase Agreement dated December 15, 2003, as amended by the January 15, 2004
Amendment By Interlineation and by the January 27, 2004 letter from OWRS to CART
(as amended, the "APA"). Pursuant to the APA, CART agreed to sell substantially
all of its assets to OWRS, and Championship agreed to sell certain of its assets
to OWRS (collectively, the "Acquired Assets").
D. On February 2, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court entered its Order
approving the APA and the sale of the Acquired Assets to OWRS (the "Sale
Order"). The parties hereto closed the sale on February 13, 2004, and OWRS now
owns title to the Acquired Assets.
E. Notwithstanding the sale of Acquired Assets, CART continues to
operate its business and financial affairs as a debtor-in-possession in the
Chapter 11 Case, and retains ownership of its receivables and other assets. It
is contemplated by the parties that CART will
soon propose a Chapter 11 plan for the purposes of, among other things,
administering its remaining assets, making distributions to creditors, and
concluding the Chapter 11 Case (the "Plan").
F. OWRS purchased the Acquired Assets for the sole purpose of
continuing the Champ Car racing series as the Champ Car World Series ("CCWS") in
2004 and beyond. As part of the APA and Sale Order, OWRS has assumed the
obligations of CART under certain promoter agreements to conduct races during
the CCWS (the "Promoter Agreements").
G. The Automobile Competition Committee for the United
States/FIA, Inc. ("ACCUS") recognizes CART as a member of ACCUS. As a member of
ACCUS, CART is entitled to appoint two representatives and one alternate to the
ACCUS board of directors.
H. ACCUS represents the Federation Internationale de 1'
Automobile ("FIA") as the national sporting authority for the United States,
governing all phases of international motor sports. The primary purpose of ACCUS
is to encourage cooperation among domestic and international motorsports
organizations that conduct and sanction races in the United States.
I. CART's membership in ACCUS is a valuable asset that CART
intends to utilize by sanctioning races in 2004 and perhaps beyond.
J. It is important that the CCWS be properly sanctioned by a
member in good standing of ACCUS. OWRS may require some period of time to obtain
its own membership status in ACCUS, which period might extend beyond the
scheduled dates for one or more of the 2004 CCWS races. Therefore, OWRS and CART
desire for CART to act as the sanctioning body of the CCWS 2004 Competitions (as
defined in the Promoter Agreements) that are conducted in the United States, as
necessary.
-2-
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, which are
incorporated herein and made a part hereof, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:
1. 2004 CHAMP CAR WORLD SERIES. OWRS will conduct the 2004 CCWS,
which includes (a) the Champ Car Competitions, and (b) the Competitions in the
supporting series known as the "Toyota Atlantic Championship Series" and the
"Formula BMW USA Series." OWRS shall have sole and exclusive control in
selecting the number and location of races and negotiating the terms and
conditions of the financial agreements with promoters. OWRS shall also have sole
and exclusive control in negotiating any agreements or arrangements with series
sponsors, the television and radio media or other party interested in promoting
the series. All monies, compensation and revenues of any kind in connection with
the CCWS or of any single race are and will be the sole and exclusive property
of OWRS, and CART acknowledges that it has no claim or right to said receipts.
2. SANCTIONING OF 2004 COMPETITIONS. CART shall use its best
efforts to remain a member of ACCUS, and shall use its best efforts to provide
all necessary sanctioning authority for the CCWS in the United States and will
at the request OWRS sanction any of the Competitions that may occur during the
calendar year 2004, and prior to the time OWRS achieves its own membership
status in ACCUS. To perform its obligations hereunder, CART shall undertake all
reasonable and necessary actions to maintain its status as a member of ACCUS.
Without limitation of the preceding sentence, CART shall (a) remain current on
its payment of listing fees and membership fees to ACCUS, (b) use its best
efforts to have designated two representatives (one of which shall be suggested
by OWRS and which suggestion shall be accepted by CART unless reasonably deemed
by CART to be inappropriate) and one
-3-
alternate to the ACCUS board of directors, and (c) comply with the ACCUS bylaws.
CART will use its best efforts to provide all FIA registrations, approvals
and/or listings for the CCWS that may be required for the promotion and conduct
of the races as requested by OWRS. CART may inspect track facilities that it
deems necessary in order to fulfill its obligations under the terms of this
Agreement; provided, however, that OWRS officials are informed in advance of
such inspection. CART recognizes that OWRS intends to apply for membership in
ACCUS, and CART will support such membership.
3. SANCTION FEES. In consideration of CART serving as the
sanctioning body for the CCWS as provided herein, OWRS shall pay CART the sum of
$12,500.00 for each Champ Car race held in the United States, payable 30 days in
advance of each scheduled race that is sanctioned by CART (referred to herein as
the "Sanction Fees"). In addition to the Sanction Fees, OWRS shall pay certain
expenses incurred by CART as specifically identified herein. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, should CART lose its membership in
ACCUS or for any other reason be unable to perform hereunder, the sole remedies
of OWRS shall be to (a) terminate this Agreement and be relieved of its
obligations hereunder, and (b) be relieved of having to pay CART any future
Sanction Fees.
4. CART'S ACCUS-RELATED EXPENSES. In addition to the Sanction
Fees, OWRS shall pay directly, or reimburse CART, the following expenses that
are necessary to CART's performance under this Agreement: (a) ACCUS listing
fees; (b) ACCUS membership fees (including international listing fees and
National Motorsports Council fees); (c) actual, reasonable and necessary travel
expenses incurred by not more than three (3) CART personnel to attend ACCUS
meetings at which all members of ACCUS are convened; and (d) such other expenses
incurred by CART as necessary to its performance of this Agreement, as evidenced
by
-4-
invoices submitted to and approved by OWRS, but excluding any attorneys' fees
incurred by CART.
5. USE OF OWRS EMPLOYEES. OWRS shall appoint the Chief Steward
and/or Director of Competition who will have ultimate authority in conducting
the races. OWRS will provide all required qualified personnel, adequate
equipment, and all other items necessary for CART to provide the sanctioning
services contemplated by this Agreement. OWRS shall provide all such personnel,
equipment and other items at its sole cost and expense. Any and all such
employees provided by OWRS shall remain employees of OWRS and shall not be
deemed to be employees of CART. Neither OWRS, its representatives, members,
officers or employees will do anything to jeopardize CART's membership in ACCUS.
6. PROMOTER AGREEMENTS. OWRS shall ensure that it performs its
obligations as set forth in the Promoter Agreements for Competitions to be
sanctioned by CART. OWRS shall promptly notify CART of any amendments to
existing Promoter Agreements, and of any new Promoter Agreements entered into by
OWRS with respect to Competitions to be sanctioned by CART, but only under a
confidentiality agreement and only to the extent necessary to allow CART to
review those provisions that pertain to safety issues and FIA/FISA compliance.
7. FIA/FISA COMPLIANCE. OWRS shall comply with all FIA
Regulations, as defined in the FIA/FISA's code book of compliance, including
without limitation, circuit inspections by FIA/FISA inspectors. All costs
associated with such compliance shall be the sole responsibility of OWRS. OWRS
shall promptly reimburse CART for any and all expenses incurred by it in
connection with FIA/FISA compliance, including all costs and expenses associated
with circuit inspections. All races governed by this Agreement will be operated
in
-5-
accordance with and subject to the Official Competition Rules as adopted by
OWRS. Such rules shall comply with applicable ACCUS and FIA standards. OWRS
personnel that are required to wear uniforms at the Competitions shall include a
CART-I.D. patch on such uniforms if required by FIA Regulations.
8. TRADEMARKS; PUBLICITY; CART IDENTIFICATION. All competition
notices, competition bulletins and other written competition communications, and
all series press releases, and series media and marketing materials which
contain Competition results, timing and scoring information or other
race-related information, must include the phrase "sanctioned by CART."
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, OWRS reserves the right
to grant to promoters and/or sponsors the right to use their names or the names
of their products in connection with any race or the entire series, in any way
or manner that OWRS deems to be in the best interests of this series. Any and
all rights to any trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights,
including any fanciful or derivative name, that have or may hereafter arise from
the championship race series, shall be and remain vested in, inure to the
benefit of, and be and remain the sole and separate property of OWRS. All press,
media and promotional activity connected in any way with the CCWS is and shall
be the sole and separate responsibility of OWRS.
9. INSURANCE. OWRS shall have all promoters of Competitions
sanctioned by CART include CART as an additional named insured. In addition,
OWRS shall carry insurance naming CART as an additional insured in amounts and
by forms of coverage no less protective of CART than provided by those policies
of insurance maintained by CART for its Champ Car racing series conducted in
2003.
-6-
10. REPRESENTATIONS OF CART. CART represents and warrants to OWRS
as follows: (a) CART is and shall use its best efforts to remain a member of
ACCUS, and is authorized to sanction the Competitions to be conducted by OWRS;
(b) CART has designated two representatives (one of which shall be suggested by
OWRS and which suggestion shall be accepted by CART unless reasonably deemed by
CART to be inappropriate) and one alternate to the ACCUS board of directors, and
will use CART's best efforts to cause such representatives to be recognized by
ACCUS; (c) CART will timely seek approval of this Agreement by the Bankruptcy
Court, to the extent necessary; and (d) CART is authorized to enter into this
Agreement, and the undersigned representative is duly authorized to execute this
Agreement for and on behalf of CART.
11. OWRS REPRESENTATIONS. OWRS represents and warrants to CART as
follows: (a) OWRS is authorized to enter into this Agreement, and the
undersigned representative is duly authorized to execute this Agreement for and
on behalf of OWRS; (b) OWRS shall cooperate with CART in obtaining Bankruptcy
Court approval of this Agreement, if and to the extent necessary.
12. TERM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall be effective on the
date of its execution by both parties (subject to Bankruptcy Court approval),
and shall terminate on the earlier to occur of the following: (a) December
31, 2004 or (b) as may otherwise be provided in CART's Plan, or (c) upon OWRS
becoming a member of ACCUS.
13. OWRS INDEMNITY. OWRS hereby indemnifies and holds CART
harmless from any loss, liability, or claim that may arise from CART performing
its sanctioning services hereunder, save for claims arising from CART's
recklessness or gross negligence (an "Indemnified Claim"). OWRS agrees to assume
the defense of any Indemnification Claim and
-7-
pay all costs reasonably incurred by CART (including reasonable attorneys' fees)
in connection with the defense or settlement of such Indemnified Claim. OWRS
agrees to cause CART to be made and maintained as an additional named insured
under all insurance policies obtained to provide coverage against any liability
that may arise in or with respect to all of the Competitions for which CART
provides sanctioning services as provided herein, which coverage shall be no
less than ten million ($10,000,000.00).
14. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement shall not be modified or amended
except in a written document signed by the duly authorized representatives of
the parties. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of
which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when taken together, shall
constitute a single Agreement. This Agreement, and any disputes or claims
arising under it, shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State
of Indiana, without reference to its choice of law rules. The parties submit
exclusively to the venue and jurisdiction of either the Federal District Court
for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, or the appropriate
state court located in Marion County, Indiana. Any failure or delay by either
party to enforce any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any of
the provisions of this Agreement, or any time and indulgence given by either
party shall not be construed as a waiver by such party of any of its rights
under this Agreement nor prejudice such party's rights on any subsequent
occasion. The illegality or unenforceability of any part or provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining
provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement is not assignable by either party
without the written consent of the other party.
15. NOTICES. Any notice to be given under this Agreement shall be
given in writing and may be delivered by hand, by overnight courier or by
certified U.S. mail, return
-8-
receipt requested,to the party to be served at the addresses set out below or at
such other address as may from time to time be notified in writing by one party
to the other for this purpose.
CART's address for service shall be:
5350 West Lakeview Parkway South Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Attention: Christopher R. Pook
With a copy to:
James M. Carr
Baker & Daniels
300 North Meridian Street, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The OWRS address for service shall be:
5350 West Lakeview Parkway South Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Attention: Richard P. Eidswick
With a copy to:
James P. Moloy
Dann Pecar Newman & Kleiman, P.C.
One American Square, Suite 2300
Indianapolis, IN 46282
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of this 31 day of March, 2004.
CART, INC.
By: /s/ Thomas L. Carter
--------------------------------
Its: CFO
|
-9-
OPEN WHEEL RACING SERIES LLC
By: /s/ Paul Gentilozzi
------------------------------
Its: Manager
|
-10-
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
STATE OF INCORPORATION
CART, Inc. Michigan
Raceworks, LLC Delaware
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-74889 of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report
dated August 23, 2004 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes
explanatory paragraphs relating to the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern, uncertainties, and the change in the Company's method of
accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets), appearing in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. for the year ended
December 31, 2003.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
August 23, 2004
EXHIBIT 99.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.
(the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2003 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I,
Christopher R. Pook, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(D) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
/s/ Christopher R. Pook
Christopher R. Pook
Chief Executive Officer
August 24, 2004
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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and will be retained by
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
EXHIBIT 99.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.
(the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2003 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I,
Thomas L. Carter, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
/s/ Thomas L. Carter
Thomas L. Carter
Chief Financial Officer
August 24, 2004
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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and will be retained by
Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
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