INDYCAR: Changes ahead for KVSH?

Could the KVSH Racing IndyCar team look different when 2017 arrives? Based on rumblings that began at the Indy 500 in May and continue to gain momentum, major internal changes within the team are a distinct possibility during the off season.

Multiple sources have said the Kalkhoven-owned assets headed to Carlin – namely the cars, transporters, and equipment needed to run an IndyCar program – could be leased, sold, or merged with another team. According to the same sources, Kalkhoven has grown tired of making annual financial contributions to cover team's budgetary shortfalls, which has led to the potential restructuring.

In an update on Tuesday, Kalkhoven (pictured at right, above, with co-owner Jimmy Vasser) said KV will be in action next year, which suggests a new partnership arrangement could be in the works.

"The reality is, we're just collecting a whole bunch of information, and gathering data, before making any decisions," Kalkhoven told RACER. "Certainly we're considering options, we're considering how many cars to run, and the only thing I can confirm is we'll be there next year. Any further than that – and I know motorsport loves speculation – but I'm not going to comment."

Kalkhoven, the 'K,' and 1996 CART champion Jimmy Vasser, the 'V,' have been partners for 12 years spanning the former Champ Car Series and the Verizon IndyCar Series. The recent addition of James 'Sulli' Sullivan, the 'SH,' and the acquisition of four-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais, transformed the Chevy-powered program into a regular contender.

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Without a marquee driver to sell to sponsors, and with Kalkhoven reportedly withdrawing financial support from the KVSH partnership, a transition in the team's ownership base appears to be inevitable.

A union of some form with Carlin has been mentioned on numerous occasions, and with the team's growing interest in joining the Verizon IndyCar Series, the concept of a KV+Carlin effort wouldn't be hard to imagine.

"There's all sorts of rumors going on," Carlin told RACER Wednesday morning. "There's a lot of possibilities out there before anything happens, and nothing's happened yet."

Looking ahead, where would a restructuring leave Sulli (pictured, second from left, IMS photo), and where might he land? He's known as one of the best marketing and sponsorship men in the sport, which would make his presence welcome as a co-owner at almost every team.

And, what about Vasser? He already co-owns a Global Rallycross entry with Sulli, and if the next evolution of the KV team holds minimal interest, Vasser could go with Sulli as a package to another IndyCar program, or bid farewell to the paddock. Or he could stay with KV if it finds itself with a competitive program in 2017.

Of particular interest is the Leader Circle contract held by KV, which provides just over $1 million of guaranteed prize money from the series per year. With other IndyCar teams looking to expand next season, partnering with the KV team to gain access to the contract has also become a topic of interest.

Outside of KV, another piece of the puzzle could be filled by Chip Ganassi Racing's Max Chilton, whose father Grahame is the majority stakeholder in the Carlin team. The elder Chilton also serves as the CEO of Gallagher International, which sponsored his son's No. 8 CGR Chevy. If recent chatter is accurate, Max and Gallagher could be part of a lateral move from Ganassi to kick start Carlin's IndyCar program as its lead driver.

A move to Florida, moving in with Carlin, the likely parting of ways between KV and SH, the potential formation of a new KV+Carlin IndyCar program, and the possibility of Carlin venturing out on its own IndyCar effort...

The months ahead should be interesting for all involved.