Fernandez Racing announced that owner/driver Adrian Fernandez will leave the CART Champ Car series to compete in the 2004 IRL IndyCar Series beginning with the Indy 200 Copper World Classic in Phoenix on March 21. Fernandez will drive a Honda powered Panoz G Force chassis on Firestone tires with sponsorship from long-time supporters Quaker State, Telmex and Tecate and new partner Aceros Vilag. Fernandez made his announcement 48 hours after appearing at the Long Beach media tour stating that he did not feel comfortable with the future of Champ Cars. " Obviously this is a big move for us particularly at this late stage,” said Fernandez. “We have reviewed a lot of things the past few days, and had to take a hard look at what we know at this point in time to determine what is best for our sponsors and the future of Fernandez Racing. With the support of Quaker State, Telmex, Tecate and Aceros Vilag, we have made the decision to enter the IRL. "Personally, it is never easy to make a decision like this particularly when you factor in the friendships and relationships that have developed over many years for not only myself but everyone at Fernandez Racing. I will always be thankful for my years in Champ Car racing - where they have taken me in my career and for the tremendous support of the fans along the way.” Former interim CART Ceo, and team owner Bobby Rahal has indicated he may move to the all-oval series as well. Sitting Fernandez departure as a major cause for concern. If both teams leave the series it throws into question whether CART can muster 18 cars for the season. With one month to go before the season opener at Long Beach CART’s survival is anything but assured.