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WHEN the final race car crosses the finish line this weekend at the Toyota Grand Prix in Long Beach, it will mark the beginning of a new era in Indy auto racing--and a lucrative opportunity for one Los Angeles County engine builder.
The nation's two elite, open-wheel racing leagues will fully merge after the race, ending a 12-year feud that has cost the sport untold profitability and more than a few fans--many of whom started following the competing NASCAR races.
After the merger, a local outpost of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. will be the sole supplier of pricey racing engines to the expanded league.
The Japanese automaker has its North ...