IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials announced today they will open an office in Santa Monica, Calif.,
to make further inroads into the media and entertainment industries.
“If we want to grow the sport, we need to be fully vested in relationships with the entertainment community that can
tell the storylines of our sport," said IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard. “This will be a one-stop shop to pursue
opportunities and make deals across multiple business lines and entertainment outlets.”
Sarah Nettinga will manage the new office and become senior vice president of media and entertainment for IndyCar Entertainment.
Nettinga brings extensive experience to the initiative from her time building similar relationships with Hollywood in her
previous role with NASCAR.
“Sarah has a substantial set of relationships that will get us off to a running start,” Bernard said. “She
has a detailed understanding of this landscape that blends sports and entertainment.”
The IndyCar Series is in a unique position for growth that makes opportunities for integration into film, television, music
and emerging media properties exciting, Bernard said. From the announcements of the 2012 new car project that includes engine
manufacturers Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus to 14 new sponsors - including Fortune 500 companies Verizon, Sunoco and Philips
- being added in 2010, the IndyCar Series has considerable momentum, he added.
“Having an IndyCar office in Los Angeles will provide our sport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway a strong presence
in an important global community,” said IMS CEO Jeff Belskus. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a great story
to tell in 2011 as we prepare for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. In addition to the business reasons to have
an office in Los Angeles, it is a very fitting location because many of the celebrated stories and personalities associated
with the Indianapolis 500 over the last century have deep roots in southern California.”
At NASCAR, Nettinga developed and produced film and television shows with third-party producers, managing production for
NASCAR for three motion pictures “NASCAR 3D: The Imax Experience” for Warner Bros., “Herbie: Fully Loaded”
for Disney and, as an executive producer on “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby for Sony.” For television,
she was responsible for six series, with the most groundbreaking being “NASCAR DRIVER: 360” for FX.
Prior to joining auto racing, Nettinga was a production executive at Warner Bros. International Television Production. She
also has worked for Columbia Tristar Television, CBS, Petry Television, Westinghouse International and Sony International
Television in roles that involved development, sales, production, branding and marketing in the entertainment industry.
- Home
- NEWS
- REGIONAL
- THIS WEEK'S PAPER
- BLOGS
- Multimedia
- OPINION
- A&E
- LISTS
- PEOPLE
- EVENTS
- Classifieds
- Subscribe
Welcome to The Score, your place for hard-hitting sports business news, fast-breaking updates and fuel-injected debate. Buckle up. I'm your host, Anthony Schoettle, IBJ sports reporter.
Sponsored by
ADVERTISEMENT
-
RKW's comments read like a modern "Chicken Little". As a Raintree resident for many years, "Yes, I'm ready for this." Matter of fact, I welcome The Farm because it's a development that compliments our town, brings new and desirable shopping & dining closer (specialty grocer, upscale shops, micro brew pub, etc), offers upscale condos for empty nesters who want to stay in Zionsville, is being planned and constructed by local, well-reputed firms and, of course, provides desirable non property tax benefits. We all knew the Pittman's were going to develop their property sooner than later. That one of the Pittman's will continue to live on the property helps assure The Farm will be everything promised. This also sets a standard for other developers as to the quality of future developments - which should keep an ugly Walmart at bay for decades. As we've no meglomaniac mayor, I seriously doubt Zionsville would ever aspire to over-priced statues or subsidized retail rents. And we already have a very nice public theater, the Zionsville Performing Arts Center, that meets our cultural needs quite nicely.
-
Do we add (or subtract) these from the bounty we recieve from RTWFL, Daylight Savings Time, corporate tax giveaways, and the crack job IEDC is doing?? Or is Mike going to blame these on Mitch?
-
Who makes Tater Tots? They would be a good sponsor, because $3 Million for the alleged "Greatest Spectacle In Racing" is taters. Tiny, tiny taters. But at least they are making up something of the losses accumulated over the years in this dying sport. Buttock in seat is certainly not doing it, nor eyeball on TV, as evidenced by the lack of both.
-
We loved lakehouse and think the Arbor Village would be a great location. It is less than 2 miles from over 1000 rooftops in the 225,000 to over 1 million range. Many people could use the great fishers trail system to bike or walk there. Just an idea Scotty -- but maybe something closer to 3 Wiseman would good. The only microbrew in area is Ram (boring)
-
True, it's an ESPN production, but ESPN is just another name for ABC Sports, or what used to be ABC Sports since ABC Sports no longer exists as a name. ESPN=ABC Sports= ESPN. ESPN is, according to Forbes "the world's most valuable media property" worth $40 billion. Despite that, they fired 400 people this week.
ADVERTISEMENT
Back to TopCopyright © All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use.
Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing.
Additional Hosting & Delivery by
IBJ Conversations
104 Comments
Add Comment
Anthony, have you heard anymore about the film based on the ealry history of the 500? I know they were talking about building a copy of the original track and I figured that was a long shot.
As long as any media IMS does is not like the movie Drive. That was an abomination.
Again, is Burl telling the truth or telling more of his tall tales? Will Chief buy his stories hook, line and sinker? Will Burl tell all of us that he is leaving again, just to come back because he misses us?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Not.........
Then a few years after that they spent a fortune with GENE SIMMONS of KISS who had a company that did this stuff. And IT FAILED.
This too WILL FAIL. And cost more $$$.
Just when you think the folks on 16th St. can't do anything more dumb, they do!
IT'S OVER. ALL OVER.
Forget trying to save Firestone; let's go chase "B" actors.
Robin Miller: U R KILLING THIS SPORT. YOU TELL DOPE RANDY WHAT TO DO.
The on-track product sucks, the cars are ugly, the engines sound like a 140db version of the GhostBusters hearse.
Wouldn't it make sense to make your ontrack product paletable and popular with the great un-washed rather than create a Hollywood based image of SOMETHING IT'S NOT? IMS is putting the cart before the horse...figuratively.
What INDYCAR has done is orient itself inside the current decade. Building brand awareness and taking an active approach in attracting new fans has never really been taken seriously. It is now.
The IZOD INDYCAR Series is in great hands, and good things are happening.
Enjoy!
Brand awareness? The laCK OF POPULARITY of the series should tell you something. Trying to attract people that don't want you is just more $$$$ money down the drain.
WHAT exactly is to be gained by this Hollywood office? So, IMS sales staff can work a few hours later to sell wares NO ONE WANTS? Hasn't the past 15 year taught you goofy folks anything?
Chief, We all know short of apologizing to you and giving you your job back or whatever it is the IRL took from you, they will never do anything right in your mind. So other than criticizing everything they do, do you have a real reason to be here? Seems like you embarrassed yourself when you backed up Burl hook, line and sinker on his fictious tales.
-14 new blue chip sponsors for the series in the past twelve months.
-Sponsorship dollars spent in INDYCAR in 2010 exceeded $80 million dollars, more than double the previous year.
-Ratings in targeted demographics are up 40%.
-IZOD touts a 350% ROI, far exceeding their wildest estimates.
Opening a west coast office to establish a presence in that media hub makes perfect sense, and is staffed by someone with experience.
For something thought to be lacking in popularity by obsessed simpletons, actual reality seems to tell a far different story.
Looks like the chicken little kiddies are wrong again.
300,000 = 17 too funny
I anticipate some of the haters may spontaneously combust.
Why did he do that?
For 15 years the IRL is not profitable REGARDLESS of what's happening now. 2011 will be no different, and going to Hollywood has just as much importance as opening an office in Huntsville, Alabama. ZERO importance as this was never on ANYONE's list of IRL NEED TO DO's.
All thet's really been done is the Speedway is just cover the tracks it made when murdering the AOW sport, and they are making a fast getaway.
The IMS and IZOD INDYCAR Series are privately held. Their finances have never been made public. I suspect he was respecting that. Either that or it was a simple, gratuitous way to drive the INDYCAR-obsessed children who offer continuous commentary always framed around its supposed demise (you children have been looking foolish every single year for sixteen years now with annual predictions of doom that never come to pass) absolutely into a another quaint frenzy that will last years.
"For 15 years the INDYCAR Series is not profitable REGARDLESS of what's happening now. 2011 will be no different, and going to Hollywood has just as much importance as opening an office in Huntsville, Alabama. ZERO importance as this was never on ANYONE's list of IRL NEED TO DO's."
Well, uh, actually, opening an office in one of the two media capitals of the world is a very smart idea, as long as it does not result in an abomination like 'Driven.' It is a no-brainer. It does not have quite the effect of getting someone such as, oh....Cedric The Entertainer involved, but is definitely a good start. Huntsville may have made sense had they adopted that retro rocket looking Delta Wing.
"All thet's really been done is the Speedway is just cover the tracks it made when murdering the AOW sport, and they are making a fast getaway."
Hmmm. That's odd. If one looks objectively at the AOW landscape over the past sixteen years, three basic facts are undeniable:
1. The IZOD INDYCAR Series, the continuation organization of the Indy Racing League, founded in the mid-1990s by Tony George, has operated continuously since 1996.
2. cart killed itself.
3. champcar killed itself.
The only thing that appears to be dead is cart. Twice. So if you are one of the children of the cart who myopically (and foolishly) equate AOW with cart, well son, you are out of luck. Once you grow up, you may want to get out of the way so the adults in the room can continue enjoying the sport, as many of us have since even before cart came along.
"....The INDYCAR Series gets vry low television ratings. 0.30 range."
Low compared to what? The vast majority of sports and entertainment fare is 'down' proportionately across the board over the same period. This is more a result of having hundreds of new channels, a large number of signal delivery methods, widespread Internet availability and the proliferation of wireless technology. Besides, no one except unenlightened squatters on the Internet really pays attention to simplistic 12+ Nielsen numbers. Those who spend money on advertising certainly do not. Take a look at numbers in targeted demos. They are up 40% last year, and that is something no other sports or entertainment offering can claim.
"The Indy 500 in 2010 was the lowest rated ever."
...in a world of hundreds of new entertainment and delivery options. The fact remains the ratings for Indy are still the high water mark for the sport, respectable by ad sales measures and par for the course when compared with other offerings.
"Empty seats abound at most tracks. Homestead was a ghostown. Mmmmmmmmmmhhmmmmmmmm. Why?"
Mostly because NASCAR tracks were overbuilt. Even NASCAR does not come close to selling them out. The dreadfully attended and poorly promoted events; i.e., ISC events, were all dropped. Still, the IZOD INDYCAR series drew 1.2 million fans to race track seats in 2010, and that number is expected to rise in 2011.
"Because Defender is a fan of a sport that is not even on the radar screen of 99.9 percent of Americans."
Defender has been a fan of the sport since 1959. And if you look at it objectively, it hasn't enjoyed NASCAR levels of popularity since the 1960s and 1970s. And if things were as dire as positioned by the children of the cart, what does that say about the supposed star power of the cart drivers who became a part of INDYCAR after cart killed itself, twice? Moral of the story: The sport, centered around IMS, will be around long after we're all gone.
"Tiny sport now. Almost irrelevant. Quick now. When was the last time you heard or saw someone in mainstream sports media talk about the big State of IndyCar meeeting or some of the off-season signings such as Rahal's?"
Saw all of those things reported on SportsCenter and on the web sites of most major American publications. All were covered in the motorsport-centric publications as well.
"MMMMMMMMMMMMhhhhhmmmmm. Minor League sport, Defensless."
I, like most rationally thinking adults, am pleased with the momentum the series has, including the support of dedicated sponsors, including IZOD, whose initial investment is producing a 350% ROI, far exceeding their expectations. Fourteen blue chip sponsors have sighed with the series in the past twelve months, and that investment has more than doubled to over $81 million dollars. Even the boo birds would agree that's not bad for a 'minor league sport.'
Burl, when are going to start using your head?
As for your explanation of Homestead by pointing your soiled finger at NASCAR: Ok, I'll buy that one. Overbuilt. So to that end, it would make sense for that race track to take some seats out. There are probably 20,000 too many for that facility, reflective of the state of the sport. But in Indy Cars case, there is a high school football stadium we are redeveloping right now in Texas. I have available, aluminum bench seating, only four years old and in excellent condition, that seats approximately 5,000. Teh school fileld that to capacity and that is why I have a contract to expand to a permanent faciltity seating 12,000. These are nice grandstands of high quality. I would make an offer to the IndyCar Series if they are interested because then they could hold a race that is actually a sell-out. I am pretty sure they could seat 5,000 and then go to the standing room only card. Sounds good and gives guys like you, Belsuks, Talkin', Ropin', Gobblin' Robin, and WindyMan, data to warp.
Bottom line: The IndyCar Series and the Indy 500 are teensey. Ok, maybe the "500" still has value, but diminished. And you'll see that in buttage and rating coem May. One hundred means nothing to anyone but boater hat wearing geekdom at Trackforum and the rest of the oddball Branch of Davidson Gomeratti who weep at the alter of Jim Nabors and Tom Carnegie.
And there is your trouble Defenseless: Indy has a high geek number.
I think Chief brings up a very good and important topic. In the end, as I've always said, Randy Bernard will be graded on the series' scale of profitability alone. I did ask Randy about this after Tuesday's presentation. He was pretty straightforward about 2011 and the comment he made about profitability, and I'll share what I've learned on this blog within a few days. I'll also share a few other things I learned after the presentation. Thanks for reading.
"Gather 'round me, everybody
Gather 'round me while I'm preachin'
Feel a sermon comin' on me
Then settle back and just sit tight
While I start reviewin'
The attitude of doin' right
You see, you've all got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene".
Suddenly, all across the world, media and web pundits alike all began singing the same tune:
"(Man, they said "We'd better accentuate the positive?")
("Eliminate the negative?")
("And latch on to the affirmative?")
Don't mess with Mister In-Between (No!)
Don't mess with Mister In-Between!
(Ya got to spread joy up to the maximum!)
(Bring gloom down to the minimum!)
(Have faith or pandemonium's)
(Liable to walk upon the scene!)
You got to ac (yes, yes) -cent-tchu-ate the positive!
Eliminate (yes, yes) the negative!
And latch (yes, yes) on to the affirmative!
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
No, don't mess with Mister In-Between!".
So, this explains why pesky details like 'no profits' or 'bad TV ratings' can easily be dismissed. But, the truth ALWAYS finds it's way to the surface though....remember, in business, failure is an opportunity. And opportunities only coverup the damages to the sport since the IRL's creation.
A. One of them completely misunderstood (as far away as a human mind can actually get, actually) the purpose of having a presence on the west coast. This is unsurprising.
B. 'Ol Burl continued with his boilerplate hate, both asking for specifics and trying to do something no one in business every would...compare 2010 to 1995. Here's a deal for you. I'd be happy to go into detail the moment one of you provides me a detailed accounting of revenue versus expenses over the life of Indy Car that makes a case for a 'loss' taunted at between $600 million and $750 million.
C. Anthony chimed in with a timely tease for a future blog.
D. Some unoriginal, unfunny child hijacked my real name and posted something that both makes little sense and fails as any sort of obsessed homage.
E. Chief, when called on his usual equine excrement, trotted merrily off to the la-la land in the part of his brain that is, frankly, God's own private little mystery.
The actual number is hundreds of millions less than the one(s) that are oft-stated. Nothing to fear there.
"I see you are not a business person either. You gave that away to us in your last waste."
Actually, I am self made, successful and rapidly expanding. I'm very happy.
"The problem with you Branch Davidson's is your strict adherence to Gomerton fundalmentalism. Blinders on, Defenseless. Blinders on.
See, this is where what little credibility you think you might have vanishes. I am assuming you were actually going for 'Branch Davidians, the religious cult from WACO who ran afoul of federal authorities years ago. I suppose that is a slight improvement over Kool-Aid/Jim Jones/Guyana references that are also popular with your limited intellect ilk. Classy. And 'Gomerton?' I am assuming that is some obsessed reference to Jim Nabors. Whatever. Do you not imagine how seriously you might be taken if you posted as an adult would?
"Don't hurt yourself when IMS is sold and the Indy 500 is no more ok? I don't like you, but I wouldn't want to see that. Don't hurt yourself when IMS is sold and the Indy 500 is no more ok?"
Let's compare notes when that particular concoction actually comes to pass, shall we?
Over the past three years my travels have included stops in Kuala Lumpur (and other smaller Malaysian locales), Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Jakarta...and in Europe recently it's been Brussels, Lisbon, Amsterdam, and several cities in Great Britain. In every single instance while making small talk, the question about where I am from is asked. When I tell them Indianapolis, 100% of the locals mentioned the Indianapolis 500. 100%.
Typically, those who dismiss the sport as 'minor league' are folks not predisposed toward auto racing to begin with. The other extreme group are generally disenfranchised, youthful cart enthusiasts who lack the maturity and knowledge to orient themselves within an appropriate century.
Big bad business man wannabee Burl is a shining example of that particular yelping fringe.
The series itself more than doubled its own sponsorship last year and is well over $81 million.
Knowing the IZOD INDYCAR Series is on hiatus from the Chicagoland area, a Cubs sponsorship really does not make sense.
I feel sorry for your girlfriend's father. He evidently is hooked up with a welfare team. The good teams pound the pavement until they fund their teams. Even Foyt Racing did that.
Thanks for stopping by. The 100th anniversary season is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, and your demos are right up the INDYCAR target alley.
You can't 'control' a creative self-thinking mind....nor any of the other 'self thinkers' that post here. And it drives you INSANE.
Remember the Humpty-Dumpty analogy....I admit the Speedway is taking steps, but ol' Humpty was shattered into billions of itsy-bitsy pieces. Ropin' Randy has done good...but he's a freshman used car salesman trying to make a smashed 1975 Ford Granada on rims into a flash elegant 2012 Aston-Martin DB9.
All you Indy bootlickers are happy with a 1975 Ford Granada. There's work to be done. Be a little more humble Defender, we may all get along better for the betterment of the sport (because of it). YOU can't do it, can you?
This USA has been one big melting pot for a long time...and now the speedway wants to be more welcoming? What did they do to not be welcoming previously?
The IRL opportunist ways with George Mack and Cory Witherall turned my stomach as did the touting of 'short track heroes' being the second coming of Aj and Parnelli. These opportunist ways have run aground recently as they've used Danica and her gender for all they could get publicity-wise.
So IMS, I'm insulted already that you have to do something special to get us interested, but more so because you seek to publicize it like you have. Minorities are proud peoples and will NOT fall for this revisionist welcoming.
Explain what the problem was and what you are doing to fix it. OR JUST SAY NOTHING.
"Let's be honest for a change, you dislike my opinion because you hate the fact that I AM CREATIVE."
No. You are not. You are an obsessed child who foolishly believes he is creative, but is woefully mistaken. All anyone needs to do is attempt to wade through your repeated nonsense. You are a screeching chicken little type whose sole purpose anywhere on the Internet seems to be to drop waste on otherwise worthwhile conversation.
"You can't 'control' a creative self-thinking mind....nor any of the other 'self thinkers' that post here. And it drives you INSANE."
Actually, it makes me sad. Society has regressed enough without having to deal with immature, classless vandals.
"Remember the Humpty-Dumpty analogy....I admit the Speedway is taking steps, but ol' Humpty was shattered into billions of itsy-bitsy pieces."
There you are incorrect again. cart was shattered into lots of little pieces. Twice. They no longer matter, except in the deluded, juvenile minds of those still attempting to tear the sport apart because they can't get over their preferred organization's boycott and subsequent multiple self destruction.
"Ropin' Randy has done good...but he's a freshman used car salesman trying to make a smashed 1975 Ford Granada on rims into a flash elegant 2012 Aston-Martin DB9."
Actually he is an accomplished, proven executive who took a completely obscure sport to a respected position of profitability. He leveraged that feat into an opportunity to repair damage caused both by cart scorched earth and entrenched IMS ineptitude. So far he is exceeding expectations.
"All you Indy bootlickers are happy with a 1975 Ford Granada."
What possesses you to name call like a grade schooler? How old are you? 'Bootlickers?' Excuse me? Happy with a '1975 Ford Granada?' Hardly. Pay attention, son. The number one issue Randy heard from fans was get rid of the spec. So in 20121, that is precisely what is happening, and with multiple manufacturers. Every actual race fan to whom I have talked believes that is a great evolutionary trend. So do I.
"There's work to be done. Be a little more humble Defender, we may all get along better for the betterment of the sport (because of it). YOU can't do it, can you?"
Spare me your quaint lectures. Look in the mirror. There is always work to be done. There has been work to be done since day one. If there is ever a point where there is not work to be done, I will be worried.
News flash: All ISC venues were dropped. The reason? Lack of promotion, which resulted in lack of filled seats. I assume your latest shrieking tirade deals with Homestead. They never drew a crown even in the utopian cart days of yore. NASCAR can't even fill it up. Is there some attempt at a point, kid?
"And the Greatest Spectacle in Racing was NOT A SELL OUT, featuring wide swaths of EMPTY SETS. EMPTY SEATS! The INDYCAR Series cannot fill them because it has geeky-nerd drivers only a tiny percentage of hardcore racing fans have ever heard of or care about, a pompous image, ugly cars, a boring product, and a howdy-doody rodeo fair director for what Defender considers a brilliant executive."
What explains a half-full IMS for the latest Brickyard? I thought NASCAR was the most popular form of motorsport in the USA. Why did the most popular form of motor sport in the world, F1, draw less than 100K? By comparison, the 300,000 the Indy 500 draws every year seems great to rational thinkers, especially given the economic challenges today. Heck, why did NASCAR not sell out ANY of their races last season? Why are there wide swaths of grandstand at most F1 races? What makes you believe INDYCAR is the only form of entertainment that does not sell all its seats?
"Yep. Corn dogs and bullstink. Perfect fit, actually. Defenderless, your sport is on its last eight second ride, it's gonan get throwed, and tossed out with the midway trash. She's done, Defenderless."
If I apply your 'logic' in a general sense, the only sport with a future is the NFL.
CANOE.CA has the article....IRLZOD series needs to hit 80K race day and 200K weekend to even get close.
Folks in Edmonton think this is a big record to break....me too.
Get past it. Orient yourself in 2011.
The IMS knows they have major hurdles to get the sport back to the way it was....I wish them luck on their quest. Breaking this record will be an accomplishment for the young IzodCar series.
Geez Defender, you'd think you'd be excited about eclipsing a prior great record. I think the other record the IzodCars need to shoot for is Toronto....176K weekend and about 78K for CART/CCWS series there respectively. I believe the IRL drew 15K for the weekend the past two years. Maybe the promoter needs to go OR they should open an office up north like in Hollywood.
I also hear they going to merge the record books of the MERGED IRL and CART/CCWS series. This will go along way to help ol' Humpty get put back together.
And which daughter is the one who "hand picked" Randy? And I mean HAND picked.
Sincerely,
Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman
"Stewart got into a dispute with the owner of the Sydney Speedway -- stunning, I know -- and things turned a mite ugly. Seems Stewart wasn't pleased with something, perhaps track conditions, and made his concerns known to Brett Morris, co-owner of the track by allegedly hitting him with a helmet. Morris didn't take the gesture as a souvenir, and reportedly decked Smoke, leaving him with a black eye."
Ryan Newman NEVER stepped foot in an IRL car.
Regardless, the IRL FAILED to retain Mr. Stewart's services, thus even failing at what launched the IRL in the first place, getting USAC roots racers in the IRL. Who's the next AJ? Why, it's gotta be the Dancing With Stars champeen or that girl that does soft porn, Danicka Patrick.
So yeah, I am right. The IRL has produced ZERO. Quite a legacy that they are depending on ex-CART and CHAMPCAR WORLD SERIES drivers, team owners and other series principles like TOny Cotman to rebuild the IMS Humpty Dumpty back again. Too bad for \you IRL lubbbers, they are rebuilding it with CART-like features. Hahahahha!
1. Sixteen years of turning wheels.
2. Television ratings up 40% in targeted demos.
3. Title sponsor reports 350% ROI, 'far exceeding' their expectations.
4. Fourteen blue chip series sponsors in twelve months.
5. Sponsor spend in 2010 more than doubled to over $80 million.
Basic facts about cart:
1. Not relevant since 1995.
2. Killed themselves.
3. Successor organization also killed itself.
Is it not time, Chief, for you and your handful of delinquent friends to grow up?
1. Indy/IRL has not seen prosperity SINCE the IRL locked-out CART with the creation of the IRL. FACT.
2. Remnants of CART/CCWS were MERGED with the IRL in 2008. Tony George paid $$$. FACT.
3. Successor organization (IRL) DEAD, no longer relevant.
Is it not time, Defender, for you and your narcissistic multiple personalities to grow up? 500 hits a DAY on that blog of yours sure is using up all the bandwidth preaching your revisionism, eh?
"REAL basic facts about cart:
1. The INDYCAR Series has not seen prosperity SINCE the IRL locked-out cart with the creation of the IRL. FACT."
One of the problems with children who refuse to budge from 1995 is the wildly stupid (more stupid with each passing year, actually) notion that cart was 'locked out.' On the contrary, every single cart team was explicitly invited, in writing, to compete, and cart chose not to. That sounds more like an arrogant boycott as opposed to a 'lockout.' If the notion there was a 'lockout' is real, that points to very severe delusion.
"2. Remnants of cart/ccws were MERGED with the IRL in 2008. Tony George paid $$$. FACT."
How can you legitimately call a glorified asset sale a 'merger' and keep a straight face? Actual adults can't. Why are you unable to cease pounding the stupidity drum and join the rest of humankind in the current decade and century? Pining for what you mistakenly believe existed will get you nowhere.
"3. Successor organization (IRL) DEAD, no longer relevant."
This is perhaps the most stupid 'fact' ever concocted by you petulant children. The IRL began in 1996, has operated continuously ever since. The leadership is different (and better) and the corporate entity previously known as the IRL is now known officially as The INDYCAR Series. Projecting cart-style failure (twice) onto the INDYCAR Series just screams delusional.
"Is it not time, Defender, for you and your narcissistic multiple personalities to grow up? 500 hits a DAY on that blog of yours sure is using up all the bandwidth preaching your revisionism, eh?"
I honestly do not believe it is me that needs to grow up. I have had the proper respect and reverence for the institution of Indy since 1959. Perhaps in the unlikely event maturity creeps into your repertoire down the road you may begin to understand it. But right now you are very distant from even basic understanding, and I feel truly sorry for those of you who choose a willfully stupid path.
What's your excuse? Between you and Tony George you could occupy an entire wing of the old Central State.
1. INDYCAR opening a west coast office...good idea?
2. When are you going to grow up?
The on-track product sucks, the cars are ugly, the engines sound like a 140db version of the GhostBusters hearse.
Wouldn't it make sense to make your ontrack product palatable and popular with the great un-washed rather than create a Hollywood based image of SOMETHING IT'S NOT? IMS is putting the cart before the horse...figuratively.
I reiterate...IF THE IMS had something to market (like a REAL RACING series) it would be a good thing. But, this just costs throws good $$$ after bad, just like always. ALL FLASH with nothing to show for it.
It appears the notion they are looking for some type of 'holy grail' is another fantasy concocted from your vivid imagination. Material I have read simply indicates the series is looking to broaden its exposure in the entertainment capitol of the world. A presence in both New York and LA is a very smart approach, particularly when staffed by someone with experience.
"The on-track product sucks, the cars are ugly, the engines sound like a 140db version of the GhostBusters hearse."
Look, to be honest, the sour opinions of a handful of youthful cart enthusiasts who refuse to budge from 1995 means almost as much as the future viability of the cart series; i.e., absolutely nothing. You failed to address the question of when you would grow up; the bitterness of your subjective dismissal answers the question. At least we know you are a fan, otherwise you would never spend this much time obsessing over it.
"Wouldn't it make sense to make your ontrack product palatable and popular with the great un-washed rather than create a Hollywood based image of SOMETHING IT'S NOT? IMS is putting the cart before the horse...figuratively."
Hmmm. Objective folks look at it and see that it is the most diverse series in the world, and other than a few seconds of big time drag racing...also he fastest. The legitimate concerns mature adults have expressed about spec series have been addressed as well. It appears the minority of which you a part is shrinking rapidly.
I reiterate...IF THE IMS had something to market (like a REAL RACING series) it would be a good thing. But, this just costs throws good $$$ after bad, just like always. ALL FLASH with nothing to show for it.
I guess we ARE making progress. You know Defender, electroshock therapy would work wonders for you.
Ignored? He can't even post. Bwahahahahaha!!!
Face it, it is OVER! Not even Lord Randall shall saveth. DONE! Finis! Kaput! Through! It is all over but the Centennial sportfans.
SAME chassis, SAME engine, SAME winners, SAME losers (AJ and original IRL brethren, FTG).
Yet they want to market the nothingness of the IRL..err INDYCAR (renamed to capitalize on the past great series) in 2011. WHY do that? WHY not wait until 2012 when what was left of the original IRL is gone forever? Just more lipstick on the pig.
Wonder whether anyone bothered to ask that team about ratings in targeted demos being up 40%, which is something no other sport can claim? I did not think so.
Folks, look. If there is one thing I have come to understand from attending events at IMS since 1959 it is this: The Indianapolis 500 was around before any of us were born, and it will be around long after we are all dead. Anyone who cannot accept that is neither sane nor rational.
Chicken little hysteria spouted by those who really do not understand it makes the folks doing the spouting look really foolish.
Why not simply enjoy the show? Here is a safe prediction: The 100th anniversary event will be a sellout.
It is basically a six car, pro-am series. Better were the days of Racin' Gardner and Jimmy Kite. At least back then you coulf do it far cheaper. Far cheaper. And the Gomertons still came out in theior boater hats with milk lip and tears for Jim Nabors, all Tom Carnegie-like in their roaring approval. It had an everyman quality to it. If Racin' Gardner can do this, so can I. Now it is just a bunch of rich Euros and South Americans, chicks, and metromen. Rejected firmly by the one-time patron, it is left to ferment like bad fertilizer foot.
Do you people understand how fundamentally impaired you appear? Indy Car racing has never, ever been a top sport. Ever. Not in the cart era. Not in the roadster era. Not in any era. Positioning it as somehow needing to be for survival is utterly ludicrous and unrealistic.
The goal of IMS for INDYCAR is profitability. That is Randy Bernard's #1 job. He is succeeding.
For those wailing about the lack of Americans, do not worry. Many more are signed up for '11. The ladder system is being configured to generate even more.
All the chicken littling in the world does not change basic facts:
-Those who use 12+ numbers as if they mean something are, essentially, well beyond ignorant. Those numbers are not how advertising purchases are based. Numbers that matter: Targeted demographics. In those, a 40% increase is something no other sport can claim.
-Series sponsorship more than doubled in 2010. Total spend exceeded $80 million dollars. Fourteen blue chip series sponsors have been signed in twelve months.
-The series drew over one million in attendance last season.
Seriously, doomsayers, use your brains for once. If you want to obsess over a series actually sliding downhill, go pester NASCAR enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, back onto topic, a high priority these days for INDYCAR is effective marketing. Keeping the sport in the public eye. Employing someone with that type of experience on the west coast is a very smart move.
Again, the Indianapolis 500 was here before any of us, and will be here long after we are all departed. If you do not believe that, you know very little about the the institution that facilitated the entire sport, and you have my pity. It is difficult to feel contempt for ignorance.
Oh, other bad news today:
-The federal government cleared the way for the Comcast purchase of NBC-Universal. Watch for a re-branded Versus and other channels to enhance the INDYCAR viewing experience.
-A national brand title sponsor for the Milwaukee race will be announced on the 27th.
THE SKY IS FALLING. Lol.
Why does the series have a gag order in place? What is leaks occur again?
"...the truth will come out some day..." "...The league is a joke..."
Same script, different day. Next. Grow up.
Why has the IRL FAILED to create sustainable TV ratings in it's 15 years of existence?
Racing-wise, WHAT REALLY WILL CHANGE from the years previous to 2011?
This Defender character cannot in any way, shape, or form, defend the fact the series' Championship round was attended by no more than 10,000 and had a television audience of no more than 300,000. WNBA-level stuff.
He can reference "targeted demographics" all he wishes, that won't cut the mustard for long-term sustainment. He is obviously not in advertising and certainly not a businessman. I am.
Only institutional sponsors would view a "targeted demographic" with such small numbers as a potential investment, mostly for VIP association. That would place the series at a decidedly "minor league" level as some have called it here, something akin to WoO or, generously, ALMS. That is hardly the stuff of a major sport.
The hard truth is the current structure is set up for failure. In just looking at the peripheral numbers, I give it two to three years. And that is extremely optimistic. Most likely less time if interested parties wish to cut their losses. It would take a tremendous turn-around to last that long and change course for a sustainable future.
In all seriousness, if the 2011 season fails to deliver a tremendous increase in TV viewership, which is everything, and as an aside, sees an increase in attendance at most races, there is absolutely no way it will last. This is especially true considering the existing teams face a substantial increase in expenditure at the end of this season.
I understand there are folks here who love this sport. However, much of their repeated mantra in defense of it, falls flat on the face of reality. The series is very sick and may cease to exist. That is a very real possibility.
Mario Andretti was a great race car driver and, by all appearances, something of a successful entrepreneur, albeit from a narccistic platform. His advice to Mr. Bernard is not without selfish-motivation, something that was painfully en vogue in CART's pinnacle era. The end result was complete and absolute failure.
For this sport to succeed it first must reconcile with the fact it is of second tier importance now, perhaps always was. Then it must retreat to a USAC/1970's-era level of operating cost across the board and hope the legendary Indianapolis 500, as its centerpiece, will be sufficient enough to justify a half dozen other races on small venue ovals. The era of CART and all its grandiosity is long past and of virtually no appeal to the American motor racing demographic at large. They evolved. The sport did not.
I mean, apart from Defender, who will be suicidal for a while, but he'll eventually get over it, and become a huge F1 fan. :P
When you sever the success of the sport because of a stupid meglomaniac's ego centricity and paranoia....well, that's why the sport is on it's knees. And yes, the IRL was a FAILURE...and everyone knows it...AND is the exact reason this 2011 IRL lameduck season is gonna suck, regardless of the amount of lipstick is on the IRL pig...indycar name as well. ICK.
From my vantage point high above turn one, I saw every seat filled in the most expensive seats, and I have not seen as many people lining the infield (budget conscious) in decades.
My opinion about those who believe the race is history is as follows:
-Their ignorance about the event knows no bounds.
-They are willfully stupid for whatever reason.
The one thing I know for sure is that it was around long before any of us became fans, and it will be around long after all of us are dead.
-Attendance has fallen to lowest levels since 1995, 1979, 1961, 1959. Blame has been placed on everything BUT the real reason: The IRL FAILED and held no real interest for racefans. Together, the IRL and 500, have floundered. Now, they change the name of the series to the old "INDYCAR" moniker and expect to have the same respect as the former IndyCar series did. Not a chance Hades friends. And, they exoect it in IRL Dallara "planes", 8 year old chassis known for breaking the backs of drivers with alarming regularity.
-TV rating for the 500 have fallen to lowest levels SINCE live broadcasting began in 1986. 3.68 in 2010 reflects the apathy in the sport due to Hulman-George destructive influence on sport.
-Hulman-George family have spent $750million and COUNTING to prop up the dead IRL...and are now engaged in the practice of the resurrection of CART formulaic racing...known as a successful form of racing snuffed out in it's prime by Hulman-George involvement (creation of IRL).
Frankly...THOSE ARE ALL FACTS. And IMS lubbers and Indy bootlickers can't handle the FACTS. Watch, wait and listen for Defenders own boilerplate making excuses for the IRL and the 500's own failures...later in this blog.
"-500 race has fallen in importance, national and international, due to Hulman-George involvement."
Since 1946? LOL. On the contrary, the 500 has enjoyed immense stature for decades. The only 'people' who believe it is less than it was are, essentially, ignorant cart enthusiasts who have been crying the same jag for sixteen years. Their track record of predicting doom is 100% incorrect.
"-Attendance has fallen to lowest levels since 1995, 1979, 1961, 1959."
This one is very easy to prove. The number of seats in 2011 is much higher than in either 1959, 1961 or 1979. And yet attendance for every Indianapolis 500 in the INDYCAR era is much higher than in those years. 1995 featured lots of empty seats low in the north chute and on the backstretch side of the NW Vista. I know that does not fit the hater argument, but facts rarely do.
"Blame has been placed on everything BUT the real reason: INDYCAR FAILED and held no real interest for racefans."
Again, the only confirmed failure was cart. Twice. It is really too bad its most militant apologists refuse to budge from their mostly self-concocted utopia. INDYCAR has been a lot of fun, turning wheels for sixteen years.
"Together, INDYCAR and 500, have floundered."
They have? When do you expect they will self immolate, as cart did? Twice?
"Now, they change the name of the series to the old "INDYCAR" moniker and expect to have the same respect as the former IndyCar series did. Not a chance Hades friends."
Actually, the twice failed cart series is best left in the past. The goal for INDYCAR (actually alive) is to forge a new level of success that exceeds anything in the past.
"And, they exoect it in IRL Dallara "planes", 8 year old chassis known for breaking the backs of drivers with alarming regularity."
Fortunately, Dallara and the INDYCAR series have made phenomenal safety advances over the years. INDYCAR has led the way for the sport. Dallara is building a new factory on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana to lead the next generation. Lots of additional manufacturer involvement has been confirmed. These are all tangible signs of growth for the series.
"-TV rating for the 500 have fallen to lowest levels SINCE live broadcasting began in 1986. 3.68 in 2010 reflects the apathy in the sport due to Hulman-George destructive influence on sport."
In actual fact, the 12+ numbers for INDYCAR mirror ratings trends for the vast majority of sports and entertainment offerings. Other facts we know for certain include:
-Ad sales are not facilitated using 12+ numbers.
-Ratings in targeted demos are up 40%, and no other sport can claim that.
-It is likely this particular taunt will keep on being used by the more ignorant cart enthusiasts.
"-Hulman-George family have spent $750million and COUNTING to prop up the dead INDYCAR...and are now engaged in the practice of the resurrection of cart formulaic racing...known as a successful form of racing snuffed out in it's prime by Hulman-George involvement (creation of IRL)."
If that is true, why would you not be 100% supportive? Did you hate cart and act like a child between 1979 and 1995? You may not have been born yet. Oh, and when will you address my request (nearing 100 times now) that you provide an accurate accounting of revenue versus expenses that explain that funny $750 million number? No one has. Particularly no one of importance.
"Frankly...THOSE ARE ALL FACTS."
You have a generous definition of 'facts.' It is quite funny.
"And IMS lubbers and Indy bootlickers can't handle the FACTS."
'Bootlickers' huh? Classy. Actually we handle them by laughing uproariously, which is the only logical reaction.
"Watch, wait and listen for Defenders own boilerplate making excuses for the IRL and the 500's own failures...later in this blog."
Nope. No excuses. Adults understand the evolution of not just the sport, but of the entire planet. It is my belief that the obsessed INDYCAR followers who spend many waking hours trying to tear it apart for no apparent reason should discover maturity. Perhaps even address actual topics, which in this case is the opening of a Hollywood office to further promote the growth of INDYCAR.
All facts...important ones some will not admit too. Digital Impressions are up 350% though. WooT!
That's your bunged-up reasoning right there. Remember when the IMS used to say '400,000' seats until Curt Cavin counted them. Remember when Penske said 50,000 folks missing was like a drop in the bucket to a place like Indy?
Good thing there's aerial HIGH DEFINITION photography these days to capture the empty aluminum. Keep lying DefenDer. The Speedway needs to determine whether it's going to tell the truth, or continue covering up the past lies.
Here is another consistent fact: IMS has never released any attendance figures. Ever. The media and cart are responsible for 'half a million' claims then as they are now. In actual fact, the size of the crowd at Indy generally runs
Your mostly incoherent attempts at posting comments here continue not to make much sense.
My sentence that said: 'In actual fact the size of the crowd at Indy generally runs...' should say 'between 350,000 and 375,000.'
You're welcome.
Blame others, it works perfectly for you.
It is about today and tomorrow...unless IMS sells more seats it'll be the WORST attendance EVER. Notable because it's been in decline since 1996 and the influx of $$$ to the series isn't buying any advertising on Network TV's anywhere. Who do you blame now?
Betcha they're not getting any ROI on your BS either.