Is the IndyCar Series going to be profitable this year?
IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard acknowledges that’s the question he hears more than any other since he took the reigns
of the open-wheel series last March.
The answer to that question has changed.
In separate interviews last May, Bernard and Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus told me the series was likely to
be self-sustaining, even profitable, by 2011.
At this month’s State of the Series address, Bernard said that’s not going to happen. It could happen if that
was the No. 1 priority of series officials, but it’s not.
The issue became a hot-button topic after former series CEO Tony George said the series must be profitable by 2013 or there’d
be no 2013 IndyCar Series season. Many motorsports insiders feel George’s inability to lead the series to profitability
got him fired.
Sources close to the series said Bernard still has about a $12 million gap to bridge this year to reach profitability.
“Of course we want to make a profit,” Bernard told the crowd at this month’s gathering at the Westin Hotel.
“Let me make it very clear, the most important thing we can do [this year] is not take short cuts.
Bernard thinks this year—the year of the Indianapolis 500 centennial and a year before the series unveils new chassis
and engines—is a year to invest in building the brand of the series and its drivers. That would improve media, guest
and corporate relations, and amp up television ratings and live race attendance. He has been flying coast-to-coast this off-season
pumping up the series and working on deals. This week he is in Los Angeles trying to work some deals.
“I believe we could be profitable this year if we really wanted to,” Bernard said. “But this is no time
to cut corners. We must lay a solid foundation for the future.”
Bernard is convinced that the increased exposure from the 100-year anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 will help him put
the series in position to be profitable by 2012.
The 2011 series kicks off March 27 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
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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.
IndyCar CEO reverses course on profitability prediction
January 26, 2011
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In my opinion the estridge companies are crooks. They filed bankruptcy on their 'track housing' side of the business two weeks before they closed on one of my clients' homes. When my client first interviewed Estridge as a builder 6 months before, they specifically ASKED about the solvency of their business, knowing that some builders were struggling. Estridge truly misrepresented their financial situation at that time. I suppose I am more unhappy with the whole system than I am with the builder because what the heck==you can file bankruptcy on 'track homes' but still keep building and make money off of 'custom built' homes??? How ridiculous! They are all homes. How can a company be allowed to bilk thousands of dollars from their subcontractors but still be allowed to build houses?? they should have been made to pay back all their unpaid contractors before being allowed to profit from building any more houses! This alone makes them and the system crooks in my eyes. I would never build an estridge home and I would not recommend for my clients either. If they were truly 'bankrupt' how could they afford to keep building homes anyway??? The whole system needs fixed.
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I live a couple blocks east of the Angie's campus and my house is assessed for ~$160,000. If I could get that amount, let alone $384,000 (a 140% bonus), I'd sell in a minute. Either Angie's stockholders just got fleeced, or Angie's is getting about a 58% discount on their property taxes, if these properties are actually worth what they paid Mr. Oesterle for them. Which do you think is the case?
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Perhaps the IMA board is really to blame! They agreed to hire Charles. They can't seemingly find donors among themselves, or bring in new blood that will support the museums operating budget with an expanded museum and money to provide curators with something to do (ie buy art). The headlines of disarray at the museum and mass firings are hurting the reputation of the museum for some time to come. If people on the board had misgivings, perhaps they shpuld have more forcefully opposed efforts that they have seemingly been unable to fund, like expansion and the costs it has created!
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See, I told u Indyman and Dipsicle....this 8 days is overkill. It's barely worth a weekend....great job Tony George! Your dream has been fulfilled....he fans want the I r l back. Thats how good it was.....and that sucked.
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I have been in training for a short time now but right off I can see that safety and quality are the number one issues, my experience as of late has been a positive one, the employees along with Jeff the plant manager and the operation supervisor as well as the engineers are a highly motivated group of people, what an asset for the area to have and for company's in need of a quality metal products.
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When is "The Most Important Race in History" taking place? Haven't seen any reference to it anywhere on TV or internet.
I suspect the race they are talking about is March 27th.
With regard to 2011 promotion, again, how about a different, fresher approach? Chief, if Randy Bernard called you, put you in charge and gave you a checkbook with no limit, what are the top 10 things you would do to adequately promote 'The Most Important Race In History?' Please be specific. Thanks in advance.
These generalized swipes taken willy-nilly by mostly ignorant and often hostile critics reflect badly on those so obsessed. Let us please elevate the dialog.
My experience with IMS is that they never say anything one way or the other about anything related to their finances. In other words, someone could simply dream up a number; e.g., the INDYCAR Series has lost three quarters of a billion dollars in the past sixteen years, publish it, and IMS would not say a word.
In the event numbers published by columnists with unnamed sources hit close to home, they would probably try to figure out who had loose lips (whether internal personnel or external consultants) and take quiet action.
Please facilitate as granular an accounting as you can. I want to understand where/how the money is made, where/how it is spent, and how it is possible to lose a million per once it's all counted. That defies logic.
I think IMS is right to believe that 2012 and beyond will be profitable. New engines, new sponsors, the hype over 100 years, end of the recession etc... will add their bottom line.
If NASCAR does not make some changes to make the racing more affordable and less stressful on drivers, teams and fans, Indy could see more sponsors and possibly teams looking at Indy as a better alternative.
P.S. Chief and Hurl have been writing doomsday messages for as long as I can remember. They will still be writing them when IndyCar is returns to dominance. Pay them no mind.
When the series returns to prominence from the destruction caused in the hands of the Hulman George clan, I will then have nothing longer to question or 'doomsday' about.
Prominence is FAR OFF friends...So, go read "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", as yee albatross around thy neck is hard to shed.
Didn't they cut their funding to the teams by 2 million for 2011?
They claimed it was so Milka couldn't race, but if they really wanted that, they would have just pulled her license. So, there's 2/3 of the gain.
I'll leave it to defender to figure out where the rest of the $$$ is coming from.
Look, The IRL League/Searies/Indy 500 oval only American drivers in American cars dream was DOA. And 15 years later, the hulmanistas still cant get over the fact that this thing sucks the big one. They've remade themselves 50 times over, and overpromised and underdelivered every step of the way.
I say - quit trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and just kill this thing. Nobody wants this brand, nobody cares, and nobody will. EVER.
Like chief accurately stated: THERE IS NO MENTION OF THIS 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RACE BIGGEST RACE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE in any media outlet anywhere. Face it Super D: Your dream is over.
I'll be elsewhere in May, and I've already been offfered free tickets from countless sources.
Indy 2011: No thanks, tired of the empty promises and shattered dreams.
-Are mostly illiterate, with spelling and grammar errors galore, not to mention the posting styles of third graders?
-Never, EVER answer direct questions...just divert?
-Never, EVER make sense? Out of one side of their fingers they type tripe such as "When the series returns to prominence from the destruction caused in the hands of the Hulman George clan, I will then have nothing longer to question or 'doomsday' about" but in other missives refer to INDYCAR as 'cart 3.' Which is it? You can't have it both ways.
It would be nice to exchange dialog with adults. It does not appear that will happen in this comment thread, either.
Attention chicken littles: Let's take an adult approach. Tell me how YOU would make it more to your liking than it is now.
Personally, I will only get worried once those obsessed with it, even the illiterate ones, simply stop discussing. Then, and only then, will I know there is a problem.
Defender, the coveted magic TV ratings demographic don't even have JOBS! Send up and S.O.S. asap!
And you do have a real issue with typing of late. I do not remember you having so many typos and gramatical issues before. Is anything wrong?
Look, this has all been covered before. Chevy, Lotus don't a have a pot to urinate in. Can't wait for the LOTUS commercials to appear during the SUPER BOWL extolling the virtues of the IRL tomfoolery.
Indyman... put down the crackpipe and realize there is a life outside of your deceased parents basement. It's all about CONTEXT friend...not SPELLING. That's why I dine at MCL's....they understand CONTEXT.
Also, the TEAMS are buying the equipment. Remember that the team owners are largely a collection of Millionaires and some close to Billionaires. When they need to purchase new equipment, even their losses are write-offs. That doesn't mean they will be happy about it and not cry and whine in their owners meetings, but I'm telling you that you will see at least 18 -22 cars in the series in 2012. Put that in your "my favorites" Chief and pull it back out in 2012 when I'm right.
In their world, IndyCar is a dead. The races they see on TV, the new sponsors and manufacturers that have signed on, and the crowd that gathers in Indy before Memorial Day are just figments of their imagination. They aren't real. They are where the bad people can't hurt them anymore.
Chief, didn't mean to insult you, just seems like you are taking less time on your posts.
What bonds are you talking about? You always go off the reservation and that makes it hard to follow your train of thought. That is ok since your train normally ends up on a dead end spur.
Taxpayers shoulder the cost of Dallara investment until the tax revenues are realized. That's a lot of taxes to be recovered...or they just use Federal Flood Relief funding to pay for the IRL's folly.
http://www.indy.com/posts/146037
I am also very happy to hear the INDYCAR Series continues investing in its future.
How is the Indycar going to be supported by the State and City? It is comments like that where I really have to scratch my head and wonder what makes you think that.
Chief,
We have been over this a dozen times. Using bonds to lure a company, be it Dallara or Frito Lay is about tax base. To say the series is supported by taxpayers because of economic development bonds is like saying that the NFL is supported by taxpayers because bonds were issued to build Reebok a new factory.
Sorry, you are getting really desperate to find anything to squawk about.
QUESTION: What does the "Most Important Race in History" MEAN? What is it all about and why is it so important?
Bosch, Cintas, Hino Trucks, Mazak, Meijer, PPG, PTC, Shell, Pennzoil, Snap-On, Timberland and Verizon Wireless. 3 of those are 20+ year sponsors.
Anyone who seriously believs Penske has sponsor troubles is even more goofy than they already appear.
I knew Chief was going to try to minimize the new Indy sponsors. I mean sure no one has ever heard of sponsors like Verizon, Sunoco, Avis and Starwood Hotels and new team sponsors like Meijer, Shell, Novo Nordisk and Service Central.
It is also rather humorous to see Chief say "A sponsor doesn't have to be big to be successful in the IRL...all they want is quantity"
That is true, even small sponsors can be successful in Indycar. (notice chief is still calling it IRL)? And when has a quantity of sponsors been a bad thing. Lots of sponsors are usually a good thing.
Randy is paid highly to suggest the league will be profitable in order to sustain existing buisness realtionships through the much-ballyhooed (not) Centennial 500.
Truth is, you can't sell ice cream to eskimos in the dead of winter.
Anyone seriously involved with the sport knows that it is knocking on death's door.
There is simply NO WAY the league will be profitable this yera or next (if theere is a next year) without illegally cooking the books.
The whole thing is a sham and the IMS and Indy 500 is soon to go the way of Trenton and Ontario. I never thought I would see the day come. But it is very, very near.
There is no money to be made on an overexpensive, poorly managed sport, of which fewer and fewer and fewer and fewer than even that people have an I-O-T-A of interest. IMS, The Indy 500, and the IZOD CAR League IRL Series League thingy are terminally-ill. Obits are being prepared.
Poor Randall the EMT. He needs to call the coroner and move on to the next minor league, niche sport for CPR. This one is done.
Hey...what do you know? Yet another zap2it maven who ignorantly believes 12+ Nielsen numbers are gospel who has never even sniffed actual Nielsen numbers broken out demographically. I admire the childlike, simplistic way in which the brains of such obsessed folk work (it's really kind of cute, actually), but in the event such folk ever gain access to actual numbers, they might see that INDYCAR ratings in demos that sell advertising are UP 40%, and that is an increase no other sport can claim. I know that does not fit their quaint little agendas, but facts rarely do.
"Lowest rated Indy 500 on Tv since live coverage began in 1986."
But proportionately equal to other sports of similar importance over the same time period, and still very good ratings along with very high attendance.
"Less than 10,000 in a major market for the Championship race."
ISC track. Dropped. Perhaps if ISC management decides to promote INDYCAR with as much zest as they do their sister property NASCAR INDYCAR could be back.
"Famed Watkins Glen attended by trees and aluminum."
ISC track. Dropped. Plus they really screwed the pooch on the date selection last year. Perhaps if ISC management decides to promote INDYCAR with as much zest as they do their sister property NASCAR INDYCAR could be back.
"Randy is paid highly to suggest the league will be profitable in order to sustain existing buisness realtionships through the much-ballyhooed (not) Centennial 500."
I admire the progress Randy has made in promoting the INDYCAR brand. What is a 'buisness realtionship?' Those words seem foreign to adults.
"Truth is, you can't sell ice cream to eskimos in the dead of winter."
And frankly, who would want to? Sell them parkas.
"Anyone seriously involved with the sport knows that it is knocking on death's door."
Burl, this is why we adults dismiss your ilk as obsessed children. For sixteen years the handful of you have been shouting the same exact sentiment of doom over and over. With each passing year, the same handful of you have looked more foolish than you did the previous year as INDYCAR continues to turn wheels. Would it not be much easier to simply be honest with yourselves by acknowledging your position as obsessed fans, then simply enjoy a great sport? Why act like such delinquents? What is the point?
"There is simply NO WAY the league will be profitable this yera or next (if theere is a next year) without illegally cooking the books."
And yet the series will continue long after all of us are gone. If no member of the general public has access to the books of a private company, how on earth could you opine they are being cooked? You sound increasingly bitter, son.
"The whole thing is a sham and the IMS and Indy 500 is soon to go the way of Trenton and Ontario. I never thought I would see the day come. But it is very, very near."
So you're back to 'the sky is falling.' Isn't that just the cutest little thing you have ever seen? Would you like a hankie to wipe away the tears, little boy?"
"There is no money to be made on an overexpensive, poorly managed sport, of which fewer and fewer and fewer and fewer than even that people have an I-O-T-A of interest. IMS, The Indy 500, and the IZOD CAR League IRL Series League thingy are terminally-ill. Obits are being prepared."
So are preparations for another great season. This follows a season in which sponsor spend more than doubled to over $80 million dollars that drew over 1.2 million fans. Fourteen new blue chip sponsors have been announced over the past twelve months. Driver/team sponsorship announcements occur almost weekly. Do you have any concept of how completely ignorant your parroted chicken little routine is? Grow up, son.
"Poor Randall the EMT. He needs to call the coroner and move on to the next minor league, niche sport for CPR. This one is done."
How many years will have to go by before you discover and accept actual reality?
YOU LIAR. Watkins Glen was widely promoted...NO ONE CARES ABOUT INDYCAR. After manys year of parasiting off of NASCAR season tix to force fans to goofy IRL races, NASCAR dumped the IRL. ONE year later ISC throws the IRL out...non perforimg crapwagon racing NOT cared about in NY State. Good riddance.
Stop lying about what REALLY happened. No one showed to see that stupid two-seater...no press because no one cared.
Here is a suggestion: Keep commentary confined to actual topics. The topic in this case are 'inside' acquaintances of Anthony who are probably in violation of NDAs to keep things saucy in here by proclaiming their opinion the INDYCAR Series is not profitable without actually seeing any books.
You dig?
Adding a supermarket and using the brands they sell like Target and Ganassi is not the same as overall sponsorship. It looks a few of you seem to think that is true. These are not sponsors but just rolling billboards promoting a product. Big difference.
And yet, the article you're posting in, is about how the .1RL lost $15,000,000.00 last year, even with all that "great news" you constantly parrot. LMAO
Big man, pig man, ha ha charade you are...
With what part of the factual, verified data that I posted are you having difficulty wrapping your brain around?
I find it hard to believe that someone who claims to follow racing does not know how lucrative the Target and partners sponsorship. 7-11 does the same thing.
So either they are ignorant of racing marketing or they are willfully ignoring it because they do not want to face the truth.
Yup, that's 20+ racing markets in the USA that were not successful as an IRL venue.
Now, I know Mr. Defender would have you believe that over the 15 years of horrific attendance and TV ratings for the IRL, it was never the IRL's fault. Always the promoters, the lack of marketing, you know...everything but actual IRL racing itself that couldn't hold a crowd. I mean, you seen one 0.000054 second finish, you've seen them all.
Why couldn't the IRL keep races at these 20+ tracks? And, even though CART was successful at some of the same tracks, the IRL barely can pull in fractions of the attendance CART/CCWS pulled in. WHY?
The primary proof is in the continuation of business, and two facts remain:
-The INDYCAR Series is in business and is considered healthy by professionals who actually see it as a successful venture.
-cart killed itself. Twice.
Rusty Wallace said he wouldn't get out of an electric chair to drive an INDYCAR.
What's the matter? This is "The Most Important race in History"?
Not that I don't trust you, but list the 20 tracks the IRL was suposedly thrown out of. Not that I don't trust you to be truly honest, but you do not have a great track record of backing up your statements with facts, or even stating facts correctly. Case in point. "Looks like the NASCAR double idea is falling deaf ears....Jimmie Johnson sez sorry, Indy not important"
From todays Star ""I really, really want to do it," Johnson said this week"
"I'm just not sure if it's going to work for me. (Chandra, his wife) and I talked about it and (said) if the opportunity came along before we had kids, it was something I needed to do."
""I just wish we could have got GM to activate a few years ago," Johnson said. "I would be sitting here today saying, 'Yeah, I'm going' (to Indy)."
Seems to directly contradict what you stated. So why do you lie? Seriously, don't dodge the question. I had this conversation with my 5 year old and he learned his lesson. Why lie when you know people are going to find out the truth? Doesn't make any sense.
Goes for you too Burl. No one is buying the "I was just kidding" thing with the "mixed use development" thing. You were busted from the moment you typed it.
Everyone else: IndyCar is growing. New sponsors, new manufacturers, larger race attendance. The sky is blue again.
I vote to let the "doomsday" criers continue their rants. It's moderately entertaining and the fact is that they will both probably be sitting in the in-field in 2020 telling everyone around them that "this is the last Indy 500. Better enjoy it." While they sip on a PBR and face away from the track in some form of stubborn defiance.
The truth is, none of it matters. I will beleive Chief and Hurl when I see the article that says "IndyCar Folding." Then I will be happy to commend them for a wonderful job of sleuthing the pitfalls of IndyCar. My question to them is, what about NASCAR? They have falling attendance and people are starting to lose sponsorship over there to. What do you say? 2015 the last year for the NECKCAR crowd?
In fact, I see the internet abuzz with talk of IZOD and IMS in a legal battle over sponsorship...complete with blacklisting and everything. Gonna be a real dooozy. Alleged tampering etc by the speedway.
You see I'm just a piano player...dont shoot me...
Keep on trying, kid. One of these days one of your cute little fantasies may actually come to pass.
But I doubt it.
Word out of Indy is there is a lawsuit and IMS/IZoD are the culprits. Apparently (from internet sources everywhere) there is REAL money being sued for. Maybe they are going for the 350% ROI. Silly them, it's only DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS. OR I$ IT? I heard Andretti Autosport and AJ Foyts enterprizes were forced out of MILLIONS of DOLLARS of sponsorship by the IMS goons. It's in some papers filed in Marion County courts this week.
Too bad the whole grid is under gag-orders! Darn! Defender and Iman....Season starts only 50+ days from now and NOTHING graces the airways about the centennial OR about the lame INDYCAR existence. 765MILLION and counting!
Thank you for asking, Laurence. Sponsorship deals typically do not have 'links.' You might research the general concept of cooperative advertising. Target writes the checks, but the checks are funded by a pile of smaller investments of brands interested in preferential placement in Target stores. That is largely how Sarah's Dollar General sponsorship works as well. There is nothing sinister, and it is a great way to facilitate quality sponsorship. Thanks for your quaint inquisitiveness.
Sunday, May 29, 2011.
"Word out of Indy is there is a lawsuit and IMS/IZoD are the culprits. Apparently (from internet sources everywhere) there is REAL money being sued for."
Mark Cippaloni. Outside your little circle of six or seven obsessed haters, no one else even cares.
"Maybe they are going for the 350% ROI. Silly them, it's only DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS. OR I$ IT? I heard Andretti Autosport and AJ Foyts enterprizes were forced out of MILLIONS of DOLLARS of sponsorship by the IMS goons. It's in some papers filed in Marion County courts this week."
I am certain the obsessed sleuths will let us know all the juicy details once they put their own quaint little inquisition staff to work. Meantime, the sport continues unabated.
"Too bad the whole grid is under gag-orders! Darn!"
Hmmm. That's odd. I have heard nothing of any such 'gag order.' Sounds like more kiddie fiction to me.
"Defender and Iman....Season starts only 50+ days from now and NOTHING graces the airways about the centennial OR about the lame INDYCAR existence."
You are just not looking in the right places and have no patience, young grasshopper.
"765MILLION and counting!"
765 what? Fictional posts by you?
Apparently there was a lawsuit brought against the speedway. Not a lie.
Watkins Glen was widely advertised...no one cared, no one showed at track, and ISC refused to pay a sanction increase for CRAP IRL racing. Not a lie.
They are not lies....neither is CART outdrew the pitiful IRL at the same tracks. Not a lie.
Only a handful of IRL/IMS sycopats and yes-men like yourself and Defender can't see the forest through the trees. Remember, if it's slightly negative to the great 500 or the IRL, it's a lie to you guys. Clearly paid IRL propagandists you are.
The world awaits the BIG move from VerSUs and ABC to the Comcast family of INdyCAR networks. This will be the breakout year, fer sure!!! WooT!
Probably never. The Golf Channel, Versus and some existing NBC Universal Networks (and possibly some of Telemundo) will probably be rolled into 'The NBC Sports Channel' designed to rival ESPN. They will immediately be in more households, and it is quite likely you will see INDYCAR events on NBC.
"I KNOW you have read the contracts! Tell us!!!"
NDAs. Sorry.
"The world awaits the BIG move from VerSUs and ABC to the Comcast family of INdyCAR networks. This will be the breakout year, fer sure!!! WooT!"
Actually, you will probably see the Indianapolis 500 on ABC another two years.
The INDYCAR Series continues to thank you for your fervent and obsessed interest.
"I have been reading the comments of this blog and have been laughing at all the comments. It appears out of all of this that Defender is good at spinning and avoiding."
Hmmm. That's odd. Unlike Chief and others who rarely answer questions and instead divert, my responses are always clear and unambiguous. Perhaps your comprehension skills need remedial attention.
"Same can be said for the other defenders who get mad when their favorite race and series gets challenged."
I wouldn't call it anger. Usually it is merely amazement at the obsessive ignorance continually on display.
"These people need to face facts and simply turn on the tv during a race to see how bad the IICS is suffering. Randy is smart to come out early and admit a failure before it bites him in his butt!"
You must have an odd definition of failure. Randy has indicated the following:
-Ratings in targeted demos were up over 40% this past season. No other sport can make that claim.
-INDYCAR sponsorship spend in 2010 more than doubled to over $81 million.
-14 blue chip league sponsors were signed over 12 months.
-IZOD reports a 350% ROI after becoming the title sponsor.
-Several new manufacturers have signed up to build new cars in 2012.
People who refuse to recognize INDYCAR progress either possess the mental agility of a piece of concrete or the maturity of a kindergarten brat. Either way, such folks should seek assistance dealing with reality.
So, what really did kill all these races? Poor promotion? There is one true constant: It's the IRL/Indycar series. Just an observation....
WDW
Phoenix
New Hampshire
Las Vegas
Pikes Peak
Charlotte
Dover
Atlanta
Homestead
Richmond
Kansas
Nashville
Gateway
Chicagoland
Fontana
Michigan
Nazareth
Milwaukee
Watkins Glen
Detroit
Surfers Paradise
Failed cart/champcar venues (41 or so):
-Texas Motor Speedway (Colossally so)
-Hawaiian Super Prix (Fantasy)
-Korea (Fantasy)
-Trenton
-Ontario
-Pocono
-Mexico City I
-Mexico City II
-Mexico City III
-Riverside
-Cleveland
-Road America
-San Jose
-Spain
-Assen
-Zolder
-Detroit
-Denver I
-Denver II
-Laguna Seca
-Portland
-Meadowlands
-Quebec I
-Quebec II
-Quebec III
-Sanair
-Miami I
-Miami II
-Miami III
-Vancouver
-Rio
-Vegas I
-Vegas II
-Vegas III
-Houston I
-Houston II
-Brands Hatch
-Rockingham
-Germany
-Monterrey
-Chicago Clip
Tracks that became obsolete in all series:
-Michigan
-Phoenix
-Atlanta
-Watkins Glen
-Nazareth
-Australia
-Fontana
-Homestead
-Gateway
-Belle Isle
Failed cart tracks rescued by INDYCAR now enjoying renewed vigor:
-New Hampshire
-Motegi
-Milwaukee
-Long Beach
-Vegas oval
-Toronto
-Edmonton
-St Pete
-Mid Ohio
For a series that pledged to SAVE AMERICAN OVAL RACING it sure has done a lot to destroy it. Seems to me this newly adopted street racing direction indicates TOTAL and ABSOLUTE failure by the IRL. Why is that? Even in successful tracks they were tossed out. WHY?
Now that the merger has happened i predict that Versus will be bigger than ESPN.
How is it so, a series centered around the self-proclaimed "Most Important Race in History" can be so unsuccessful at keeping the core and focus of it's series? And TV ratings and attendance?
If it were not for the MERGE of CART/CCWS with the IRL in 2008, the IRL would be toast.
Today we celebrate a popcorn sponsorship and a toy track attraction. The sport once challenged F1...now, the Professional Bullriders Association draws more and has higher TV ratings. AND is on an OTA network. IRL is pathetic.
"Yet cart, even dead, still outdraws the INDYCARS at the same venues....as much as 75% or more."
Important fact: cart no longer races. Twice. INDYCAR is preparing for its 16th straight season. Things cart did over 15 years ago does not matter in this century.
"How is it so, a series centered around the self-proclaimed "Most Important Race in History" can be so unsuccessful at keeping the core and focus of it's series? And TV ratings and attendance?"
It's enough to ensure the series does not go out of business.
"If it were not for the MERGE of cart/ccws with the IRL in 2008, the INDYCAR Series would be toast."
I love how you kids call that asset sale a 'merger.' Goes right along with the arrogance that killed that series. Twice.
"Today we celebrate a popcorn sponsorship and a toy track attraction. The sport once challenged F1...now, the Professional Bullriders Association draws more and has higher TV ratings. AND is on an OTA network. INDYCAR is pathetic."
But it IS alive. Unlike cart/ccws. Might as well grow up.
Dude, the IRL is alive and still way down the list, well behind even CART. You can't stand it either, thats why you CONSTANTLY bring it up.
How many in Toronto this year? 15,001? Edmonton want to beat the CART/CCWS attendance records. It means alot in this century. Just not to IRL bootlickers because they hate what they can't have.
I listed some of your lies and as typical you dodged them. So lets just have you address one. Why did you say Jimmie Johnson didn't care about running the 500? I proved you lied. why did you do it?
you have no more credibility than burl. Truly sad.
And that still does not explain why you intentionally lied about what the article said.
AGAIN, does it make you sterile, or does INDY neuter their drivers?
Iman, uhhhh, you missed my 20+ tracks the IRL has been tossed out of. Mostly OVALS the IRL was created to protect. 16 years of rescuing CART tracks, according to the Disciple of INDYCAR.
I agree with you Defenderer. Now, why won't RANDY BERNARD stop beating around the bush and ADMIT that's what the speedway did and accept responsibility (just HE said he might have to do)?
Do it, so we can get beyond this bickering.
I was actually laughing at your list. As I figured you have many errors in your rush to judgement. IRL and NASCAR both left Milwaukee because they were owed millions from the promoter. From an MSN article "The track withdrew from hosting major events after previous promoters ran into financial problems and a suitable replacement couldn't be found."
Walt Disney World Speedway From Wiki
"After the 2000 IRL season, series officials and Walt Disney World were not able to come to an agreement for a race date for 2001. IRL officials were unsatisfied with the January date, as it was seen to be too early for most teams to be prepared for the season. There was typically a six week gap until the second race of the season. Disney officials also were concerned with the impending conflict with Super Bowl XXXV, to be held in Tampa presumably the same weekend."
Doesn't sound like IRL was dropped from the track.
Laughing at my list? Those are 21 racing markets left in 16 years of IRL competition. IRL was not able to sustain the markets. More lies huh?
We're laughing at you Iman.
Fontana, Chicagoland, Homestead, Kansas, MIS, Phoenix, Richmond and Watkins Glen are all ISC tracks. It is rumored that ISC originally saw IRL as a complimentary series when the economy was good and NASCAR was excelling. Now with the recession and NASCAR hitting issues, IRL is seen as a competitior for sponsors and fans and France eliminated IRL contracts as they came do even though attendance remained steady or was showing signs of increase. Of course no one wants to go on record saying that.
The closest you have is New Hampshire which did separate due to attendance, but both parties were guilty as this Boston Herald article states
"The IRL parted ways with New Hampshire following the â??98 season after then track owner Bob Bahre, who was the first to align himself with the fledgling league Tony George founded in 1995, became increasingly disenchanted with declining revenue and attendance of the four IRL events he hosted at his 1.058-mile oval from 1996-98.
At the heart of the split between Bahre and the IRL was the lack of promotion â?? by either party â?? of open-wheel racing at New Hampshire. At the time, the IRL was in the midst of a major struggle to gain market share following its nasty split from Championship Auto Racing Teams, the first series to sanction a major event at NHMS in 1992.
When Gappens was installed as the trackâ??s vice president and general manager, the native of Indiana who had a great appreciation for open-wheel racing and IndyCar racing, in particular, approached the IRL three years ago about adding NHMS to the schedule after IRLâ??s reunification with CART, but he was turned down."
Sounds like alls well that ends well and we will see New Hampshire again.
Charlotte was canceled due to the unfortunate incident with the tire getting booted into the crowd.
Chief, the laughter you hear is those tickled by your unique brand of creative discussion.
Why ISC is the culprit here boggles my mind. ISC gave the IRL some credibility by lend tracks to the IRL. But the motive wasn't to do business...it was to aid in the split....thereby effectively allowing NASCAR to ascend.
THATS why when all of you Indy lovers get all worked up about the 16 years of IRL disfunction, we laugh.
If the IRL wasn't created, the series wouldnt have the problems of today.
ISC may have had ulterior motives for aiding cart, but it was not necessary since cart was falling. Now that NASCAR is stumbling and the IRL is free of the zombie cart that kept being brought back from the dead, it seems they think the IRL may be a threat. It is riding a wave of new sponsors and supplier deals.
I am not sure I have ever gotten worked up. Laughing at your and Burls lies and attempts to rationalize why a series that is dead was better than a series that is alive and growing.
CART was falling? When? Certainly not before 1996.
So are you ready to revise your list of tracks that "kicked out" the IRL?
My prediction: The marketing staff at 16th and Georgetown are small potatoes, and with massive series deficits they will AGAIN miss a great advertising opportunity. So will all off the great sponsors they've been bringing onboard.
-Cost of a :30 spot in the Super Bowl this year = $3 million dollars.
-The inventory is sold out
-The IZOD INDYCAR Series will receive exposure via Danica in GoDaddy spots.
Here is a list of failed cart/champcar venues (41 or so):
-Texas Motor Speedway (Colossally so)
-Hawaiian Super Prix (Fantasy)
-Korea (Fantasy)
-Trenton
-Ontario
-Pocono
-Mexico City I
-Mexico City II
-Mexico City III
-Riverside
-Cleveland
-Road America
-San Jose
-Spain
-Assen
-Zolder
-Detroit
-Denver I
-Denver II
-Laguna Seca
-Portland
-Meadowlands
-Quebec I
-Quebec II
-Quebec III
-Sanair
-Miami I
-Miami II
-Miami III
-Vancouver
-Rio
-Vegas I
-Vegas II
-Vegas III
-Houston I
-Houston II
-Brands Hatch
-Rockingham
-Germany
-Monterrey
-Chicago Clip
Tracks that became obsolete in all series:
-Michigan
-Phoenix
-Atlanta
-Watkins Glen
-Nazareth
-Australia
-Homestead
-Gateway
-Belle Isle
Venues Rescued by INDYCAR:
-New Hampshire
-Motegi
-Milwaukee
-Long Beach
-Vegas
-Toronto
-Edmonton
-St Pete
-Mid Ohio
FACT.
IRL failed at it's VISION (oval racing, american opportunity). FACT
IRL dead...changed (as explained by Defender/Disciple of IRL/IndyCar/INDYCAR) name to appease CAT/CCWS haters. FACT
When they combine the records of both series (from the merge of IRL and CCWS in 2008) you will see more of these pesky facts you dislike emerge. FACT
Penske and Ganassi announced some new sponsors as well this week. More good news.
That is the inconvenient truth for you and the series.
Truth is sticky thing to dance with, isn't it.
Except, they can't provide any evidence to the contrary of the 3/4's of a BILLION the Hulmans wasted to destroy the AOW sport and have to build it back up. Even the speedway can refute the claims.
Guidepoint GPS and PPG. They did not list dollar value. Primary on Helio for half season, Briscoe for 2 races and associate on all cars for the season.
Tony Stewart, will not race there again either. You remember Tony, the American SHort Tracker that fullfilled the IRL's VISION until he split. The guy the IRL was designed for. What happened to all them guys.
I will revise nothing, the 21 tracks the IRL was thrown out of (or to put more bluntly, couldn't sustain attendance at) remains. Spin it however you want but the OVAL plan was a failure.
In fact, in 16 years of IRL existence how many original "IRL" based drivers actually won the Indy 500? How many Americans?
See, failure anyway you slice it.
Anyway, F1 is already testing their new cars for the 2011 season. They get new cars every year, as opposed to every decade in the .1RL. :lol:
Chief,
No interpretation, Johnson said "I really, really want to do it," What is there to interpret? You got caught lying. Just admit it and promise not to do it again.
I showed where you lied that irl was thrown out of the tracks you claimed they were.
why do you have to lie to back up your position?
Please let an actual business person enlighten you. IF The INDYCAR Series had, in fact, lost $500 million, or $750 million, or whatever the guesstimate de jour is, it would be out of business. Period. Perceived losses tend to be overstated by either those with axes to grind or the ignorant with no access to the books of a private company.
The fact is it remains in business, has been turning wheels for sixteen years, and continues to grow.
I know that drives your ilk plum crazy, but that is reality. Besides, it's not your money. You can cackle and make childish comments all day, but it won't change reality, son.
LOSSES and 'growing' are all due to the stupid decision to start the IRL in the first place. Tearing the 'grown' sport down only to rebuild it the same way 15 years later while acting like the destruction never happened is foolish.
Theres you reason why CART is dead....the IRL was created. PERIOD. And, when you factor in the losses of BOTH series (combined sponsorship spends, bankrolls/IPO's etc., loss of high visibility of the sport and negativity from the split) you get even GREATER LOSSES for the sport in total.
CHILDISH responses aside, THAT is what AOW racing has lost. Why CART died is irrelevant due to the fact IT'S DEAD, and moronic responses from Speedway paid spokespeople like Defender/Disciple/John Howard and Indyman prove it so. However, it's legacy of Drivers and Team Owners are the root and soul of the Indycar Series today. CART bred teams and drivers have captured an astounding rate of Indy 500's and IRL championships. So, let's cut the bull and separate the CART BUSINESS from the CART RACING ok?? Because it's clear the IRL will NEVER be interpreted as successful EXCEPT for destroying the sport.
I lied about NOTHING...Jimmie Johnson is afraid of being KILLED or MAIMED at the speedway. He's not giving up NASCAR due to the fact he's had children is he? So, intelligent people NOT on the Speedway propaganda payroll might conclude that Indy could KILL or MAIM a young father, but NASCAR can't. That is a perception THEY ( NASCAR types) have propagated amongst themselves, and one that the promise of $20 million dollars tossed about by Randy Bernard isn't even getting a sniff from NASCAR drivers of owners. I do not recall Merle, or Mario or Al Unser or Bobby or AJ or Michael or Al Jr or any of hundreds of drivers STOP racing at Indy because they had children, do you? Stop attacking me, it's Jimmie Johnson your hate is aimed for. I just stated the truth.
You two IRL lovers need to get through your heads....Indy 500 just isn't worth the lives of NASCAR drivers.
It does not show any tangible signs of failure in our lifetime, kiddo.
As for Jimmie Johnson, hating the guy is well beyond stupid. Look at what he has accomplished. These days, NASCAR guys and Indy guys are not very interchangeable. It's not 1974 any more. The Indianapolis 500 will be just as great without him or his pals in it. Those of us who have supported it non-stop for decades easily understand this.
Grow up.
Jimmie Johnson slapped the Indy 500 in the face. PERIOD. Just like TONY STEWART slapped the IRL/HONDA about the bogus engine rules in place.
Ryan Newman doesn't have kids yet, why don't they get him? Maybe his wife will let him race at the "Most Important Race in History". OR is it that the MOST IMPORTANT RACERS don't care about Indy even if Indy spends $25MILLION to entice them to come over?
Look, 2011 is a LAME DUCK season for the IRL/Izodcar series. You PAID SPEEDWAY SPOKESZOMBIES need to understand that the promised land is one year away....12 months. The coveted 2012 season complete with MASSSIVE SPONSOR ACTIVATIONS and multi engine builders and multi engine formula and multi body kits don't exist ANYWHERE. The $7Million from the state for Dallara's new plant is still being extracted from the tax base. Holograms and gag orders is all I've seen. Complete with a PR gag to get publicity from the insider sale of a pace car that was over paid for and less paid for than a Mustang from the same auction. And Firestone...how's the exit strategy working out? And ride buyers and part time oval and road specialists, some blowing-off the Indy 500 as a result. Great doing for the series for sure....
So, quit counting your chickens there Mr. Paid Speedway Spokesperson Defender/Disciple of IRL/IndyCar/INDYCAR. You might just have to change your name AGAIN.
I read your blog recently where you talk of RAW SEWAGE that needs to be cleaned up at the speedway...can you comment here please on why that is good business by the speedway? Also, talk more about ride-buyers and less road/street courses you attack about the series...obviously to appease the CART fans...so you claim. You mean, YOU'VE discovered faults with the great Speedway? Good lord, biting the hand that feeds you, huh?
Thanks again.
Yet, nothing but 'crickets' could be heard from the greatest mouse that roared, "The Most Impotent Race in HISTORY".
For months I have suggested that the IMS powers that be ADVERTISE the invisible Indy 500 centennial during football playoffs AND the SUPER BOWL. Even DAnica's commercials were lame, and NEVER even remotely mentioned INDY, INDYCAR, IRL, or DISCIPLE and any advertisement.
WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? I saw no commercials for DADS ROOT BEER, the popcorn sponsor, IZOD, and every other 'BLUE CHIP' sponsor the IRL signed. What kind of 'activation' is that?
LOTUS...didn't see a commercial for that...where can I get one? Barrett-Jackson auction sham. EVEN CHEVROLET could bare to toss in a veiled IRL/Disciplecar tie-in during it's commercial.
What is going on here? Truely, the great CENTENNIAL ERA is a DUD. Now, I'm sure the local whoopie-cushion PAID indycar PROPAGANDA SPOKESPERSON will chime in with explanations WHY he likes raw sewage at the SPeedway, and why missing a 40+ share TV rating is GOOD for the Centennial 'Most Impotent Race in HISTORY'.
DiscipleCar is a loser. 2011 is upon us...they can't draw flies and they refuse to advertise with a marketing effort that can take advantage of what ever momentum these 'blue chip' sponsor activations can offer.
It's over....no one needs to kick the dog, the Speedway does it to itself so wonderfully, seriously, WHY BOTHER?
Chicken little? So, you ADMIT you and Indyman are paid spokeszombies for the IMS, huh? Trackforum.com is Iman's deal...and you and him get together at Dawson's on Tuesday evening to hatch the next scheme to mislead people about the INDYCAR series on forums and blogs everywhere. You even have to change your names to do it. Well, here's to your credibility....
I have to hand it to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it's minions for taking the time to NOT MARKET OR ADVERTISE the Centennial Era, Indy 500 or the IZOD Indycar series during the SUPER BOWL.
Out of sight, out of mind. GREAT JOB Randy...when the last wheel falls off you can call me for some MARKETING advise. Didn't see any LOTUS commercials...NASCAR OWNS racing in AMERICA as exemplified by the ADVERTISING of the DAYTONA 500 during the 47.9 market share TV ratings.
DARN! Better build a new office in Hollywood or auction off another car to make up for it. Kudos for your failure to place the sport in the eyes of the public. GREAT JOB!
Wimpy: 3.68
Chief, the folks at INDYCAR are professionals. I can understand how the obsessed fan out there might be a tad chagrined by their own subjective (and selective) perception that INDYCAR is not doing enough to promote the 100th Anniveersary of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
Have you let them know of your obsessed feelings by doing something other than shrieking on comment sections of blogs on the Internet?
Look, I have no skin in the game BUT as a consumer I know that ADVERTISING WORKS. When you make a claim about being the most important race in history you best darn act like it.
Stop kissing the backsides of the speedway. You know this and all the others are MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.
If you want to keep it local and to yourself just say so. But for those of us that demand action, the Speedway ain't moving fast enough or in a direction with headway. The Indycar series nothing is a puney dot in the rearview mirror of sport. Sell the speedway and get some people in thereto run the darn series right.
The crew that couldn't shoot straight is CONSTANTLY shooting their own feet...and YOU support it. Funny thing is...you don't see anything wrong with it....keeping it tucked away so you can relive 1959 dreams over and over. What kind of fan are you? Do you want this to be successful? How much do they pay you to come here and always agree with THEM?
Chief, seriously....let the professionals handle this.
I'll betcha IF CART/CCWS suddenly reappeared, risen from the dead, the throngs would again pass through the gates in support and soundly kick the IRL can to the curb. Such a shame you IRL lovers can't realize that.
You asked for my input several times "if I had a checkbook and was in charge of the speedway". But all you do is SLAG me with your archetype blather fed to you by the IMS propaganda machine.
MORE IRL/Speedway failure....now run over to your blog and copy what I said so the 5 people that read there will think you have a brain.
Speaking of professionals, search for Mike Kelly on the Forbes web site. They feature a video interview with Mr. Kelly about their series sponsorship. Those professionals could not be happier, and the sales of their brands have doubled largely as a result of their INDYCAR sponsorship.
You see, in a world of actual professionals, the grass seems greener, kiddo.
1979 - CART began
1996 - IRL began
2008 - CCWS MERGED with IRL
2010 - IRL DEAD
You see mister twist n' spin, the IRL only lived 15 years and is DEAD. The TWICE dead CART/CCWS you constantly bring up lived from 1979 to 2008, approx. 29 years. The current iteration of INDyCAr is only 1 month old. Indy 500 is 95 years old, even though the Speedway has been hosting the event for 100 years.
I also want to draw you attention to Speedway literature used to attract street races. The IMS uses CART/CCWS based attendance numbers when showing the capabilities street racing can offer. Yes, they use 168,000 attendance showing Toronto successes. MISLEADING seeing as the IRL has NEVER attracted more than 15,000 there.
Regarding Mr. Kelly....I've seen the video and applaude IZOD. When you advertise a product you typically get returns. In this case, Mr. Kelly said they 'DOUBLED' their earnings. A bit off from the 350% percent claims, no? Selling the image of AOW for $$$ is all the IRL is getting. Whether IZOD's successes translate to TV ratings or attendance for the hapless IRL/IZOdCar series has yet to be seen. Count your chickens sir.
You see, you really are a revisionist after all.
I would to add that I can't recall IZOD EVER advertising anywhere....so, I think the returns from their sports marketing have netted what could be expected. The key here is THEY ADVERTISED THEIR PRODUCT.
Missed opportunities by the SPEEDWAY to NOT advertise to the football playoffs or the SUPER BOWL (largest audience ever at 47.9 market share) again will cost the series overall.
When you run around and talk smack about being the "MOST IMPORTANT RACE in HISTORY" you should put you money where your mouth is. Frankly I (as given the IMS checkbook and green light to spend) would have launched a massive AD CAMPAIGN telling WHY the race is the most important...and I would have advertised during ALL major sporting events, on EVERY network. I would have used the $7million alleged to have been received from IZOD to do it with.
As BURL sez, no one knows and no one cares because the SPeedway apparently cant afford it or they just like being prostrate on the floor making claims they have no idea on how to market. SO, I congratulate Mike Kelly...maybe HE should run the IMS/IzoDCArz.
After 12 years of conflict, IRL and Champ Car merge
How did scattershot buying of time work out for cart and champcar? Twice? Obviously your simplistic thought processes preclude any deep understanding of marketing for INDYCAR.
"After 12 years of conflict, IRL and Champ Car merge"
In this case, 'merge' = asset sale. Tony bought the steaming pile of remnants at bargain basement prices, then called it a 'merger' mostly to appease yammering, ignorant cart enthusiasts.
That's the actual reality of that particular situation.
Get some splash dude, you can't hang anymore.
Listen, son...the professionals at INDYAR have the marketing field covered better than the childish critics. Let them do their job.
Hundreds of thousands of actual fans will converge on the speedway in May, and the race will get good ratings.
Why worry when you can be mature and just enjoy?
We know they choose not to listen. We know they hire you to come here to negate any and everything. You've been proven a liar and revisionist. you have no credibility.
Why on earth should I or anybody have faith in what them dunderheads (that you support so religiously over at 16th and Jonestown) do? They took a great sport and reduced it to invisibility and ruin. They lie about what their intentions are and mislead the public...just like you.
Indyman and disciple do not help the sport.
They work these discussions so hard. Why? It all seems so forced and a bit fake. Sort of like the racing product.
And,are they really paid???
Would the indy folks stoop that low and use these two hacks?
If they're losing that big when you guys say things are going great, then losing $20,000,000.00 - $50,000,000.00 a year when CART/CC was around seems pretty reasonable.
So, I guess the reported $500,000,000.00 + loss for the .1RL in total, seems pretty fair.
Yes. it only cost the H/G clan half a billion to destroy AOWR.
Thanks guys, for the money well spent. :rolleyes:
Firestone, now HONDA? What happened? Lotus ain't enough?
Honda unit to stop hosting Indy car racing in Japan from 2012. Not good enough promotion? Too much money for a lame DEMO race? Honda won't pay the higher sanction fees? Too many questions....
VIBRANT!
Here is what it does NOT mean: The end for INDYCAR. That 'boy cries wolf' prediction of your ilk has not come to pass in sixteen years, and it does not appear to be happening in our lifetimes.
Grow up.
Actually, your reading comprehension skills need some improvement. The article involves speculation from unnamed sources. Randy Bernard says the league could be profitable, but that continuing investment is necessary.
"If they're losing that big when you guys say things are going great, then losing $20,000,000.00 - $50,000,000.00 a year when CART/CC was around seems pretty reasonable."
Only to those lacking in the common sense department. And no one, and I mean no one, has ever offered anything even remotely resembling an accurate accounting of revenue versus expenses. People with common sense know that losing $50 million a year would mean certain bankruptcy well before now. Kind of like what happened the defunct cart series. Twice.
"So, I guess the reported $500,000,000.00 + loss for the .1RL in total, seems pretty fair."
Guessing, huh? That is obvious. Perhaps if I lacked mental clarity I might also misinterpret facts in that impaired fashion. Fortunately I rely on reality as a guide.
"Yes. it only cost the H/G clan half a billion to destroy AOWR."
Listen sonny boy...here is what got destroyed: cart. Twice. And they did it to themselves. Get past it. How could Tony Hulman be as stupid as he is portrayed yet dastardly enough to destroy cart? Twice? You bitter children make no sense. AOW is not destroyed. cart is. INDYCAR is preparing for its sixteenth season. Isn't the aging process alone enough to add a smidgen of maturity to your tiresome, meaningless shtick?
"Thanks guys, for the money well spent."
It has been enough to keep the INDYCAR Series around for sixteen years.
And, Mr. Paid Speedway Propagandist...the 'WAR' you so aptly describe is now for the sport to heal from the wreckage caused by the creation of the DEAD IRL series. The target is IMS, they will be scrutinized relentlessly until AOW returns to health.
If it took $750MILLION to get the sport in this shape...well, then IMS is gonna have to spent $751MILLION MORE to get it back to where it was. War on dude. (geez, a simple apology coulda helped shut this down but they took the high road. Oh well, stupidity abounds in the IZOD Inducar Series.)
Thanks Disciple, you proved my points quite well afterall, haven't you?
How much do they pay you?
Well, I was just thinking...I guess you can add MOTEGI to the scrap pile of tracks the IRL/INDYCAR could sustain. And the reason? Same as all the others...the IRL/Indycar sucks. Mutoh was a paid Honda short-trackin gunslinger coiled-snake too. MORE failure.
And, how is shlepping the series to Fontana to race in front of 25K gonna even pay for it's self? Think out of the box...
Indy and the IRL/IzodCar is condensing further...to street races like Baltimore where they can fleece the public there for a few years until the city realizes it's a loser. Did ya read where Edmonton is spending MUCH MUCH less on sanction fees to the IRL this year? Yet, ISC refused to pay sanction increases at WG, Chicagoland, Kansas and all the others?
No one cares or wants this IRL product. They can't even successfully market the dang thing. There is no hope, they suck.
Toronto CART 1986 - 2007 = Avg. 160K to 170K
Toronto IRL 2009 - 2001 = Avg. 15K
Hmmmm? 90% of the fans left the sport. See, they hate the Indycarz. And Randy don't want them back either.
"they are looking to the Edmonton raceâ??s beginnings with Champ Car in 2005 as a template for sizzle and customer satisfaction."
http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/Edmonton+Indy+track+changes+direction/4247111/story.html
Unethical journos? Obsessed haters? Twice? 47.9 vs. 3.68? Bwahahhahaha! Everythings coming up ROSES!
Quite a complement Edmonton paid to the dead series...200,000 people in attendance. IRL struggles to get 40K. IRL stinks and everybody knows it (even Honda) EXCEPT the Disciple of mIndyZodcaR. Bwahahhahahha!
And are you really comparing the Super Bowl to an average INDYCAR race? Really? When was INDYCAR racing EVER comparable to a Super Bowl in terms of ratings?
Your continued desperation/obsession remains amusing to adults.
INDY is just small potatoes...ratings pan that out. Indy is now less revered and less important than in 1995. I guess they IMS wants it that way.
I see you keep mentioning (and mentioning) target demos up over 40%.
You know what they say about damn lies and statistics don't you?
Can you let us know what that 40% actually means. And please, if you toss those numbers out, then you are saying they mean something...so, I hope you can give us the facts and not do some kind of dodge saying those "numbers are unavailable" or whatever.
They could mean that before IZOD came in the Indycar series had only 2% of its total viewership comprised of the 18-34 age bracket.
Up 40% then would mean they have increased to 3% of total viewership. Correct?
Then this year they could go as high as 6%, you and IZOD could claim they are up 100% and in reality they might not be what IZOD wants and they start to look to sponsor sporting events elsewhere.
I guess the best way to deal with all of this statistical malarky is to just see what comes and goes.
So, assuming you're right, and being generous and figuring 350,000 at IMS (where vast herds of people were hiding under the stands, according to you) that leaves 930,000 ÷ 16 races = 58,125 tickets sold per race.
The .1Rl must average >40,000 no shows per race then. :lol:
Half a month of May at Indy:
-Race Day = 275,000
-Carb Day = 105,000
-Pole Day = 85,000
-Bump Day = 75,000
-All Other = 35,000
INDY MAY TOTAL = 575,000
All Other Indy Car Events that sold tickets:
-Barber open test = 15,000
-Brazil weekend = 80,000
-St. Pete weekend = 50,000
-Barber weekend = 60,000
-Long Beach weekend = 75,000
-ISC Kansas weekend = 20,000
-Texas weekend = 70,000
-Iowa weekend = 45,000
-ISC Glen weekend = 20,000
-Toronto weekend = 45,000
-Edmonton weekend = 37,000
-Mid Ohio weekend = 65,000
-Sonoma weekend = 20,000
-ISC Chicagoland weekend = 18,000
-Kentucky weekend = 35,000
-Japan weekend = 40,000
-ISC Homestead weekend = 11,000
NON-INDY TOTAL = 706,000
GRAND TOTAL for 2010 = 1,281,000 or so.
Any questions?
What does the "target demos up over 40%" really mean?
You say it how many times in this comment section alone?
If you can keep saying it, then it must mean soemthing to you.
So, what does it mean?
Or, is it just to make things sound good?
For all we know the IRL/Indycar series could have attracted 10,000 people in the 18-34 category in 2009. Up 40% in 2010 would mean they have an increase of 4,000 fans in that category.
The NFL could have 1.3 million constant viewers in the 18-34 category. They could claim they saw an increase of ONLY 3% in 2010 which would mean an increase of 39,000.
While 40% sounds like the Indycar series is on a wild growth pattern even the NFL would be happy to claimâ?¦in reality the numbers are still small as compared to past numbers for previous years of Indycar style racing.
40% is always better than 3% is what Disciple wants you to think.
So, if I offered 3% of 1.3 million dollars or 40% of 10,000 dollars to Disciple, we could count of him taking the 40%!
Maybe that is what happened to racing; no one watching those numbers.
Iâ??ll pay more attention to the numbers when they become similar to the numbers this type of racing drew in the past.
And, I think one could use the simplistic 12+ Nielsen ratings to get a generalized gauge as to when that happens, if ever.
I also think we would all be better off not paying attention to Discipleâ??s numbers since he really is not giving numbers but percentages.
Again, he seems to want to do a form of lying using damn statistics.
I shall not bother you again Disciple. I just wanted to see if I could get some reality out of you.
I can say with assurance that the demo specific numbers are much more impressive than the simplistic 12+ summaries of which the handful of you seem enamored. Of course the handful of you also believe the world has not evolved since 1996 mostly because it fits your flawed, dated 'arguments.'
Those grounded in reality and the present day (folks such as Randy Bernard) do not share your cutesy sense of pessimism.
In any event, it is always nice to have children around to amuse us.
Thanks for the response and I guess the name calling and putdown too.
I thought you said you were mature?
I'll just end by saying what I only hinted when I first posted. With your denigrating attitude that is very evident in this comment section, how can you expect to attract fans.
The world has in fact involved since 1996. Have you? You are the one that always mentions CART and Champcar. Did I?
I only said one thing about the past...and that was there was higher ratings and more fans. Do you think that is incorrect?
How do you know I am being pessimistic. I thought I was asking for realistic. I guess as long as anyone questions anything with you, it is being immature and pessimistic.
Would I like to see openwheel succeed and be popular again. Yes.
I guess when you really ahve no arguement - denigrate and call peolpe children or son, or anything else that makes you lofty.
By the way, I am 56 years old. I do not appreciate being refered to as a child. I did nothing childlike in these comments, unlike you.
I only hope the powers at IMS see what kind of fan you are and ask that you discontinue your posting in this manner.
Again...you hurt IMS and racing way more than you help.
I shall not repsond to your baiting again. I think everyone that looks at these comments knows who is the immature one that can't move on.
Good day.
Look, it is obvious you do not understand the first thing about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the race that facilitated the evolution of the entire sport. That is not a put down, it is an observation based on your sour, bitter commentary.
I suspect you enjoyed the cart period of evolution. So did I. But had they been allowed to continue, it is my firm belief the sport would be far worse off than you perceive it to be today.
All racing fans should be more like me. Why? I have attended 46 500s. I also attend multiple Indy Car races every year. I have for decades. I put my money where my mouth is. What I don't do is attempt to destroy something I claim to enjoy.
I do not give a rip how old you are. Maturity is what I care about. I am 56 as well, but my skin is much thicker. Why not keep your commentary confined to the topic?
How is it that a series so great and mighty and centered around the INDY 500 and once NAMED after the Indy 500, only be able to get 40,000 folks through the gates? That alone is almost 300% increase from year before!
Measuring sticks are important to achieve success.....TORONTO HAD 168,000 fans through the gates under CART/CCWS. That's a 76% DROP in attendance for the hapless IRL series. WITH THE SAME DRIVERS. What happened? Why does the IRL/INdycarz draw LESS everywhere?
Heck no, Sonoma MUST GO TOO. Prolly another BAD promoter, just like all the other 22 tracks the IRL was kicked out of. So they say....
"The *laughable* Toronto attendance numbers are interesting.....How is it that a series so great and mighty and centered around the INDY 500 and once NAMED after the Indy 500, only be able to get 40,000 folks through the gates? That alone is almost 300% increase from year before!"
Fantastic! Pretty good attendance given the economy in general and the fact that the majority of sports and entertainment venues have difficulties selling as many tickets as they did fifteen years ago.
"Measuring sticks are important to achieve success.....TORONTO HAD 168,000 fans through the gates under CART/CCWS. That's a 76% DROP in attendance for the hapless INDYCAR series. WITH THE SAME DRIVERS. What happened?"
The world evolved. cart is dead. If cart was around today, the attendance would be exactly as it is today. Or worse. Twice.
"Why does the INDYCAR Series draw LESS everywhere?"
Same reason the vast majority of sports and entertainment events draw fewer attendees. Mostly the economy. NASCAR did not sell out any of its races last year. What happened there?
"What silliness...they keep 20K fans at Sonoma yet dust the 40K at Motegi?"
Sonoma is well funded. Japan is having more severe difficulties economically than North America, as evidenced in a joint statement from Honda and the race promoter: 'Mobilityland, the Honda Motor Co. subsidiary that operates the Twin Ring Motegi Circuit, announced today that it will no longer host an IZOD IndyCar Series race after this year's event. While we have a unique understanding of the business climate in Japan which made this decision necessary, we wish to affirm that Mobilityland's announcement has had no impact on IndyCar Series programs run by American Honda and Honda Performance Development. HPD has announced its commitment to participate in the IZOD IndyCar Series as an engine supplier with a new generation of turbocharged V-6 engines starting in 2012, and American Honda co ntinues to support both the Series and individual race events.'
"Heck no, Sonoma MUST GO TOO. Prolly another BAD promoter, just like all the other 22 tracks the INDYCAR Series was kicked out of. So they say...."
In most cases, the INDYCAR Series was not 'kicked out.' Race tracks come and race tracks go. The INDYCAR Series has a ways to go before it matches the 40+ venues cart was 'kicked out' of.
130,000 fans SUDDENLY stopped enjoying AOW in Toronto whe the IRL surfaced...same is true in EDMONTON, Australia, Long Beach, Nazareth, Gateway, Indianapolis, and any other sloppy seconds CART/CCWS left the hapless Indycar series.
Now, the money grubbers is the SPEEDWAQY themselves, greedily selling everything to make a fast buck from the flash of OW racing, yet the actual racing stinks.
Why else would 130,000 diehard fans ditch the great IRL/Indycar series today? NASCAR didn't split it's sport. It's TV ratings STILL eclipse the great Indy 500 on a BAD race weekend at mediocre race tracks.
No wonder Randy had to 'reverse course' on profitability....he has a product that no one wants. And still, the IMS has no idea on how to market it....."The Greatest Race in History" has evolved into a dud...presence wise with the AMERICAN public. VErSuS is dragging the sport into the ditch...and the IMS has no one to blame but themselves! $765MILLION and counting!!!
"You crave the mediocrity that the IRL/Indycars have evolved to be. What an inbred type of mentality."
Wrong again, son. As a real racing fan who actually understands and respects the place the Indianapolis 500 holds in the world, I do not see mediocrity. I see a 100 year old grand spectacle who has aged like a fine wine. It is just too bad a handful of truly ignorant cart enthusiasts feel compelled to tear it down because their preferred series destroyed themselves. Twice. The only thing that will cure such defective behavior is maturity.
"130,000 fans SUDDENLY stopped enjoying AOW in Toronto whe the IRL surfaced...same is true in EDMONTON, Australia, Long Beach, Nazareth, Gateway, Indianapolis, and any other sloppy seconds CART/CCWS left the hapless Indycar series."
As previously stated, the vast majority of other entertainment and sports venues suffers from the the exact same phenomenon. Even NASCAR. Those who lack the maturity to understand that will never accept actual reality, as evidenced by your continued posting of hostile, barely literate nonsense.
"Now, the money grubbers is the SPEEDWAQY themselves, greedily selling everything to make a fast buck from the flash of OW racing, yet the actual racing stinks."
You lost me with that particular clever barb.
"Why else would 130,000 diehard fans ditch the great IRL/Indycar series today? NASCAR didn't split it's sport. It's TV ratings STILL eclipse the great Indy 500 on a BAD race weekend at mediocre race tracks."
Good for them. Something they and all other sports cannot claim is a 40% ratings increase in key demographics. The INDYCAR Series is the only sports entity that has that type of momentum and growth.
"No wonder Randy had to 'reverse course' on profitability....he has a product that no one wants. And still, the IMS has no idea on how to market it....."
Again, in reality, significant strides have been made on the marketing front with 14 new blue chip sponsors over the past 12 months, and sponsor spend in 2010 more than doubled to over $81 million. These are facts you should at least try to digest. Plus, Randy has indicated the series could well be profitable, but he prefers at this juncture to make continued investment in the series to ensure more consistent long term growth. Good for him!
"The Greatest Race in History" has evolved into a dud...presence wise with the AMERICAN public. VErSuS is dragging the sport into the ditch...and the IMS has no one to blame but themselves!"
Another thing actual real racing fans understand is that the institution predated all of use, and will be around long after we depart. To deny that is to admit complete cluelessness.
"$765MILLION and counting!!!"
Any chance I will ever get an accurate accounting estimate from you that details revenue against expenses to justify such huge 'losses?' I seriously doubt you have the ability or depth of thought to even attempt it.
The sport is not at levels attained previously. The 500's image is tarnished due to Hulman-George meddling. MILLIONs, hunedreds of millions, have bee squandered in a foolish powerplay that YOU supported.
So to celebrate GROWTH you really need to look at the big picture which you never do.....just your myopic view of your homeland, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
And i Do agree with you, you are totally clueless. The IRL is gone, never made a penny, and brought the sport to it's knees of failure. And you and the IRL minions facilitated it all.
So stop with your faux statistics you never provide. Intellegent people know the truth, and the sooner the Speedway and your ilk admit the truth...the sooner the sport can rebuild, en total. But your smarmy arrogance knows no bounds.
To real racing fans who understand and respect the institution, the Indianapolis 500 is just as great as it ever was. the cart occupation of the track from 1979 to 1995 was an evolutionary phase. Real racing fans enjoyed those years as well. To believe it is 'formerly great' is to openly admit ignorance and complete lack of understanding of the event. That is unsurprising given your obvious lack of maturity.
"The sport is not at levels attained previously."
Completely incorrect. It remains the largest attended single day sporting event in the world and still gets great ratings. Its purse is in the millions, and it draws worldwide attention. Just like every year before. Your bitterness and immaturity demonstrates a complete lack of class.
"The 500's image is tarnished due to Hulman-George meddling. MILLIONs, hunedreds of millions, have bee squandered in a foolish powerplay that YOU supported."
Oddly, the only person with such twisted interpretations of actual reality are disenfranchised cart enthusiasts that refuse to budge from 1995. My wish is that all six or seven of you will grow up and join the rest of us sixteen years down the road.
"So to celebrate GROWTH you really need to look at the big picture which you never do.....just your myopic view of your homeland, Indianapolis Motor Speedway."
The big picture remains the same. The Indianapolis 500 is a beloved event for millions of actual fans.
"And i Do agree with you, you are totally clueless. The IRL is gone, never made a penny, and brought the sport to it's knees of failure. And you and the IRL minions facilitated it all."
Glad we could help.
"So stop with your faux statistics you never provide. Intellegent people know the truth, and the sooner the Speedway and your ilk admit the truth...the sooner the sport can rebuild, en total. But your smarmy arrogance knows no bounds."
I deal strictly in the realm of actual reality. Seriously, your two-year-old-floor-fit-at-Wal-Mart is cute in a bad tempered infant sort of way, but grow up. Enjoy the sport. We adults are happy you are obsessed with it, but add some maturity and class for a change. If you can't stand what you see....stop being hypocritical and either move on to something else or try being a fan.
This Disciple "fan" has no idea who I am, what I think about Indy, etc.
I only challenge his repetitive fun with numbers claims and make the point that his defensive commenting style isn't helping the cause.
He asks to stay on topic, and my challenge was what he posted in this comment section. Who then was not on topic to begin with?
So, then he attacks, and much of the attack based on totally wrong assumptions.
Bitter and sour. Where does he get that?
But it all makes my initial point does it not.
This Disciple "fan" does nothing to help the sport and create other fans. I hope Indy Motor Speedway is aware of his behavior.I wouldn't want him to be representing me. And if they do recognize him as some kind of spokesperson all I can say is why?
I love the sport and its history no matter the clowns you have to come across that claim they love it too. Been to Indy many times myself. Also went to many races over the years too, not just Indycar racing, all types too. So challenging me as a race fan is laughable if he really knew my background and how much I too know of racing's rich history.
This is just a comment section in a blog I do check out from time to time. I've seen many comments by Defender and Disciple over that time and have grown frustrated with his game. So, yes, I had to challenge him borne of that frustration.
Thank you Anthony for your Indy perspective on sports and for your coverage of IMS in a local sense. I'll keep reading!
Just be keen to watch out for more attacks by Disciple. I wouldn't trust him.
Why does the speedway seek other markets or target demographics? I have the answer: BECAUSE they screwed all of the traditional ones up.
So, you just keep defending the FAILURES of the IRL, and the current faux INDYCAR. Keep refusing to honor the merger agreement by treating it like an asset sale. Keep on lying on behalf of the speedway......keep on revising history, friend. The truth will prove you wrong. ALWAYS.
And above all, keep setting the example for self-proclaimed "MATURITY"....code named for your pompous arrogance driven by your clinical sociopathic/psychopathic narcissism.
I prefer instead to deal with facts. All relevant facts point to the continuing viability of INDYCAR, not to mention commendable forward momentum.
People who have the temerity to refer to themselves as racing fans should accept realities they may personally find difficult to digest.
The '9' days of May. Pfffft...it's all the IRL's fault.
When are they going to announce the one year delay for the new car?
The great asset buyout was a bust apparently for the Speedway as they can't muster the attendance and sponsorships the TWICE dead series CART did.
How pathetic is that? The INDYCARz can't make it work WITH the Indy 500. What happened?
Yet, with the HUGE popularity of NASCAR, they pull in 6 million PLUS fans at the track a season (versus IRL's 1.2 million)....so I ask, why is INdy the most important? They don't make money, they can't get TV ratings, they don't market or advertise, and they get 85% LESS fans through the gates than NASCAR....
To add insult to injury, the IRL/IndyCAr can't even challenge the DEAD TWICE series for TV ratings OR Attendance. What's happening?
Mr. Schoettle, can you get for us the Nielsen number for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show from last night, Tuesday, February 15, 2001
TIA
TAIA
Not just missed opportunities...but also the GRAMMY's too. MILLIONS of eyeballs that couldn't tell a Conway from a Pippa.
FREE ADVERTISING IDEA for IRL/INDYXARZ: Do the old 'Man On The Street' interview, where IMS PR folks go sttreet by strret interviewing folks and asking folks "When is the MOST IMPORTANT RACE in HISTORY"? Then, tape their responses and play them back as a commercial. Here's a sample:
IRL PR Stooge: When is the MOST IMPORTANT RACE IN HISTORY?
Man On The Street: What race?
IRL PR Stooge: Open Wheel racing? You know, where cars race for 500 miles?
Man On The Street: Oh, Daytona!
IRL PR Stooge: No, it's in Indianapolis...you know, the Indy 500?
Man On The Street: Never heard of it!
Hilarity would ensue and IMS can play that yodel opening from the ABC brodcast to scare viewers away further. Add laugh-tracks and thats some fine marketing right thar.
How did buying time on television to attempt to foist cart and its successor organization work out? Twice? I have been told that product was superior. What happened?
How'd did that IRL experiment work out, from an AOW as a "growing market" work out?
North of $20 Million, not. VersUs for 7 straight years. 2010 Indy 500 pulling 3.68 ratings (from a 9.50 the last year before the IRL began). What happened, TV EXECUTIVES?
Anthony doesn't even bother to write about it. HAHAHAHAHA...and CART is still DEAD twice!!
The dead twice series STILL has higher technology, better competition, higher TV ratings and greater attendance than the IRL EVER, and IndycarZ today.
And it didn't cost $765Million either...and it made money. And packed grandstands. Sold out Indy over one year in advance. What happened?
It doesn't now. How did that translate into long term viability? LOL.
The viability of the sport went from 10.0 to 3.68. Small minded indycentric revisionist thinkers can't remember the past so they are doomed to repeat it. like defender....
Any news on the mega-activation sponsor promised 6 months ago, or a marketing effort by the speedway to promote the MOST IMPORTANT RACE in HISTORY? Anyone seen a new chassis or engine? How about Honda's exit strategy or Firestone's departure? How about 3.68's an 0.30's on an unwatchable 4th tier TV network. How about foreign ride-buyers, or the total invisibility of the series in the mainstream media and public. How about the 765MILLION and growing? Nothing, huh?
Bankruptcy, twice. I guess senility has it's laughable moments.
1. Mega-activation is being held up by politics involving NASCAR, IMS and INDYCAR. But no worries. The series has signed 14 blue chippers in 12 months, and sponsor spend more than doubled last season to over $81 million. The figure is projected to rise far above that for 2011. Even if IMS does not promote the 100th anniversary at all, they will still sell it out and get great ratings.
2. Yes. Ryan Briscoe and others. It is said to look very good.
3. Honda is not leaving. They clearly indicated this and indicated enthusiasm for producing the next gen engine.
4. Firestone has not indicated they are leaving either.
5. Versus has surpassed ESPN2. In just a few weeks, total households for the rebranded channel will approach or exceed 100 million.
6. When compared proportionately to the ratings of 20 years ago, Indy Car gets great numbers. Particularly in coveted demo targets, where they rose 40% in 2010.
7. There have always been foreign ride buyers in Indy Car.
8. There is far more good news than bad news for INDYCAR these days. If you stop self filtering your Google alerts to find bad news, you will discover much good news.
9. Anyone who seriously believes the INDYCAR Series has lost $765 million dollars over their lifetime needs professional counseling. Credibility would be helped by providing an accounting of revenue versus expenses.
Facts that CAN be verified: cart killed itself. Twice.
Only 8 more to go 'til 200!
How come you IRL lubbers can't compete? Not as important as you think huh?
Audience figures for this early NASCAR season continue their upward trend as FOX Sportsâ?? coverage last Sunday of Daytona 500 Qualifying scored big. The three-hour event was up +25% in rating and +40% in viewership compared to 2010. Across key male demographics, 2011 Daytona 500 Qualifying was up +50% in the M18-34 demographic, +20% for M18-49 and +21% for M25-54.
INDY: Not worth it for $25 MILLION.
Hey, DIspiclile: I think NASCAR Speedweeks (2) WAY out draw the INDY 500 9 days o'May. What happened? Daytona's got 150K+ there on a thursday! And they gots TWO races, TWICE! Woot!
Indy...invisible. Self important Centennial not even thought about...What happened?
1. It is far from sold out.
2. Ratings thus far are flat.
3. It will draw less than half the attendance of Indy.
4. It has half the history of Indy.
Not to the darkly obsessed: Indy is doing just fine. As you may have heard, INDYCAR added 14 new major commercial partners bridging 2009 and 2010, including Fortune 500 companies Verizon, Sunoco, Philips and Starwood. Promotional spending doubled in 2010 over the previous year, with licensing revenue up 83 percent and merchandise sales ahead 71 percent over the calendar year. Additionally, TV ratings and race attendance grew.
Essentially, there is no reason for INDYCAR haters to panic. You may, if you wish, continue looking foolish.
Were almost to 200!
Daytona ratings WAY UP.
Daytona OUTDRAWS Indy two weeks. Easily.
Daytona surpassed Indy TV ratings about 6 years ago.
NASCAR regular races out draw/higher TV ratings than Indy 500.
NASCAR/Daytona has HIGHER interest than old, stodgy Indy. It also has advertising that INRL doesn't. Oh, it's on national OTA TV too. What happened? I thought Indy was Most Important Race in History?
See you in May.
cart remains dead. Twice.
In my opinion the world can use less Tony George's and more creative insight like posters on this blog.
-The NEW Defender
Polly want a cracker???
Any IRL advertising being planned or spent? I heard from unreliable sources the Speedway don't need the publicity with all because they have the MOST IMPORTANT RACE in HISTORY....and paid Speedway Spokespeople are declaring the 500 a sellout already!
Yeah, they sold out alright...
Whats happening? Randy has been throwing up a smoke-screen all along it seems....IRL is gonna get caught up in the oil slick fer sure.
She's the best the IRL EVAH produced!
Seriously, NASCAR is BLOWING away the 2 weeks of Indy attendance and TV ratings wise!!! Why is the Indy 500 called the MOST IMPORTANT RACE in HISTORY? They can't even beat NASCAR 3rd tier and ARCA attandance and TV ratings!!!
Sparing no expense, NASCAR is marketing everywhere. Strangely, the Indy 500 and the Irlcars are NOT taking advantage of this plethora of racing attention as it buries it's head in the sand like usual.
The 'Most Important Race in History' apparently is not important enough to promote itself on a grand stage....like NFL playoffs, Super Bowl (largest TV audience in history), ANY run-of-the-mill college basketball game, ESPN family of networks, ABC, in sponsor commercials, in nothing....but the minds of IMS.
I hereby place the FAILURE label on the CENTENNIAL and the marketing geniuses over at 16th and Georgetown. Indy (and AOW) is nothing but small potatoes on a tiny stage. Yet, they spent $750,000 to buy portable scoreboards for road courses (you know, the ones like Toronto that get 1/10th the fans the twice dead series got).
West Union Cemetery still has space....this sport is dead.
I heard NASCAR drivers declaring this is the most important race (Daytona 500). No sight of Indy anywhere. Good work IMS.
Also, all the NASCAR drivers had their little babies with them. Too bad they had kids, or they'd be at Indy. BWahahhahha!
Indy...Centennial...nadda. Rather spend money on portable scoreboards then advertising to the race public. Is it any wonder they have 3.68 ratings at Indy and 0.30 on verSus. I didn't even see and IZOD commercials or Firestone or anything out there today. Great JOB IMS! Greatest Invisible Race in History.
Daytona WAS sold out.
Daytona ratings WAY UP, 17% at a 8.4 rating.
Daytona OUTDRAWS Indy two weeks. Easily.
Daytona surpassed Indy TV ratings about 7 years ago.
NASCAR regular races out draw/higher TV ratings than Indy 500.
NASCAR/Daytona has HIGHER interest than old, stodgy Indy. It also has advertising that IRL doesn't. Oh, it's on national OTA TV too. What happened? I thought Indy was Most Important Race in History?
Lotsa NASCAR folk declaring to a massive TV audience that DAYTONA is the most important race. Must be true...Indy can't top that.
Indycar/IRL is just going through the motions...yet THEY can't realize it. The sport is controlled by IMS idiots that have no idea what they are doing.
They are trying hard to recreate something that they willfully refuse to admit existed successfully 16 years ago. That is an insult to me and and any fan like me. Millions of us feel the same way, yet they don't care.
So, for their hard work, neither do I.
Dude. You "don't care"? Huh? This thread is 3,000 miles long, went on for nearly a month, and you posted dozens of times. And you have the gall to claim you don't care?
You care more than anyone I've ever run across. You're in massive, massive denial.
The only thing I can figure is that it's personal for you. Something must've happened that turned your love in to vitriolic hate. Oh, but you still care, alright. You care.