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The fallout from the 1996 split between the now-defunct CART open-wheel series and the then-upstart Indy Racing League continues to hamper IndyCar’s efforts to further build the sport, according to legendary driver Mario Andretti.
Even though the two series reunited in 2008, IndyCar still struggles when it comes to attracting new fans, Andretti told John Bombatch of FairbornDailyHerald.com.
“I was hoping that by now, since it’s one series again, it would have regained more popularity,” Andretti said. “But I think the split was for too long, and we lost a lot of our fan base. We almost have another generation coming now.
“Sure, we have hardcore fans. But even still, the newer fan base has to be re-educated to appreciate what the IndyCar Series is all about. Right now, I think the product is really good. I think the races are the best I’ve ever seen, with the nature the cars are and the way it is regulated.”
With eight different winners in the series’ first 11 races of this season coming into Saturday’s race at Iowa Speedway, parity has become synonymous with IndyCar – and the sanctioning body has to promote that type of close racing, said Andretti, a four-time open-wheel champ and winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500.
“Once you’ve got the product, you’ve got to feel pretty positive about the series,” Andretti, 74, told Bombatch. “It’s just good racing, that’s all there is to it. The talent in the field is deep, it’s good. There’s a strong international contingent, which is fine. Golf has that. There’s nothing wrong with that. We’ve gotta keep hammering, that’s all.”
Even though Andretti has technically been retired from IndyCar racing for 20 years now, he’s still behind the wheel at most events, driving a specially-built two-seat race car in which he gives fans rides in during race weekends.
Andretti, the only driver to have ever won the Indy 500, Daytona 500, as well as USAC, CART and Formula One championships, is still mischievous in his new role as he was when he was a full-time racer. “We’ve had a few people who just lose it,” Andretti told Bombatch with a laugh. “I’ve had a half dozen or so of those over the years, which makes it a special day. A bit embarrassing for them, but fun for me. “There’s a panic button for the passenger to hit, which shows a red light on my steering wheel to tell me that they’re worried … and I ignore it. Once you’re in the cockpit, you’ve gotta go with me. Sometimes people get a little nervous, which is good. I like that actually. That’s the whole idea.”
I'm very close to you on those thoughts F-C. I used to go to at least 3 Indycar races/year until the split. The Andrettis, Unsers, Mansell, JV, Luyendyk, etc., were all a blast to watch. At least there were a few different engines and chassis combos back then. Now it is a spec series with butt ass ugly cars to boot. I have lost any interest whatsoever.
1994:
Reynard debuts in CART with sensational win in first race with Michael Andretti vs. Nigel Mansell in an epic race.
Penske PC-23 dominates the season with 8 wins for Little Al.
Shock unveiling of the Mercedes 500I engine at Indy with 1000hp.
Jacques Villeneuve rookie season, when he was still likable.
Final season for Mario Andretti.
Gorgeous cars, high powered engines, huge crowds, big time sponsors
I'm very close to you on those thoughts F-C. I used to go to at least 3 Indycar races/year until the split. The Andrettis, Unsers, Mansell, JV, Luyendyk, etc., were all a blast to watch. At least there were a few different engines and chassis combos back then. Now it is a spec series with butt ass ugly cars to boot. I have lost any interest whatsoever.
Spec series is stupid. Let the designers/Engineers do their magic and see who is best.
Split -> Less eyeballs -> Lower revenues -> Teams can't buy new equipment -> Becomes spec series -> Complete loss of interest for F-C
+1, the split opened the door for NASCAR for US racing fans and the rest is history.
Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
I'm very close to you on those thoughts F-C. I used to go to at least 3 Indycar races/year until the split. The Andrettis, Unsers, Mansell, JV, Luyendyk, etc., were all a blast to watch. At least there were a few different engines and chassis combos back then. Now it is a spec series with butt ass ugly cars to boot. I have lost any interest whatsoever.
+1 Attended a 2-3 races a year in the 80's and early 90's. Saw some great races. Also add in Mears, Montoya, Bourdais,... alot of great drivers and exciting action.
Originally Posted by F-C
1994:
Reynard debuts in CART with sensational win in first race with Michael Andretti vs. Nigel Mansell in an epic race.
Penske PC-23 dominates the season with 8 wins for Little Al.
Shock unveiling of the Mercedes 500I engine at Indy with 1000hp.
Jacques Villeneuve rookie season, when he was still likable.
Final season for Mario Andretti.
Gorgeous cars, high powered engines, huge crowds, big time sponsors
2014:
+1 CART/Champ always had great looking cars whether March, Penske, Renyard, Lola, even up to the end (2007). Add in many engine manufactuers (Ford, Chevy/Illmour, Honda, Toyota). The series worked well and put on great races at great tracks and sometimes racing at F1 circuits (Long Beach, Canada).
I used to be an avid CART fan. Attended Toronto and Mid-Ohio on the regular, and Narzerth oval as well. I think CART had the right formula, a few chassis manufactures and few engine guys, and a good mix of road courses and ovals. I loved watching Zanardi and Vasser battling it out. The current product is garbage and I haven't watch a race in at least 5 years.
F1 is on a road to the same problem. Aside from the top 3 teams everyone is butt hurt about costs. Only way to reduce costs is a make more things common, which ultimately leads to a spec series. They have to be careful how far down the road they go. If Bernie would give up his fucking greed and share more of the broadcast$$ with the teams it would be less of an issue. I also think they need to be careful with this fuel flow limit business and tire limited races, it's hampering the product as the drivers are more focused on managing the "specs" of the race instead of just going max out balls to the wall on race day.
I remember the first few Indycar races there as we attended them and had a great time. The stands were pretty full as was the infield. The current business model for IRL is suicidal.
I remember the first few Indycar races there as we attended them and had a great time. The stands were pretty full as was the infield. The current business model for IRL is suicidal.
, when IndyCar hired that executive whose previous marketing experience was World Wide Wrestling a few years ago I knew they were in serious trouble and hiring Gene Simmonds for the IndyCar theme song. He's gone now, but wish Penske/Forsythe/Ganassi would get together like CART did in the late 70's and re-invent IndyCar.
I saw the news about Justin early this morning, just terrible. He was so far behind the original accident it is hard to see on the video when it happened until you watch a few times. I had the chance to meet him at Watkins Glen when IRL was last there, helluva nice guy.
all kidding aside and no disrespect intended but you have to wonder how quickly IRL will find a way to protect drivers' heads. I'd hate to see canopies over drivers but there has to be a solution of some sort. Massa getting hit with a spring; Senna getting hit with a suspension upright; and now Wilson getting hit by a nose cone.
I was pretty ignorant of his career until this. I've been doing some reading and it truly seems the loss will be felt substantially both on and off the track. By all accounts, he seems to have been universally well liked by teammates and competitors alike. A rare bird in the racing world and a huge loss.
That was a amazing period for Newmann-Hass, Bourdias won almost half the races in CART in that period, something no one has come close to. Similar to Schumacher/Ferrari and Vettel/RedBull in F1. Incredible talent/team combinations.
That was a amazing period for Newmann-Hass, Bourdias won almost half the races in CART in that period, something no one has come close to. Similar to Schumacher/Ferrari and Vettel/RedBull in F1. Incredible talent/team combinations.
I view it differently. By that time, all of the top teams have left Champ Car for the IRL. Only NH and Forsythe was left, and Paul Tracy was already showing his age. The lack of competition ensured that NH was untouchable.
I view it differently. By that time, all of the top teams have left Champ Car for the IRL. Only NH and Forsythe was left, and Paul Tracy was already showing his age. The lack of competition ensured that NH was untouchable.
Even Bourdias's teammates at NH couldn't keep pace with him, despite having the same chassis/engine. Bourdias was really in his element then, there was plenty of good competition. He was just in a league of his own. Newman was also very close to him, from what I read treated him like a son.
07-11-2014, 06:00 PM
Spec series is stupid. Let the designers/Engineers do their magic and see who is best.
on the inside and 
,
, when IndyCar hired that executive whose previous marketing experience was World Wide Wrestling a few years ago I knew they were in serious trouble and hiring Gene Simmonds for the IndyCar theme song
. He's gone now, but wish Penske/Forsythe/Ganassi would get together like CART did in the late 70's and re-invent IndyCar.
Get well soon Justin.
