IndyCar: News and Discussion Thread
http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com...artner=ya5nbcs
Thanks Tony George 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.” |
:stupid:
Split -> Less eyeballs -> Lower revenues -> Teams can't buy new equipment -> Becomes spec series -> Complete loss of interest for F-C |
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.
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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: :scratch: |
Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
(Post 15078820)
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.
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Originally Posted by F-C
(Post 15078577)
:stupid:
Split -> Less eyeballs -> Lower revenues -> Teams can't buy new equipment -> Becomes spec series -> Complete loss of interest for F-C
Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
(Post 15078820)
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.
Originally Posted by F-C
(Post 15080254)
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: :scratch: Even the Panoz looked great http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...rdais_2007.jpg |
Here Are the Guts of an IndyCar
Here Are the Guts of an IndyCar
IndyCar :toocool: on the inside and :ugh: on the outside https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...09fa11c18f.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7e87a9e5f0.jpg |
Indycar overreacted when Dan Wheldon died and put that ugly bodywork on the cars around the rear wheels. No Indy races for me.
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
(Post 15429668)
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Mario's right of course-some of the absolute best racing I saw in the 90's was Indycar (Toronto, Mid-Ohio, Cleveland, Fontana, Long Beach)
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Formula 1 isn't too far behind...
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^^^ 'splain Lucy . . .
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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.
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
(Post 15430438)
Formula 1 isn't too far behind...
Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
(Post 15430838)
^^^ 'splain Lucy . . .
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Only 5K attendance at the IndyCar Fontana race
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IndyCar has never done well at Fontana, I don't know why they keep going there.
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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.
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Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
(Post 15481158)
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.
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Former F1 driver in a coma and in 'critical condition' after freak accident
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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.
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:sad: Get well soon Justin.
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Bad news. Justin Wilson dies from his injuries:
IndyCar's Justin Wilson, 37, dies after injury on Pocono track |
:rip:
:sad: leaves behind wife and two daughters |
Just read the news. Tears running down my face. He was such a nice person. Warm intelligent and kind. Hard to take sometimes.
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RIP. An absolute tragedy.
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Awful, awful, awful news.
One of my favorite drivers. |
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.
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Sports world reacts to IndyCar driver Justin Wilson's death on Twitter
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar...020248622.html
Had forgotten Wilson and Allmendinger were teammates in CART |
He was the star for me in the waning days of Champ Car.
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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.
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Wow. Very touching.
Brother: Late IndyCar driver Wilson saves 6 lives by donating organs Late IndyCar driver Justin Wilson saves six lives by donating organs | FOX Sports |
Originally Posted by ttribe
(Post 15534957)
Wow. Very touching.
Brother: Late IndyCar driver Wilson saves 6 lives by donating organs Late IndyCar driver Justin Wilson saves six lives by donating organs | FOX Sports |
Originally Posted by F-C
(Post 15534477)
He was the star for me in the waning days of Champ Car.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin...004_to_2007.29 |
Originally Posted by Legend2TL
(Post 15535450)
I remember Bourdais winning the last 4 championships but forgotten how good Wilson was in CART, came in 2nd twice and 3rd once.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin...004_to_2007.29 |
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.
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Originally Posted by Legend2TL
(Post 15537768)
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.
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Originally Posted by F-C
(Post 15537837)
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.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e06538521c.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e611160408.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...690b813899.jpg |
(Newman with his Rolex Daytona)
EDIT: wonder if it's a Newman Daytona, any Daytona experts out there? |
Column: IndyCar is clearly too risky; time to shut it down
Column: IndyCar is clearly too risky; time to shut it down
Can't say I agree with his solution but the article does remind me of all the deaths and horrific injuries that have occurred in IRL/Indycar |
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