I've had a couple days to sit back and digest the newest event at IMS, and here are a couple random thoughts...
- The biggest question everyone had coming into the GP of Indy was how would it be received by the paying public. I believe everyone can agree it was a hit. Mark Miles said in a post race interview that they were hoping for 40,000 people and that they were happy with the turnout. I'd say the number of 40,000 was spot on. The newly modified spectator mounds were packed, and from my vantage point in stand H (exit of oval turn 4) the reserved stands were impressively full. I will say that earlier in the day during the Mazda Road to Indy races, the crowd was fairly thin, only filling up right before the start of the IndyCar race. This brings me to my next thought...
- IndyCar needs to step it up and really start promoting the ladder series to the big cars. The struggles of Indy Lights are well documented, and I'm hopeful that that series will start a dramatic turn around once their new chassis gets introduced next year. However USF 2000 and Pro Mazda series are COMPLETELY off the radar for all but the most dedicated open wheel racing fans, however the on track product they both produce is outstanding. People at the track got treated to six(!) additional races over Friday and Saturday, but I would venture to say that less than half of the ticket holders could correctly identify what they were watching. If these young drivers are supposed to be the stars of the future, should we not become familiar with the names and faces so that we can follow their path to IndyCar and the Indy 500? What about title sponsor Mazda? Should they be doing more to help promote the three feeder series? I think so. Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful for all Mazda does for the Road to Indy. Without them, it would probably be a very different situation. However, I find it hard to believe they're getting much of a return on their investment.
- Unfortunately, the big start line accident received the bulk of the main stream media coverage from the weekend, which is no surprise. It was a scary wreck and all involved were lucky to walk away. Standing starts have been a hot topic since being introduced last year. I am personally in favor of them. I think it something different and exciting. However, if the cars (and drivers?) are not capable of making them work, then they just need to be dropped. I commend IndyCar for trying to differentiate the Grand Prix and the 500. Are the cars not capable of preforming the standing starts? A non racing fan coworker of mine made an interesting observation today. "How is a standing start different than continuing after a pit stop?" he asked. I didn't have a very good answer to that question...
- Not counting the start, I think the on track product was pretty good. Yes, it did come down to fuel millage at the end, but there was some good passing through the field. Hawksworth made some new fans for sure on Saturday. His running up front and pass on RHR were all impressive. I think people questioned Herta's decision to go with Hawksworth this year, but early on in the season, it's looking to pay off.
No comments:
Post a Comment