Penske is buying IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, etc

[Kutnupe14]

I think you would have a hard time coming up with someone better to take it all over.

Formula One Group

 

[DoggyDaddy]

The disappointing part of Penske buying IMS is that it means NASCAR will continue to return to the track. It isn’t a track for stock cars, boring race overall.

But, on the positive side, maybe this will give some traction to Indy car again. The 2 series (Nascar and Indy car) need to compete for fans, otherwise you get ridiculous rule packages like we are currently getting.

Maybe Penske could turn the Brickyard into a "roval" like Charlotte for the NASCAR series. The infrastructure is already in place. Might add a little more interest too.

 

[Ingomike]

It's unclear who approached who.

Seems to me both could be true...

 

[Hatin Since 87]

Maybe Penske could turn the Brickyard into a "roval" like Charlotte for the NASCAR series. The infrastructure is already in place. Might add a little more interest too.

That would be awesome actually. Right now the brickyard is one of the most boring races on the schedule imo

 

[Cameramonkey]

Maybe Penske could turn the Brickyard into a "roval" like Charlotte for the NASCAR series. The infrastructure is already in place. Might add a little more interest too.

Or install chutes around the track that randomly spit out a bushel or so of ball bearings that roll across the track at random intervals. Maybe you hit a patch of marbles, maybe you dont. That should add some excitement.

 

[thunderchicken]

Maybe Penske could turn the Brickyard into a "roval" like Charlotte for the NASCAR series. The infrastructure is already in place. Might add a little more interest too.

Just turn the cars around and run them on the road course

 

[Backpacker]

Penske will do all right with the Speedway.

 

[DRob]

That would be awesome actually. Right now the brickyard is one of the most boring races on the schedule imo

The Brickyard is boring. The 500 is boring. The F1 race was exciting only because it was new and different. The problem is not the type of cars. IMS is the absolute worst oval track for spectators on the planet. The best seats allow you to view about half the track and some of that is so far away you need binoculars.

 

[Hatin Since 87]

The Brickyard is boring. The 500 is boring. The F1 race was exciting only because it was new and different. The problem is not the type of cars. IMS is the absolute worst oval track for spectators on the planet. The best seats allow you to view about half the track and some of that is so far away you need binoculars.

I agree, but even on tv the brickyard is boring. The Indy 500 is more about the history of the event than the actual racing itself, to me anyway. Also boring, but at least I have a reason to watch it. Brickyard, good for napping or drinking in the pool listening on the radio.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

The Brickyard is boring. The 500 is boring. The F1 race was exciting only because it was new and different. The problem is not the type of cars. IMS is the absolute worst oval track for spectators on the planet. The best seats allow you to view about half the track and some of that is so far away you need binoculars.

The F1 was new and different, but I found the racing to be boring. Seemed like the only passing took place in the pits. Very little passing was done on the track. It was basically just a big long game of follow the leader. But it was kind of cool seeing the different type of crowd that it attracted.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Watching the story on WTHR now. Penske mentioning a 24 hour race, and perhaps bringing back F1... Just things he's considering.

 

[Hatin Since 87]

Ooooh. Haven’t considered a 24 hour race. That would be cool

 

[Kutnupe14]

Ooooh. Haven’t considered a 24 hour race. That would be cool

Well, it had to happen sooner or later... but I agree a 24 hour race at IMS? That would be huge.

 

[edporch]

My predictions: Penske did not buy it to own a trophy. Big changes are coming. It will be modernized to wring out cash, boost TV revenue and the series. Will likely overtake NASCAR in popularity and ratings.

If those changes don't include opening the rules back up and abandoning the present over regulated glorified IROC like joke it has become, I won't be returning as a fan.
I was a big fan for many years, and now I wouldn't walk across the street to see the "Jive Hundred, the Greatest Debacle in Auto Racing" with a free ticket.

 

[cbhausen]

Formula One Group

Stealth purple?

 

[Hatin Since 87]

Well, it had to happen sooner or later... but I agree a 24 hour race at IMS? That would be huge.

I’m just curious if it would stay popular. Like the formula 1 and the Moto Gp, it was huge when they first came, then slowly died out.

I would love to go to the 24 hours at Daytona, even better if they’d do it locally.

 

[Kutnupe14]

I’m just curious if it would stay popular. Like the formula 1 and the Moto Gp, it was huge when they first came, then slowly died out.

I would love to go to the 24 hours at Daytona, even better if they’d do it locally.

The Formula 1 had the crowd, but "Indygate," rightfully left a bad taste in fans mouths. It's attendance was one of the best at about 250,000 people. F1 is the rich man's race, regardless of where it is, people are going to go. The American races, are some of the cheapest to attend, so that's a big draw. I think if they get it back and it runs smoothly, they'll make money hands over fist.

 

[jsx1043]

Better question- what are they going to do to sell out the stands so a blackout isn't an issue?

Bringing prices down so a middle-income family can enjoy the tradition might help...

 

[Vigilant]

F1=Eurotrash Hookers=Fun Times had by all!

 

[Hatin Since 87]

The Formula 1 had the crowd, but "Indygate," rightfully left a bad taste in fans mouths. It's attendance was one of the best at about 250,000 people. F1 is the rich man's race, regardless of where it is, people are going to go. The American races, are some of the cheapest to attend, so that's a big draw. I think if they get it back and it runs smoothly, they'll make money hands over fist.

Personally I wish they would. Why not? The track sits empty for 11 months a year. Get F1, Indy car, moto gp, Le Mans, and any other series we can to attend. Let the city get revenue from all the attendees. F1 and Le Mans will, like you said, have a lot of wealthy out of towners come in for the week/weekend. I think Penske will definitely make it happen. I hope anyway.