So for the rest of us, you're sort of saying it's like the birds aren't coming back for spring until August? If so, that's pretty relatable.
Pretty much.
The powers that be have screwed that event into the ground and now this. Damn.
So for the rest of us, you're sort of saying it's like the birds aren't coming back for spring until August? If so, that's pretty relatable.
Pretty much.
The powers that be have screwed that event into the ground and now this. Damn.
Since I'm ignorant, someone else said it used to be like a month-long thing? What happened? All I know about it is what I've seen on TV.
Since I'm ignorant, someone else said it used to be like a month-long thing? What happened? All I know about it is what I've seen on TV.
Its a....... long drawn out VERY controversial story.
In short. 1996-2008 Open Wheel Split, ended just in time for the GREAT RECESSION, and some boneheaded moves by the series in 2011.
That said, things were on the upswing, Car counts and teams were increasing, sponsorship and attendance on the upswing, number of races increasing.
The turnaround began for real in 2012.. and were really seeing dividends now. We had seen bumping at the 500 return the last couple of years..
And now....... Coronavirus.
Indycar can NOT catch a break.
But its not that anymore. Yes it was for many many years in the 2000s. But those days are over.
The other days are coming back, No it isn't what it was in the 90s, but its A LOT more then in was in the 2000s.
Because its NOT an overly regulated spec race any more. Speeds are back UP. Engine competition has seen that.
There is development and investment in both the cars, and the series again. It may not be back yet to where it was in the 90s, but its WAY more then in was in the 2000s.
Before this Corona Virus mess hit, we were headed to 38 entries. No not 50 as it used to be, but definitely not just 33 showing up.
If the sport at its peak was 100%, and at it's lowpoint it got to about 70%. It got back to about 85%..... Not all the way mind you, but MUCH MUCH better then the bad years.
You guys are talking about Indy the way I think of it prior to, I dunno, 1960?, when all manner of crazy stuff was going on down there from types of cars to power plants and everything else. I had no idea there had been anything like that amount of variety in my lifetime. On TV it looks the same every year.
Well I guess you are an expert then.
Did I mention that my involvement ran deep and still does. I have many many friends that are still involved in many aspects. And it a terribly over regulated spec race. If you do not buy the right car from the right people and lease the right engine then you are relegated to the back of the pack. Speeds are rising but the last years cars had hit the wall so to speak and that was it for them. Have you seen the new cars. Again a very tight rules package and that means pretty close to spec racing in my book.
We built our cars. We made our engine plates and we built our engines. You will not see this any more. You can not open up a lease engine. If you break the seals its your butt.
On my last visit to Andretti's they were messaging the aero packages but were so limited under the rules that so little was gained from the efforts.
I did some work for John A. on his sprint car trailer before he took deathly Ill. I have known the family for many years through racing. The mega teams like that one rule the sport now. It is a new world.
See it as you will. The series needs all the real fans it can get and it sounds like you are one of them. Stay strong for the series. For us the good times left with the IRL coming to be. I understand what he was doing but man he failed miserably.