After last year's tire debacle and the economy being in shambles, some people are ready to cash it in or call in the cavalry:
Wetzel
Fryer
All I can say is, neither one of them know jack about racing. They must be bored with their jobs.
It wasn't the fault of the IMS and Goodyear seems to have things corrected. So lighten up folks.
There have been critics of the race from the start, because the width of the track prevents a lot of passing. As if there is a lot in NASCAR, anyway.
Who knows? Maybe this is the case with these two wannabe racing writers. But, this race generates too much money to just be ready to punt after one bad year out of fifteen.
We'll see what they have to say afterward.
Stay Tuned.
UPDATE:
I guess everything was to these two malcontents' (Wetzel and Fryer) liking. (Click on their names if you want to read their post-race write ups.)
They didn't retract anything they said in the previous columns. They mostly just reported on the race, which is probably closer to their job description anyway. They should leave the racing commentary to the pros, and those who have a feel for the sport.
One other gripe I have about the local media's coverage of the race:
This is not the Tony Stewart 400.
I know he is from Indiana. So is Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon grew up here also. But Tony Stewart is not NASCAR. And anyone that would idolize a crybaby who pouts after things do not go his way, needs to have a psychological mental status exam.
Showing posts with label Auto Racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto Racing. Show all posts
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Another Blast From The Past
Two years ago, I copped some free tickets to NASCAR's second most prestigious race, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, right here in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the greatest spectacle in racing. Mrs. Sunsett's friend won them and offered to give them to us. She graciously and thankfully accepted them, then told me I was going with her. She also informed me that I was going to have a good time.
And believe it or not, I actually did.
A couple of months back, I happened along a fundraising raffle, organized and put on by a nun. Looking at the prizes that were available to the winners of the drawings, I saw some nice things worth a shot or two. There was a big screen TV that made me immediately think about my friend Mustang.
On my trip to Florida last November, he did everything he could to get me to buy one for him. Naturally I thought if I could just win it, it would give me no greater pleasure than to give to him. But sadly, it was not to be.
Other prizes included Colts tickets, a Colts jacket, and even a toaster oven. What the heck, I thought. What's the worst thing on the table, I asked myself? Almost anything free is nice, right?
Our toaster oven is getting old and Mrs. Sunsett would just love a new toaster oven. So when I was informed that I was a winner, I felt sure that no one else would want it and was ready to pick it up as soon as the Sister and I could arrange a moment to pick it up.
The gifts were doled out on a first come, first served basis and unfortunately our schedules didn't mix well for a couple of days. We finally arranged a meeting and much to my surprise, the toaster oven was gone.
What was I able to choose from?
Dinner for two at an overrated and overpriced local restaurant, a free night at a local hotel, or two tickets to the Brickyard race. Naturally, the thoughts were turned to analysis, conjecture, and prediction. The objective was to determine (that out of the remaining gifts), which one would the most practical and the one that she would want most?
Practicality stated plainly that staying in a hotel, in the town you live in, is a waste of time and money (especially when you have dogs). Eating out at a restaurant that is not as good as the name sounds had no appeal to it either.
Needless to say, we are going to the race again for the second time, courtesy of some benevolent benefactors who want to further the damage to my hearing. Not that artillery fire and rock concerts didn't do the job, mind you. We now must allow NASCAR to finish the job.
So this week's music post is centered on my expected experience that will begin at 2:00 PM-EDT tomorrow, and carried live on ESPN in HD. And what better way to kick this off than with Tim Wilson's NASCAR Song:
Next up we have a little parody song, sung to the tune of a Toby Keith song. I am not a big country fan, but if you are you may recognize the melody:
I don't know who does this one, but someone may like it and it goes with the theme of the post:
Finally a little keyboard techno racing tune known as the FOX Starting Grid Theme Song. It's a little catchy, but nothing to write home about. It's just something fill the last spot in this week's musical presentation:
Enjoy (and if you watch the race, I'll be waving to you).
And believe it or not, I actually did.
A couple of months back, I happened along a fundraising raffle, organized and put on by a nun. Looking at the prizes that were available to the winners of the drawings, I saw some nice things worth a shot or two. There was a big screen TV that made me immediately think about my friend Mustang.
On my trip to Florida last November, he did everything he could to get me to buy one for him. Naturally I thought if I could just win it, it would give me no greater pleasure than to give to him. But sadly, it was not to be.
Other prizes included Colts tickets, a Colts jacket, and even a toaster oven. What the heck, I thought. What's the worst thing on the table, I asked myself? Almost anything free is nice, right?
Our toaster oven is getting old and Mrs. Sunsett would just love a new toaster oven. So when I was informed that I was a winner, I felt sure that no one else would want it and was ready to pick it up as soon as the Sister and I could arrange a moment to pick it up.
The gifts were doled out on a first come, first served basis and unfortunately our schedules didn't mix well for a couple of days. We finally arranged a meeting and much to my surprise, the toaster oven was gone.
What was I able to choose from?
Dinner for two at an overrated and overpriced local restaurant, a free night at a local hotel, or two tickets to the Brickyard race. Naturally, the thoughts were turned to analysis, conjecture, and prediction. The objective was to determine (that out of the remaining gifts), which one would the most practical and the one that she would want most?
Practicality stated plainly that staying in a hotel, in the town you live in, is a waste of time and money (especially when you have dogs). Eating out at a restaurant that is not as good as the name sounds had no appeal to it either.
Needless to say, we are going to the race again for the second time, courtesy of some benevolent benefactors who want to further the damage to my hearing. Not that artillery fire and rock concerts didn't do the job, mind you. We now must allow NASCAR to finish the job.
So this week's music post is centered on my expected experience that will begin at 2:00 PM-EDT tomorrow, and carried live on ESPN in HD. And what better way to kick this off than with Tim Wilson's NASCAR Song:
Next up we have a little parody song, sung to the tune of a Toby Keith song. I am not a big country fan, but if you are you may recognize the melody:
I don't know who does this one, but someone may like it and it goes with the theme of the post:
Finally a little keyboard techno racing tune known as the FOX Starting Grid Theme Song. It's a little catchy, but nothing to write home about. It's just something fill the last spot in this week's musical presentation:
Enjoy (and if you watch the race, I'll be waving to you).
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Formula One Dealing With Racism
Frequently, we read our European counterparts suggesting, implying, and even stating, the United States has more problems with racism compared to their continent. That criticism is not coming from any one specific country. You can pretty much hear and read from all of them - at some point or another.
Recently, there was this incident at a track test in Spain.
Before I say anything else, this is not a moral high ground post by any means. This is because, the U.S. had its share of dark hours. The Klan (and other white supremacist groups), Jim Crow laws, and other blatant discriminations have not been a high point, in our history. The terror, the fear created by it, and the lives lost/affected were once widespread throughout the south and other parts of the nation.
However, when I look back and study those days and line them up next to today, I see how far we have come from those days. I see a vast amount of progress, but this is not to say that everything is fine. I say this only because it's a fact that there are still too many racial incidents, here in America. And in my view, any is too many.
With all of this in mind, lets consider one area of marked improvement from the the 50s and 60s, when I was just a lad. I lived in Southern California and there were incidents at sporting events like this, at times. Who could forget the way Jackie Robinson was treated or any other pioneers of this magnitude, for that matter? It wasn't pretty and certainly was nothing to be proud of.
Today, these incidents are almost non-existent at the national level. I am sure there are some isolated incidents scattered around at the local level. Some go unreported, so we never know exactly how many. But even that has subsided greatly, over the years. Basketball, baseball, football, and racing are huge spectator events. While the first three are well-integrated and management is growing more diverse, racing has not integrated.
American racing has seen some minimal participation with minority drivers in the past. Willie T. Ribbs Jr. was one driver. He was the first African-American to qualify for an Indianapolis 500, in a car owned by the comedian Bill Cosby. He qualified in 1991 and 1993 (his highest finish was 21st, in 93).
At that time, there were no incidents like the display in Spain, and there were none when Lewis Hamilton won last year's (and what may be final) U.S. Grand Prix, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In fact, he got a hero's reception. He was cheered greatly, in stark contrast to his reception on the Iberian peninsula. American racing moguls have tried to market their product more in the minority communities, but it just hasn't caught on as fast as they would like. They would love nothing more than to attract African-American Team owners and drivers. But, what do you do when no one wants to do it?
Knowing this, one must wonder, why does Spain have two Formula One races and none at the famed Speedway? You have to wonder why F-1 would want to go where there are acts of misbehavior toward a driver and reject a place where there wasn't any. Why did Bernie Ecclestone decide that it was too much hassle to work with IMS President Tony George? They drew the largest crowds of any F-1 race, Tony spent his own money to modify the track to their specifications, and did most if not all of the marketing. It was a sweet deal for F-1.
Mr. George is too much of a gentleman to air the reasons. So to get the answer, you'll have to ask Mr Ecclestone. But I suspect you will get nowhere, except for the usual aristocratic undertones.
Recently, there was this incident at a track test in Spain.
A sad thing happened at Formula One testing last weekend outside of Barcelona. Fans attending the test spewed racist taunts at Lewis Hamilton, who last year became the first black driver in series history. A photograph from the Times of London showed four spectators in black face. They wore T-shirts that said “Hamilton’s Family.”
Before I say anything else, this is not a moral high ground post by any means. This is because, the U.S. had its share of dark hours. The Klan (and other white supremacist groups), Jim Crow laws, and other blatant discriminations have not been a high point, in our history. The terror, the fear created by it, and the lives lost/affected were once widespread throughout the south and other parts of the nation.
However, when I look back and study those days and line them up next to today, I see how far we have come from those days. I see a vast amount of progress, but this is not to say that everything is fine. I say this only because it's a fact that there are still too many racial incidents, here in America. And in my view, any is too many.
With all of this in mind, lets consider one area of marked improvement from the the 50s and 60s, when I was just a lad. I lived in Southern California and there were incidents at sporting events like this, at times. Who could forget the way Jackie Robinson was treated or any other pioneers of this magnitude, for that matter? It wasn't pretty and certainly was nothing to be proud of.
Today, these incidents are almost non-existent at the national level. I am sure there are some isolated incidents scattered around at the local level. Some go unreported, so we never know exactly how many. But even that has subsided greatly, over the years. Basketball, baseball, football, and racing are huge spectator events. While the first three are well-integrated and management is growing more diverse, racing has not integrated.
American racing has seen some minimal participation with minority drivers in the past. Willie T. Ribbs Jr. was one driver. He was the first African-American to qualify for an Indianapolis 500, in a car owned by the comedian Bill Cosby. He qualified in 1991 and 1993 (his highest finish was 21st, in 93).
At that time, there were no incidents like the display in Spain, and there were none when Lewis Hamilton won last year's (and what may be final) U.S. Grand Prix, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In fact, he got a hero's reception. He was cheered greatly, in stark contrast to his reception on the Iberian peninsula. American racing moguls have tried to market their product more in the minority communities, but it just hasn't caught on as fast as they would like. They would love nothing more than to attract African-American Team owners and drivers. But, what do you do when no one wants to do it?
Knowing this, one must wonder, why does Spain have two Formula One races and none at the famed Speedway? You have to wonder why F-1 would want to go where there are acts of misbehavior toward a driver and reject a place where there wasn't any. Why did Bernie Ecclestone decide that it was too much hassle to work with IMS President Tony George? They drew the largest crowds of any F-1 race, Tony spent his own money to modify the track to their specifications, and did most if not all of the marketing. It was a sweet deal for F-1.
Mr. George is too much of a gentleman to air the reasons. So to get the answer, you'll have to ask Mr Ecclestone. But I suspect you will get nowhere, except for the usual aristocratic undertones.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Tony Stewart Wins Brickyard 400
The first half of the race looked more like the Wreckyard 400 than the Brickyard 400. But in the end, Tony Stewart of Columbus, Indiana had the strongest and fastest car on the track. (Complete results here.) He was not going to be caught.
After living here for years, this was my first race, at the track. Getting in wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, but getting out was a hassle. Everyone trickles in throughout the morning, but most everyone exits at the same time, creating a massive logjam. Knowing the shortcuts through town helped me get out faster than I would have otherwise been able to do.
The crowd was huge, but surprisingly there were a lot of open seats where we sat (right as they go into the third turn). I was equally amazed at how much beer was being consumed all around me, with very few people getting rowdy. There were a couple of instances where the yellow shirts (track security) had to step in. One appeared to be a domestic thing, possibly with two exes involved. Another was some creepy looking guy, I am not sure what the hell his problem was.
Overall, I found the NASCAR crowd very mannerly and far more subdued than the Indy 500 group is known to be, and certainly, far less snobby than the Formula One crowd. It's not something I would want to do again soon. But next year, who knows? Now that I know what to expect, I will be in a better position to negotiate the process.
The most awesome part was clearly watching how fast these guys go, assuming it wasn't one of the 8 or so caution flags in the first 30 laps, or so. The roar was earth shaking to the point that my water bottle vibrated and you could feel the sound waves on your chest. In short, it was breath-taking. Having been to Indy 500 qualifications, I think I can now say that NASCAR cars are nowhere near as loud as Indy cars.
So, here I am, a bit sunburned and very tired from the day. Hope all of you had a good weekend, too.
After living here for years, this was my first race, at the track. Getting in wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, but getting out was a hassle. Everyone trickles in throughout the morning, but most everyone exits at the same time, creating a massive logjam. Knowing the shortcuts through town helped me get out faster than I would have otherwise been able to do.
The crowd was huge, but surprisingly there were a lot of open seats where we sat (right as they go into the third turn). I was equally amazed at how much beer was being consumed all around me, with very few people getting rowdy. There were a couple of instances where the yellow shirts (track security) had to step in. One appeared to be a domestic thing, possibly with two exes involved. Another was some creepy looking guy, I am not sure what the hell his problem was.
Overall, I found the NASCAR crowd very mannerly and far more subdued than the Indy 500 group is known to be, and certainly, far less snobby than the Formula One crowd. It's not something I would want to do again soon. But next year, who knows? Now that I know what to expect, I will be in a better position to negotiate the process.
The most awesome part was clearly watching how fast these guys go, assuming it wasn't one of the 8 or so caution flags in the first 30 laps, or so. The roar was earth shaking to the point that my water bottle vibrated and you could feel the sound waves on your chest. In short, it was breath-taking. Having been to Indy 500 qualifications, I think I can now say that NASCAR cars are nowhere near as loud as Indy cars.
So, here I am, a bit sunburned and very tired from the day. Hope all of you had a good weekend, too.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Another Blast From The Past
Jeff Gordon and his crew, during a pit stop.
If you read my previous post, you know just how lucky I am to have free tickets to the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, one of NASCAR"S richest races. So this week, the theme will be the Brickyard 400. How will I pull this off, you ask? I am not sure I will, but here goes anyway.
NASCAR's roots go back to the bootlegging days of Prohibition. Those early good ol' boys did their best to outrun the authorities in cars, with a stock of fresh white lightning stored in the trunk. So what better way to start this off, than with the song Good Ol' Boys (Theme song from the old Dukes of Hazzard TV series), by Waylon Jennings:
Now for some comic relief. No NASCAR Blast From The Past tribute would be complete without this hilarious song by comedian Tim Wilson. Here is The NASCAR Song:
And while we are on the subject of Tim Wilson. Mrs. Sunsett and I had the pleasure of meeting him after one of his performances here in Indianapolis, a few years back. This guy is truly one of the funnier southern comedians, ever. His mind can rip off funny stuff in his sleep.
His latest song is about some of the celebrities we are all sick of. I will warn you though, this next song is R-Rated for some very salty language. So if you are at work or around children, be discreet while listening to it. Here is But I Could Be Wrong:
Enjoy.
Of Luck And Fortune
Hi. My name is LASunsett. Many of you may not know this, but the LA stands for Lucky Ass. Here's why:
As many Americans already know, this is the weekend that the "good old boys" are coming to Indy. The second most prestigious race in the NASCAR Nextel circuit (and third major event of the year at the IMS) is scheduled for Sunday, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
First let me say this: Whenever a race comes to town, I have always felt compelled to look around and find the side shows and events that accompany the race. They are as much fun if not more so than dealing with the mess, the big show seems to create. Because of this well known fact, it has never been my desire to go to the race, itself. The high volume of traffic and people that one must endure is astronomical, and I simply enjoy smaller events (like NFL or NCAA games) much better.
Secondly, I am not the biggest fan of the NASCAR circuit, even though I follow it in the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday papers. I read the results and the standings. The only reason I show it much interest at all is: Everyone around me, almost everywhere I go, has a fair share of racing knowledge, and they talk about it. So, if I didn't have some workable knowledge, there would be down moments in the flow of conversation.
But with all of that said and despite my lack of standard enthusiasm for these kinds of things, I just want to tell you all how lucky I truly am. I am the kind of guy that could register to win anything that I would enjoy immensely, and that would be it. No call, no mail. Just a thank you at the time I drop my entry into the box, and a goodbye is all I ever get. It's all I have ever gotten. It's all I ever expect.
But the if truth really be known, I did win something. Once. I did win two tickets to see Foreigner and the Doobie Brothers, in concert about 14 years ago.
I really wanted to go, because as my faithful readers all know, I love music. The contest was being held in a local convenience store right around the corner from me at the time, and the lady (who knew I was a regular) told me not many people had entered and I should take a shot. So, I took half of a stack of entry forms home with me. I filled out about 30 or so and took the stack back later and dropped them off. About a half hour later they called and said I won. So, that one doesn't count.
Anyway, after saying all of this, I am proud to announce that I didn't enter a contest to see the Brickyard, nor any other race ever. No, sir. Not one, not ever. Meanwhile, up until just yesterday, I figured this would be just another race Sunday, at home, maybe taking a glance or two during the course of the race. That's all I had in mind this time. Peace, serenity, you know, the kinds of things Sundays are made for.
How wrong, I was. You see, it turns out I do not have to enter a contest to find out how lucky I really am.
Mrs. Sunsett's friend, just last evening, called and informed us that she won two tickets to the race. How nice for her, she sounded lucky. The trouble of it all was, she already has her own. Well okay, maybe not so lucky after all. So as a philanthropic offer , she thought she'd offer them to us, since she likes us and considers us good friends. By the way, did I mention that my wife answered the phone?
Well, she did. And I am now going to the race. And I have been ordered to have fun. And fun I will have (for I am an order-taker, not an order giver).
So, many many thanks go to Mrs. Sunsett's friend, Marsh Supermarkets, Tony George, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for making me feel so lucky, by giving me Sunday, a day to remember. Creeping into the area for miles at a 5 mph crawl, spending an hour or two parking the car, and getting to the track by foot four hours before the race begins, is bound to create a lot of memories. And it will no doubt cause me to stop, pause, and think of just how truly lucky I am.
No sirree, Bob. I am lucky and I am going to have fun. Just leave me the names of some good hearing aid companies, if any of you know any. What didn't get taken care of by years of rock concerts and artillery fire in the Army, will likely be finished off by Sunday evening.
So if you happen to watch it on TV, watch for me. I'll wave to you. Don't yell to me, because I won't hear you. But you'll know it's me, I'll be the one having fun and looking like I am a man of great fortune.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to say:
Go Jeff Gordon #24.
As many Americans already know, this is the weekend that the "good old boys" are coming to Indy. The second most prestigious race in the NASCAR Nextel circuit (and third major event of the year at the IMS) is scheduled for Sunday, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
First let me say this: Whenever a race comes to town, I have always felt compelled to look around and find the side shows and events that accompany the race. They are as much fun if not more so than dealing with the mess, the big show seems to create. Because of this well known fact, it has never been my desire to go to the race, itself. The high volume of traffic and people that one must endure is astronomical, and I simply enjoy smaller events (like NFL or NCAA games) much better.
Secondly, I am not the biggest fan of the NASCAR circuit, even though I follow it in the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday papers. I read the results and the standings. The only reason I show it much interest at all is: Everyone around me, almost everywhere I go, has a fair share of racing knowledge, and they talk about it. So, if I didn't have some workable knowledge, there would be down moments in the flow of conversation.
But with all of that said and despite my lack of standard enthusiasm for these kinds of things, I just want to tell you all how lucky I truly am. I am the kind of guy that could register to win anything that I would enjoy immensely, and that would be it. No call, no mail. Just a thank you at the time I drop my entry into the box, and a goodbye is all I ever get. It's all I have ever gotten. It's all I ever expect.
But the if truth really be known, I did win something. Once. I did win two tickets to see Foreigner and the Doobie Brothers, in concert about 14 years ago.
I really wanted to go, because as my faithful readers all know, I love music. The contest was being held in a local convenience store right around the corner from me at the time, and the lady (who knew I was a regular) told me not many people had entered and I should take a shot. So, I took half of a stack of entry forms home with me. I filled out about 30 or so and took the stack back later and dropped them off. About a half hour later they called and said I won. So, that one doesn't count.
Anyway, after saying all of this, I am proud to announce that I didn't enter a contest to see the Brickyard, nor any other race ever. No, sir. Not one, not ever. Meanwhile, up until just yesterday, I figured this would be just another race Sunday, at home, maybe taking a glance or two during the course of the race. That's all I had in mind this time. Peace, serenity, you know, the kinds of things Sundays are made for.
How wrong, I was. You see, it turns out I do not have to enter a contest to find out how lucky I really am.
Mrs. Sunsett's friend, just last evening, called and informed us that she won two tickets to the race. How nice for her, she sounded lucky. The trouble of it all was, she already has her own. Well okay, maybe not so lucky after all. So as a philanthropic offer , she thought she'd offer them to us, since she likes us and considers us good friends. By the way, did I mention that my wife answered the phone?
Well, she did. And I am now going to the race. And I have been ordered to have fun. And fun I will have (for I am an order-taker, not an order giver).
So, many many thanks go to Mrs. Sunsett's friend, Marsh Supermarkets, Tony George, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for making me feel so lucky, by giving me Sunday, a day to remember. Creeping into the area for miles at a 5 mph crawl, spending an hour or two parking the car, and getting to the track by foot four hours before the race begins, is bound to create a lot of memories. And it will no doubt cause me to stop, pause, and think of just how truly lucky I am.
No sirree, Bob. I am lucky and I am going to have fun. Just leave me the names of some good hearing aid companies, if any of you know any. What didn't get taken care of by years of rock concerts and artillery fire in the Army, will likely be finished off by Sunday evening.
So if you happen to watch it on TV, watch for me. I'll wave to you. Don't yell to me, because I won't hear you. But you'll know it's me, I'll be the one having fun and looking like I am a man of great fortune.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to say:
Go Jeff Gordon #24.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Says Goodbye To F-1
Last month I posted a piece on what could have been the last U.S. Grand Prix to take place at the most famous speedway in the world. Today, it has been announced that it was to be.
From the Indy Star:
So, as they often say in these types of situations, "que sera, sera".
Don't get me wrong here. I am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to meet and speak with Europeans on such a large scale in Indy, all during the course of a summer weekend. There will be no more impromptu conversations with them at a local restaurant or pub, the night before the race. No more gestures of friendship and goodwill be traded either. No more opportunity for Europeans to experience the warmth and hospitality that the people of America do offer, to those that come to visit.
On a larger scale, there will be no more significant boost of the local economy, taking in the vast amounts of stable Euros that are brought with them. It will be a loss, but certainly not a crippling one.
On the other side of the coin, there are many Europeans that live and work in the United States, who will not get to see their favorite drivers, in a sport that they have loved, since they were children. Now, they will be relegated to seeing the F-1 races on Speedvision at 8:30 AM or tape delayed, after the outcome has been well known.
If I might interject one more thought into this, I would say, Mr. Ecclestone has long suffered from a delusional thought process that he is royalty. He also seems to think that he can just make Tony George jump through any kind of hoop possible, bring his traveling circus into town with very little promotion (to speak of), and people will just come running and beat the doors down to get in, all because they are Formula One Racing.
It just doesn't work that way.
So, if it were up to me, I'd say:
From the Indy Star:
A stormy eight-year relationship between Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Formula One ended today with the announcement the international racing series would not return in 2008.
IMS chairman Tony George and F-1 boss Bernie Ecclestone could not reach an agreement on a sanctioning fee to continue the U.S. Grand Prix.
George had set today as a deadline for a new contract. "Unfortunately, and to my great disppointment, Formula One will not be back next year," George said today at a press conference at IMS.
So, as they often say in these types of situations, "que sera, sera".
Don't get me wrong here. I am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to meet and speak with Europeans on such a large scale in Indy, all during the course of a summer weekend. There will be no more impromptu conversations with them at a local restaurant or pub, the night before the race. No more gestures of friendship and goodwill be traded either. No more opportunity for Europeans to experience the warmth and hospitality that the people of America do offer, to those that come to visit.
On a larger scale, there will be no more significant boost of the local economy, taking in the vast amounts of stable Euros that are brought with them. It will be a loss, but certainly not a crippling one.
On the other side of the coin, there are many Europeans that live and work in the United States, who will not get to see their favorite drivers, in a sport that they have loved, since they were children. Now, they will be relegated to seeing the F-1 races on Speedvision at 8:30 AM or tape delayed, after the outcome has been well known.
If I might interject one more thought into this, I would say, Mr. Ecclestone has long suffered from a delusional thought process that he is royalty. He also seems to think that he can just make Tony George jump through any kind of hoop possible, bring his traveling circus into town with very little promotion (to speak of), and people will just come running and beat the doors down to get in, all because they are Formula One Racing.
It just doesn't work that way.
So, if it were up to me, I'd say:
My dearest Bernie,
You, sir, are not royalty.
Therefore, please forgive us, if we don't bow or kiss your feet as if you are. Tony George isn't going to, neither are race fans that have had the privilege of watching the Greatest Spectacle in Racing all of their lives. You had a golden opportunity to take America by storm and create one of the most loyal fan bases in the world, and you blew it.
In the 60s, the British Invasion brought a unique style of rock and roll music to this country and won over the hearts of rock fans everywhere, from coast to coast. They did it with charm, wit, and grace. They did interviews, went on Ed Sullivan, and other channels that let the people know they were here. They did not take subsidies from the government, as you have done with your enterprise.
If you were any kind of an intelligent businessman that you claim to be, you'd know this. You'd also know that Americans are not easily won over, but once they are, they are the most loyal fans that you could ever ask for.
So, enjoy those government subsidies you rake in from other nations that bow to your every whim. (Subsidies that ultimately come from the taxes taken from the hard-working people, while racing to small crowds, unlike what you were able to see at the IMS.)
Good riddance, sir.
From a former fan,
LASunsett
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Foreign Invasion
No, I am not talking about our southern border with Mexico, with holes large enough to drive an earth mover through undetected. And I am not talking about our border to the north, where Canadians pass through to avoid the long waits for medical care.
I am talking about Europeans. No, the Spanish Armada is not anchored in the harbor outside the port of Baltimore, either. The invasion I speak of is that of F-1 fans invading the fair city of Indianapolis for what looks like could be the last U.S Grand Prix, at least at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
From day one, Tony George has bent over backwards to accommodate Bernie Ecclestone, the arrogant and flamboyant leader of F-1. From the very first USGP at IMS, the aristocracy of the organization has tried to make the entire effort look like some kind of bumbling peasant's operation that is not worthy of their presence. From the very outset of the F-1 relationship, the Formula One officials have acted as if the IMS needed them, more than they needed the speedway.
F-1 officials stayed at the very best hotels Chicago had to offer and flew down daily, as if Indianapolis had no four star hotels that could accommodate their delusions of being royalty. They secluded themselves from the press, certainly more so than was expected of a group that wanted to open F-1 up to a lucrative market that craved more racing, on an international level.
Then, there was the great 2005 tire controversy. That debacle saw a whopping six cars race around a track that has seen many great races over the decades, over a safety issue caused by bad tires.
So in essence, the F-1 crowd can certainly say this is a two-bit operation if it makes them feel better. That's fine with me.
But as I think about F-1 at the IMS, I remember this is where the largest crowd ever in the history of the series, gathered to watch a Grand Prix. When the three top finishers of the opening race stood on the podium to the cheers of over 250,000 people, I saw the awe in the faces of Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barichello, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. I watched as they were amazed that so many people could be interested enough in shelling out the enormous ticket prices to watch a bunch of Europeans play "follow the leader" behind Schumacher.
So here we are at what could be the last U.S. Grand Prix for a long while. Ecclestone has made it clear that he doesn't need F-1 to be in the States for it to be successful. And in reality, he's right. But when you drive down Georgetown Road alongside the west side of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you see the many banners of the great racing legends that have driven at that track, over the many years. It is then that it becomes strikingly apparent, the U.S. doesn't need F-1 either.
Addendum:
Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star seems to agree with me somewhat on this. Here is his column from today's paper.
I am talking about Europeans. No, the Spanish Armada is not anchored in the harbor outside the port of Baltimore, either. The invasion I speak of is that of F-1 fans invading the fair city of Indianapolis for what looks like could be the last U.S Grand Prix, at least at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
From day one, Tony George has bent over backwards to accommodate Bernie Ecclestone, the arrogant and flamboyant leader of F-1. From the very first USGP at IMS, the aristocracy of the organization has tried to make the entire effort look like some kind of bumbling peasant's operation that is not worthy of their presence. From the very outset of the F-1 relationship, the Formula One officials have acted as if the IMS needed them, more than they needed the speedway.
F-1 officials stayed at the very best hotels Chicago had to offer and flew down daily, as if Indianapolis had no four star hotels that could accommodate their delusions of being royalty. They secluded themselves from the press, certainly more so than was expected of a group that wanted to open F-1 up to a lucrative market that craved more racing, on an international level.
Then, there was the great 2005 tire controversy. That debacle saw a whopping six cars race around a track that has seen many great races over the decades, over a safety issue caused by bad tires.
So in essence, the F-1 crowd can certainly say this is a two-bit operation if it makes them feel better. That's fine with me.
But as I think about F-1 at the IMS, I remember this is where the largest crowd ever in the history of the series, gathered to watch a Grand Prix. When the three top finishers of the opening race stood on the podium to the cheers of over 250,000 people, I saw the awe in the faces of Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barichello, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. I watched as they were amazed that so many people could be interested enough in shelling out the enormous ticket prices to watch a bunch of Europeans play "follow the leader" behind Schumacher.
So here we are at what could be the last U.S. Grand Prix for a long while. Ecclestone has made it clear that he doesn't need F-1 to be in the States for it to be successful. And in reality, he's right. But when you drive down Georgetown Road alongside the west side of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you see the many banners of the great racing legends that have driven at that track, over the many years. It is then that it becomes strikingly apparent, the U.S. doesn't need F-1 either.
Addendum:
Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star seems to agree with me somewhat on this. Here is his column from today's paper.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Ladies And Gentlemen: Start Your Engines
The onslaught of fans and traffic has been going on here in Indy, for a couple of days now. It's affected many things here where I live. One thing is the increase in traffic congestion, on and off the road. On the road is expected, but the newer thing is the increased hi-speed internet traffic that my local internet service provider has had to accommodate. So, as a result, my service is slower than usual and if I can get this post out before I throw something at the monitor, it'll be a minor miracle.
I'd like to take a moment and share a couple of things about the race, you may or may not know about this year's and past races.
The first thing to note deals with this year. There will be three women starting this year's race. I won't bore you with details, but you can read more about it in the Indy Star.
The second thing deals with the past and present. An interesting piece can be found here, from yesterday's Star.
In a rare moment of self-disclosure, I recently wrote a post that chronicled a portion of my life and world, with Terre Haute being mentioned as one of the many stops. Hulman and Company was one of the companies I worked for, while I was at that stop.
Hopefully they will get the race in today, it's raining at the track right now. If they do get it in and you are planning to watch "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing", enjoy it for me. It's blacked out here and I am in no mood to fight drunken crowds at my age.
I'd like to take a moment and share a couple of things about the race, you may or may not know about this year's and past races.
The first thing to note deals with this year. There will be three women starting this year's race. I won't bore you with details, but you can read more about it in the Indy Star.
The second thing deals with the past and present. An interesting piece can be found here, from yesterday's Star.
Tony George has lived most of his life in Indianapolis, but he also feels like he is at home in this city, where he occasionally works in his late grandfather's Hulman & Co. downtown office.
Terre Haute has long been regarded as part of the Indianapolis 500's extended family.
The connection forms the backbone of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which will host the 500 on Sunday for the 91st time. It shows in the Speedway's employees, their backgrounds and their influences, past and present.
In a rare moment of self-disclosure, I recently wrote a post that chronicled a portion of my life and world, with Terre Haute being mentioned as one of the many stops. Hulman and Company was one of the companies I worked for, while I was at that stop.
Hopefully they will get the race in today, it's raining at the track right now. If they do get it in and you are planning to watch "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing", enjoy it for me. It's blacked out here and I am in no mood to fight drunken crowds at my age.
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