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IndyCar’s misguided attempts to become Formula 1 continue to backfire

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IndyCar's misguided attempts to become Formula 1 continue to backfire

As someone who has been following motor racing for decades now, I can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment when I see the current state of IndyCar. It’s like watching a talented athlete with a golden opportunity squander it all away due to stubbornness and lack of vision.

In recent weeks, the chief executive of Penske Entertainment, Mark Miles, has faced a significant amount of criticism from IndyCar fans, and rightly so.

A significant part of the situation unfolded following IndyCar’s inability to secure a race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with whispers suggesting that either IndyCar or NASCAR might have planned to include a racing event at the Mexican road course as part of their schedules.

It was generally understood among IndyCar fans that what was being proposed wouldn’t resemble traditional IndyCar racing. While the 2025 schedule had been revealed, there was still speculation about potential changes in 2026.

As a fervent racing enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the news that NASCAR is heading south of the border next year, despite the fact that Pato O’Ward, Mexico’s own racing sensation, boasts more Instagram followers than IndyCar itself.

Miles unexpectedly criticized O’Ward, suggesting that his lack of widespread appeal disqualifies him from having an IndyCar race in his nation, despite being featured on certain billboards, a method used to gauge popularity in the year 2024.

Miles asserted that O’Ward doesn’t come close in popularity to Adrian Fernandez, former Mexican driver, despite the fact that it appeared clear that the campaign to return IndyCar to Mexico had been poorly handled by multiple unnamed individuals, not connected to O’Ward.

As a fervent fan, I gleefully claimed my victory when O’Ward triumphantly won the initial race at the Milwaukee Mile, and during the post-race interview, I playfully quipped, “Who’s Pato now?” This was in response to Will Power’s confident assertion that IndyCar, not NASCAR, is the ideal choice for racing in Mexico.

But things didn’t improve for Miles from a public relations standpoint from that point forward.

Fans of IndyCar racing have long advocated for a revival of legendary tracks from the past, which many believe shouldn’t have been taken off the schedule in the first place.

Among many, Watkins Glen International, Richmond Raceway, Pocono Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, and Burke Lakefront Airport are some notable examples. There are actually countless others as well.

Instead of responding maturely when discussing a potential return to some tracks, Miles reacted immaturely and used unnecessary vulgar language. He suggested that, similar to Formula 1, street races in various locations across the U.S. might be more feasible in the future. However, these new races could face the same fate as those in Baltimore and Houston, which were likely to be discontinued after only a couple of years.

IndyCar trying to become Formula 1, and failing in a big way

Miles’ comment, using the phrase “not a chance,” demonstrates quite clearly that he seems detached from the real world.

Except for the years when the Indy 500 didn’t take place due to World Wars I (1917 and 1918) and II (1942 to 1945), all tracks on the IndyCar schedule, excluding Indianapolis Motor Speedway, have been temporarily removed from the racing calendar after they were first introduced.

The lone exception is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, which has hosted at least one race every year since it was added in 2014.

In a change from its history, Texas Motor Speedway will not be included on the racing schedule for 2024, following an exceptionally thrilling race that took place there in 2023. At this point, there are no indications of a return to hosting events at the speedway.

Given that Miles uttered such an absurd remark following IndyCar’s triumphant return to the Milwaukee Mile in 2021 – with its impressive performance both on and off the racetrack – it serves as even stronger evidence that he is a woefully inadequate leader who requires replacement.

IndyCar was optimistic about the weekend, expecting around 15,000 spectators to attend, given that the event hadn’t been held for nearly a decade.

Instead, they got nearly three times that amount: in excess of 42,000.

It makes the ongoing (and silly) narrative that ovals don’t draw fans even more laughably pathetic. But anybody who actually follows the sport – and doesn’t use the comments section on Twitter/X to form their opinion for them – already knew that.

It’s reasonable to assume that locations like Pocono and Michigan could fill up seats, and there are numerous other places with similar potential.

Given that the crowd size at Pocono from 2013 to 2019 was substantial enough, it warrants a comeback, even though there is only one Indianapolis.

The primary cause for not returning in 2020 was that Richmond secured a multiple-year agreement instead, and following the cancellation of Richmond’s race in 2020 due to stringent restrictions, IndyCar chose not to return in 2021.

Why, despite IndyCar’s initial plans to race on a short oval later on, is the series CEO reacting with an unprofessional, vulgar outburst just at the thought of returning now?

It doesn’t, but clearly he doesn’t care.

By now, it’s 2024, and over five years have passed since IndyCar last held a race in the Northeastern region. Therefore, turning down such a lucrative, multi-year prospect seems all the more puzzling.

But there’s no effing way IndyCar is going back to more old tracks. Right.

In a way that seems detached from everyday life, characteristic of IndyCar, Milwaukee has already forfeited one of its two race dates in 2025. This decision was made before the historic Wisconsin venue even had an opportunity to host IndyCar races since 2015.

Because that really makes a lot of sense from a certain standpoint, the likes of which nobody is really sure of. More brilliant strategizing from IndyCar’s top brass.

Instead, we find that the upcoming event will no longer be held where an IndyCar race previously took place due to its unsuitable nature, as clearly demonstrated by the disorganized show it presented in March. Specifically, a points race at The Thermal Club is now being considered inappropriate for any IndyCar competition.

However, once more, this aligns with IndyCar’s persistent ambition to resemble Formula 1. Although the global racing series maintains its allure for anyone interested in auto races, it’s undeniable that it has consistently strived to attract not only racing enthusiasts but also the affluent and celebrated.

It seems logical that IndyCar should follow the same approach as well. You might have mentioned earlier that The Thermal Club is a private club catering to multi-millionaires with expensive car collections, or perhaps NBC has emphasized this point several times during their coverage of this year’s IndyCar showcase race. I can’t quite remember for sure.

IndyCar is eagerly working to match the popularity that Formula 1 has achieved among American fans, who have a long-standing fascination with open-wheel racing that hasn’t fully been explored for many years.

Instead of copying and pasting effectively, they struggle terribly due to their consistent inability to market their product and leverage the positive aspects of the sport.

When John Bommarito, the local car dealer in St. Louis, stands as the largest and most reliable advocate for this sport at present, it becomes challenging (and this is not to disparage Bommarito; each year, it appears he surpasses his own achievements).

As a gaming enthusiast, I gotta say, Hy-Vee is doing an impressive job. However, it feels like IndyCar has taken a backseat and turned into just another warm-up act for the concerts at Iowa Speedway. The sparse crowds during the doubleheader are proof enough of that claim.

Though some might consider street races in Miami and Las Vegas during Formula 1 to be somewhat clichéd, Miami has attracted enormous spectators ever since its inclusion in the schedule last year, 2022. On the other hand, while there’s a lot of negativity about Las Vegas on social media (which we should always take with a pinch of salt), Formula 1’s first-ever Saturday night race in nearly four decades was also a hit.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the number of attendees at Circuit of the Americas has been steadily rising since it became the home of the U.S. Grand Prix in 2012.

Formula 1 excels at marketing its brand. It’s unlikely that IndyCar will achieve the same level of success, regardless of where in cities like Denver, Dallas, New York City, Beijing, Bangalore, or elsewhere Miles envisions taking the series, as it won’t easily replicate Formula 1’s street racing allure.

NASCAR has made significant improvements in several areas, notably by introducing new events like the race in Mexico, but also by responding to fan demands. They’ve shown a keen interest in revisiting classic race tracks such as North Wilkesboro Speedway, Rockingham Speedway, and Bowman-Gray Stadium. Notably, even the return of Darlington Raceway hosting two races instead of one deserves recognition.

Instead of embracing the idea, as many fans do, that going back to our old IndyCar venues would undoubtedly be a hit, Miles takes a more unconventional stance, criticizing those who share this belief. He argues his point using the current lineup of tracks, crowds, and events as evidence, suggesting that these venues might not fare as well as some fans assume.

Speaking of NASCAR, wait and see what TV ratings are like this weekend.

I can hardly contain my excitement! As a die-hard IndyCar fan, I’m thrilled to learn that the championship race is heading to Nashville Superspeedway – a track with a rich history, last hosting a race back in 2008. And guess what? This epic event will be broadcast on NBC! So, get ready for heart-pounding action and nail-biting suspense as we witness history being made at this iconic racetrack. Can’t wait to tune in!

Instead, the Watkins Glen playoff race for NASCAR will be broadcasted on USA Network, which is part of the NBCUniversal group.

Both races are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.

It’s clear that IndyCar is lagging more and more when strategies like these are employed by leaders, and their stubborn refusal to adapt is turning out to be expensive.

It seems insufficient just to aim for Formula 1 status, especially given that Formula 1 has soared in popularity over the years while IndyCar has remained relatively static compared to NASCAR. One might expect those in positions of authority to recognize this trend by now.

Apparently that too is a big (expletive) nope.

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2024-09-12 17:33

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