Atherton to Retire from IMSA | FerrariChat

Atherton to Retire from IMSA

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by Devilsolsi, Sep 19, 2019.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    8,503
    MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
    Smyrna355Spider likes this.
  2. F1tommy

    F1tommy F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 15, 2007
    10,254
    Chicagoland USA
    Full Name:
    Tom Tanner
    I liked Atherton. I hope the next guy does not take us back into the NASCAR mentality Gran Am had. Also don't want some tree hugging electric car loving fool coming in and destroying what we have. This could be good or real bad.
     
    rdefabri likes this.
  3. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    8,503
    MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
    I am curious who will replace him...promote someone from within or bring on an outsider.
     
  4. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    91,678
    if it's a NASCAR guy, FIA/ACO guy, or tree hugger guy we're screwed.

    I'd like to see Kyle Novak get the job, he was the support series race director for IMSA before going to Indycar, and has done a great job on the competition side. not sure if he can do the business side like Atherton though.
     
  5. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
    Sponsor

    Nov 3, 2003
    6,086
    En El 305
    Full Name:
    Barton Workman
    That Scott lasted in his role with IMSA this long after the merger (hostile takeover) is a testament
    to his acumen and intellect.

    I've always liked Scott. Met him soon after Panoz brought him on board to run the ALMS and he
    held a presser at Sebring. He's a very engaged guy and without him, sports car racing would have
    been a seriously rudderless ship with all the nonsense NASCAR wanted to inject.

    BHW
     
  6. F1tommy

    F1tommy F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 15, 2007
    10,254
    Chicagoland USA
    Full Name:
    Tom Tanner
  7. steved033

    steved033 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Apr 12, 2017
    7,672
    Atlanta, GA
    Full Name:
    Steve D.
    John is a great choice. He's got passion for the sport.

    sjd
     
  8. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    91,678
    agree, he's a great choice. I hope he can make some sense of DPI/P2 and how they interact with WEC.
     
    F1tommy likes this.
  9. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
    Sponsor

    Nov 3, 2003
    6,086
    En El 305
    Full Name:
    Barton Workman
    Been reading a bit about John Doonan and yes he seems a solid choice to fill the big
    void which will be left by Scott Atherton.

    The initial fear had been that someone from within NASCAR would step into the role but
    it seems level heads have prevailed.

    BHW
     
  10. Mr Turbo

    Mr Turbo Rookie

    Apr 1, 2012
    31
    Sebastian, FL
    Full Name:
    Jim H.
    His big challenge ahead is to secure a good TV package that will increase viewership and grow the brand. We endured a few years of terrible coverage of the races. Sure don't want to revisit that again
     
  11. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    91,678
    sadly, for endurance sports car racing, the package they have now with NBC is as good as it's going to get.

    far too niche of a sport with too many hours of coverage needed to do much else.

    general lack of partners or sponsors willing to pay for commercials doesn't help.

    (btw, I think there's 4 or 5 years left on the NBC contract)
     
  12. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    8,503
    MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
  13. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 11, 2006
    6,795
    Central FL
    Full Name:
    Paul
    I’m hard pressed to think of anyone better than Doonan for the job. Naturally, I don’t know everyone that might have been considered, but speaking from a fan perspective, what better choice than having a dyed in the wool passionate racer leading the series?

    I believe John Doonan will have a lot of the same goals as I do when it comes to the sport itself, and I am absolutely chuffed to have him there.
     

Share This Page