That's enough, not funny.
Yup. It's been said ad nauseum here and elsewhere. I have someone I'd nominate to run the whole show - he's a proven leader and has experience with IndyCar. Definitely unconventional and probably not interested, but I'll throw the name out. Howdy Holmes. For those that don't know of his post-CART exploits, look him up. I happen to find the man incredibly interesting and driven, and a very successful businessman. I don't know him, but he's seems authoritative and could get **** done.
I'm going to dissent, I find pack racing boring. I'd watch NASCAR for that. Much rather see the cars spaced out. It's safer and more exciting to watch.
I don't like the oval pack racing myself either, but the road courses can produce some interesting racing for me.
For us old timers, Al Unser's 1972 Viceroy car is parked in the Indy airport now. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The Maurice Phillippe designed "dihedral wing" car. Indycar used to be all about innovation and creativity.
Hence the reason for no one watching it today. We came to see tomorrow. Now, we just get a repeat of yesterday. 33 times we get it.
I miss CART. It was better when you had 3 or 4 different chassis running around and people tweaking engines and aero. You had drivers trying to buy into teams, horse traders who would sell cars and parts to get a team into the big show, and bubble day actually meant something because 6 or 7 teams wouldn't make it. It's hard to imagine just how big Indy racing was until the IRL split the series. It was the biggest type of racing in America with perhaps the best known race in the world, the Indy 500, driving it. Not anymore...
But what does that mean? During the race they mentioned that the average starting position for the winners this year was 10th. 10th!!! that means that for every win from pole, somebody came from 10-25. That can mean that the series is very competitive, or that the yellow flags make the series very random. I managed to get my wife interested (mildly interested) in all forms of racing, except for Indy. She can't understand how somebody can win the race from 19th place without being the fastest car. I know, Senna, MS and LH have done, but it is not the same. These guys were by far the fastest. Not so divers like Huertas.
It isn't real racing. Plain and simple. Want to see real racing. Youtube the 1982 finish of the Indy 500 or the 1989 finish of the Indy 500. Same for thr 1992 finish of the Indy 500. THAT is real racing!
Can't compare to f1 or older Indy. This is more of a spec race as others have pointed out now. 1 chassis, 2 engines, 2 aero kits with many different setups. The cars are so close, as well we many of the drivers, which is why you see the wins spread over many drivers. Cars that are close in performance force great racing IMHO, but it may not appeal to people I suppose. The flagging can definitely impact racing of this kind more than others.
You can't watch, but you just can't look away either. Miles steps into Walker's position as president of competition and operations. The comments attached to the Racer article are hilarious, one in particular, "Miles and the Hulman clowns have made Indycar so toxic that anyone with a brain is avoiding them like a drink made by Bill Cosby" actually made me laugh out loud. So, now with the edge of the cliff fully in view, Indy Car downshifts and pins the throttle to the floor. Indycar Racing News | Racer.com - IndyCar: Miles takes more hands-on role BHW
FWIW, Road America announced that there will be an Indycar test session Tues. 9-22. Spectators have access to much of the track, but not the paddock. $20 is the admission. I could arrange to be there....does anybody think it would be worthwhile, management cynicism aside?
Test sessions can be hit and miss depending on what they're working on at the time. Controlled tire tests are aggravating because, a car will go out, do one lap, come back in, lather, rinse, repeat, etc. several times before the engineers let them go do do some long distance runs. But, count on plenty of down time between sessions, good to be armed with a scanner so you may tap in on what is happening. Since this will likely be more of a tire test for Firestone to get some data on Road America, and six teams taking part, there should be plenty of cars circulating on different tire programs. Usually, after lunch, they let 'em go and try to set some times and it can be fun to watch. Of course, the weather may throw a wrench into the whole deal. BHW
Thanks.....but I will be watching paint dry. Far more exciting and I save $ 20 dollars besides. Maybe if they were servng brats and beer.....but then again....