2017 Race of Champions in Miami

You say that like it's a bad thing!

Ryan Hunter-Reay lives in Ft. Lauderdale (U.S. H.Q. of DHL)
Juan Pablo Montoya lives in Miami
Tony Kanaan lives in Miami
Filipe Massa has a home in Miami
Helio Castroneves lives in Miami
Tom Kristensen Winters in Boca Raton

BHW

 

Perhaps the amount of drivers taking part in the 2017 RoC was part of the decision
to hold the event in Miami.

But, from most of the names like RHR, Massa, Kristensen, they take part in the event
no matter where it is held.

As noted earlier, Tom Kristensen started with the event back in 1999 and has done
every one since (I think) no matter where the venue was.

Miami just seems to be a natural fit for an event of this type. Marlins stadium is
practically within walking distance from the warehouse and there seems to be a lot
of enthusiasm leading up to the event with placards being put up all over town.

BHW

 

Taking place this weekend.

Tom Kristensen's winner's trophy is all but a formality of course but we'll be there
to see all the races.

BHW
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Correct, Tom Kristensen's first appearance in the RoC was in 1999. He has since done
15 of them, tied for the most in event history.

He showed well on Saturday, just coming up short against Montoya in the individual
final. It was mostly about the hole shot, avoiding hitting the kerbs and not sliding too
much in the turns.

BHW

 

Haven't seen official crowd numbers yet.

Without knowing capacity of the venue, guesstimates I saw for Saturday were 15K to 20K.
The grandstands down the first base line and out into the right field terraces (where we
were) were decently full.

Sunday crowds, not as large, perhaps 7K to 10K.

Fun event. Many drivers hoping that they make Miami the permanent home of the ROC.

Full report and pics in the Florida section.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/florida-sponsored-ferrari-tampa-bay/536404-race-champions-%40-marlins-stadium-2.html

BHW

 

That's all?

Hmmmm, looks bigger than that.

BHW

 

If capacity for the ballpark is 36,742, I may have to revise my estimate downward a
bit.

Here I thought the place held 60+K or so.

BHW

 

My measure is the old Tampa Stadium ("The Sombrero") which after they filled in the end
zones and made a true bowl out of it, held 72,000 for the Rowdies and Buccaneers.

When the new Raymond James stadium was built, capacity was a bit less to about 67,000
but amenities such as luxury suites and fan friendly stuff was vastly improved.

If I run across any final numbers for this past weekend's ROC event, will post them. We're
looking for crowd size and best lap times, etc.

BHW

 

This ROC event was good fun, brought together drivers from all over the world
in different disciplines. Likewise, a crowd came to Miami from all over the world to
see these drivers compete and have some fun. The ROC brings racing to city
centers and fans that ordinarily perhaps wouldn't see racing, a good many kids
in the stands too, how is this a bad thing?

Comparing this to NASCAR, which by comparison is rapidly becoming a running
joke with their absurd daily rules changes, taking all of the sport out the once was
is a disgrace to the history of the sport and those who watch it.

Haul yourself out of the basement and come out to some events, then you may
talk.

BHW

 

So, you'd expect me to sit home when friends such as Tom Kristensen are taking
part in an event, more friends flying into Miami from around the world to see the
event so I may sit and twirl my thumbs to prove some sort of point?

There are very few opportunities to see this many drivers (do I really need to count
the amount of World Championships, Indy 500 wins, 24 Hours of Le Mans, 12 Hours
of Sebring wins, NASCAR Championships, et.al.) that were all represented in this event?

I don't see the ROC making proclimations stating their intent to monopolize racing
around the world a-la NASCAR. I don't see how a two day event featuring a different
sort of format is any sort of threat to the racing's heritage and history other than just
a fun event that in no way anything more than fun for the drivers and spectators.

If you don't like it that's fine, then decide to stay away. I seem to recall inviting you
to attend last year's Miami Beach Concours as my VIP guest and you couldn't be bothered
to leave Pompano Beach.

But, guess who was there? Emerson Fittipaldi (who personally sampled our Ferrari 365 GTC/4),
Valentino Balboni, Paolo Pininfarina, Marcus Luttrell, Charlie Watts and a number of other high
profile local, automotive and entertainment VIPs.

What is good enough for you my friend?

BHW