Comments on: Why Not Road America?

By: Catie

Catie — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:35:10 +0000

In that case, one must go to many different events there in order to sit in different spots!

I still have fond memories of going to the ’98 CART race there. I sat in Turn 5 and saw quite a bit of action (including Dario Franchitti’s first CART win).

Until Iowa Speedway was built, that was the only race I had been to. I always wanted to go back. I hope, like a lot of people seem to, that the Indy Cars can get back there in the near future; I’d certainly consider attending.

By: Leigh O'Gorman

Leigh O'Gorman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:27:09 +0000

i also think that a great support schedule like the one recently at mid-ohio would be a bonus too
that looked like such a good weekend!!

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:35:37 +0000

It’s true that the IRL can’t “break down the doors” to make a race happen. Maybe the fans can. We just need:

1) Track owners/promoters to set up “guaranteed attendance” sites
2) Bloggers provide links for fans to get to these sites
3) Fans put their $ where their mouth is: If the IRL runs at ___, in 201_, We’ll be there!
4) Track owners/promoters tell the IRL,”we already have X-thousand prepaid fans for 201_!”

Money talks! If a promoter can pay part of the sanctioning fee up front, then you can bet there will be a race!

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:58:18 +0000

The only problem with going to RA is you don’t know where to sit, way to many good spots. Over the years remember how the former F1 drivers raved about the track. As a side note, the best food I have ever had at a race track was at RA.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:17:11 +0000

… so that Marco could have his first (and only) ‘victory’ in an Indy car.

By: Tim Nothhelfer

Tim Nothhelfer — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:11:51 +0000

Is the reason Sears Point being on the calender because the sponsors love having hospitality there? The racing is processional and I can’t erase the memory Brian Herta spinning by himself in to a full course caution…

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:36:59 +0000

Indeed, why not? I think you lay out all the reasons why Road America makes sense, especially with Milwaukee dropping off the schedule. I remember right after unification there was considerable talk about adding Road America, but the dates didn’t work.

I selfishly would like to see RA added back, because it is so close to my Minnesota home. And Leigh is right, it does rival Spa in beauty. (Add Spa to my bucket list).

I an optimistic that RA will return in the not too distant future. A non ISC or SMI track, with such Open Wheel history, it just makes too much sense, especially with the ALMS heading into some tough times. Eventually the $ will be in alignment. I think the same holds true for Cleveland too.

By: redd

redd — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:44:09 +0000

Isn’t the answer always money? I mean, in terms of why here and not there? Why a parking lot in Boston or the streets of Baltimore or a yet-to-be-named place in Brazil instead of Road America? I just always assume it’s because some places guarantee a bunch of money and some don’t.

By: Edward

Edward — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:27:56 +0000

I agree with you. My question is, is the IRL not truly interested or is Road America not interested in bringing the series there? Interest has to go both ways.

I do agree with you about Infinieon, which is basically a glorified club track.

By: Leigh O'Gorman

Leigh O'Gorman — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:44:25 +0000

Absolutely spot on George – having said before that I’ve always found the likes of Sonoma a little bland, Road America is truly one of the those wonderful spots and one of the few circuits in the world that rivals Spa-Francorchamps in the beauty and challenge stakes.