Comments on: Distancing IndyCar From NASCAR

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:25:30 +0000

I went to the first NAPCAR event at Homestead, the Craftsman Truck Series race, outta curiosity. That was the only NAPCAR race I’ve seen in-person. I have had many opportunities to see races at Daytona each February and July *free-of-charge,* but I refuse. I have gone to GrandAm races in July and gone home rather than staying overnight for NAPCAR crashfests. In Florida, I can relate to SO much of what George wrote about self-identification as a race fan in the South. Like George, I do not fit the ‘image’ of NAPCAR fans in the stands.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:18:25 +0000

I like your train of thought. You guys are all very insightful, informed devotees of the sport (and show-business).

By: Randy

Randy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:38:22 +0000

I agree with your assessment of the differences between the two types of race attendees (note: I was careful not to say fans). When I’ve been to Indy events people have been unfailingly polite and friendly. But I was at a Nascar qualifying event once and the crowd actually cheered when Matt Kenseth wrecked because this meant that Dale Jr would benefit as he was a contender for the championship. This was a pre-Chase event. That kind of foul fan behaviour turned me off right away.

By: The Speedgeek

The Speedgeek — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:33:18 +0000

Brian,
Believe me, that’s it. It’s over now.

By: Declan

Declan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:30:45 +0000

“We don’t really want NASCAR’s fans. We want new fans.”

I’m not sure about that either. Lets start with getting ChampCar fans back who never even engaged with IndyCar or the IRL. Then go after the fans who gradually fell away as US open wheel racing became increasingly irrelevant over the last decade. THAT is your core base and from there you can think about converting casual fans into ‘new fans’.

I say that both as a professional marketing man and a IndyCar fan.

By: Dickens (Mike Murphy)

Dickens (Mike Murphy) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:56:26 +0000

The choices in your multiple choice question were difficult to answer. Actually, all three responses are not exclusive and can help to move the IZOD IndyCar Series forward.

The demographic for Indycar is to aim at and even above the fans and not to have a low regard for them. To do this, we need to be more welcoming and provide insight and introductions that are widely available to the sport.

Stay away from the pretend yellows and treat the fans as grown ups. When a team wins in a real contest, it is always a surprise and deserved. WHen a race ends with a close finish, it is so much more exciting when it was not contrived.

Innovaton is equivalent to excitement and generating interest. However, some open and fair rules are needed to prevent one team from simply buying a win from technology only.

IZOD has a great image to bring to the track and should be a great fit.

It is OK to get excited again!

By: Brian McKay

Brian McKay — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:37:59 +0000

–certainly possible– Let’s be hopeful and vocal fans.

By: Brian McKay

Brian McKay — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:36:13 +0000

George’s is so enjoyable, even in the off-season, and I enjoy reading cogent comments from Indycar fans such as you.

By: Brian McKay

Brian McKay — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:34:15 +0000

Having said that, don’t reply to wacko any more. I only read the first two sentences or her craziness.

By: Brian McKay

Brian McKay — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:32:41 +0000

Well, put. Good comments, guys. Of course, George’s blog post was very good (well, I like it!).