What can be done to improve the WEC ?

[kober]

Originally Posted by formerf1champ

I would also say 500 miles on the one of the fastest circuits also contributes. But, since you know better, why didn't you offer a alternative? I suspect you wouldn't know. So, what is the single biggest car race?

Twenty years ago, yes, I'd say Monaco GP, but nowadays it's more and more just one of the races in the season, and not as cherished any more.
But today, I'd say that the greatest is LM24. Of course it depends on the point of view, but I dare to say that LM24 win is worth to a non-North-American exactly the same as Indy 500 win to a North-American.

[Gingers4Justice]

Le Mans is much more heard of than the Indy 500, for sure. Just talking about it to your average fella or fellaress in England - I'd say 1 in 4 have heard of Le Mans, 1 in 5 or maybe 1 in 6 of Indy. None of my friends have heard on Indycars.

Le Mans is something everyone has heard of - yet so few know what it entails.

It is truely staggering, I find, that the ACO has something like Le Mans, a brand that is so well-known, and yet it still fails to sell itself properly.

The ACO needs much more help in promoting the WEC, because it doesn't do a good enough job in the blue-riband event. You need good highlights packages, promotions, you need to get the word out there about what the WEC is all about.

[FordCosworthPanoz]

The Indy Five Hunnert is definitely the biggest race in the world, Southern Indiana that is, although the good'ol Hoosier 100 and Crown Royal presents the Your Name Here 400 at the Brickyard powered by BigMachinerecords.com comes close.

Back on topic, I agree with G4J, the ACO needs to promote LM24 and give the event the attention it deserves. I can ask anyone what they think of when they hear 'Le Mans' and they'll say "a car race in France" but after that they have no clue. NatGeo rated it the greatest SPORTING event in the world, I think they went too far, but it just shows the potential the race could have on the global stage if marketed correctly.

[Purist]

FF1Champ, I think you'll find at least a partial answer to your query in my latest posts in the "ALMS 2012 Discussion" thread.

[Jonerz]

Originally Posted by FordCosworthPanoz

The Indy Five Hunnert is definitely the biggest race in the world, Southern Indiana that is, although the good'ol Hoosier 100 and Crown Royal presents the Your Name Here 400 at the Brickyard powered by BigMachinerecords.com comes close.

Back on topic, I agree with G4J, the ACO needs to promote LM24 and give the event the attention it deserves. I can ask anyone what they think of when they hear 'Le Mans' and they'll say "a car race in France" but after that they have no clue. NatGeo rated it the greatest SPORTING event in the world, I think they went too far, but it just shows the potential the race could have on the global stage if marketed correctly.

Indeed. And on the Nat Geo claim, I think they are referring to what the event is at the circuit. Fence side, and in the town of Le Mans the race has an incredible atmosphere. The race effectively occupies an entire region of France for the first half of June. As an event it is unmatched in its "coolness", and its appeal to fans, the atmosphere the race has, the "shared experience" thing that Hindy always talks about. And I am proud to subscribe to that theory.

However, it is not the biggest sporting event in the world. There are events with larger attendances, considerably larger international appeal, more sponsorship, and better media permeation globally. And I don't think Nat Geo was speaking to the race in terms of its international popularity. Le Mans has a dedicated niche following, albeit a typically well-to-do, worldwide following that is very radical in their support of it.

Chris

[ArnageWRC]

I think like most non-F1 Motorsport, it has become a ‘niche’ event, and that’s not to devalue the event, just a case of realism. This year there was no clash with F1, yet the mainstream coverage didn’t improve. The days of BBC 5Live having hourly updates are over. Similarly, the newspaper coverage was nothing to write home about. If it hadn’t been for ‘former F1 driver’ Anthony Davidson’s accident, would it have got half the coverage it did? I do wonder whether the ACO realise, or even care what everybody thinks – 200,000+ still turn up. But having seen Eurosport’s TV figures for last year they were a little depressing.

[Articus]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

Le Mans is much more heard of than the Indy 500, for sure. Just talking about it to your average fella or fellaress in England - I'd say 1 in 4 have heard of Le Mans, 1 in 5 or maybe 1 in 6 of Indy. None of my friends have heard on Indycars.

Le Mans is something everyone has heard of - yet so few know what it entails.

See where I am from that couldn't be further from the truth. No one has a clue what Le Mans is or what it entails. Outside of hardcore sportscar fans in America. When you say motorsport they laugh and say you watch Nascar...That is there only concept of Motorsport. You could even ask the guys at ABC or Fox news and they probably have no idea what Le Mans is.

In Europe having gone there the average Joe has a good idea of what you are watching when he shows up in the hotel lounge.

Here evern Nascar viewership is dying. ALMS and Le Mans is such a niche in America.

In the same way Americans have a understanding that Nascar exist. Germans are aware of DTM, Europeans of Le Mans and N24 probably.

[formerf1champ]

Originally Posted by Purist

FF1Champ, I think you'll find at least a partial answer to your query in my latest posts in the "ALMS 2012 Discussion" thread.

No, it pretty much answered it fully.

Originally Posted by kober

Twenty years ago, yes, I'd say Monaco GP, but nowadays it's more and more just one of the races in the season, and not as cherished any more.

But today, I'd say that the greatest is LM24. Of course it depends on the point of view, but I dare to say that LM24 win is worth to a non-North-American exactly the same as Indy 500 win to a North-American.

Monaco is not cherished anymore, but Le Mans is? Mainstrean cultural relevance to the opposite side of the Atlantic, or anywhere, is not important. As a hardened motorsport fan from Australia, overall, the Indy 500 has the edge over Le Mans. Also, while people may not appreciate Americans FIGJAM attitude. UK/Europeans have to understand one thing, "you" come across as motorsport snobs. But I'll save that for another thread.

[formerf1champ]

"Snob" may be too harsh. But definitely, there's a haughty nature "It's European, so it's better" nature. If you were wondering what FIGJAM means **** I'm Good. Just Ask Me.

[FordCosworthPanoz]

In reality, going by the same standards that ranks any other type of world sporting events the "BIGGEST RACE IN THE WORLD" is whatever Formula 1 race gets the highest television ratings. Which is typically Canada because of TV times in addition to 300,000 attending over the weekend.

Canada wins again.

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by formerf1champ

No, it pretty much answered it fully.

Monaco is not cherished anymore, but Le Mans is? Mainstrean cultural relevance to the opposite side of the Atlantic, or anywhere, is not important. As a hardened motorsport fan from Australia, overall, the Indy 500 has the edge over Le Mans. Also, while people may not appreciate Americans FIGJAM attitude. UK/Europeans have to understand one thing, "you" come across as motorsport snobs. But I'll save that for another thread.

Your opinion is your own and your intitled to it ..... but dont be decieved into convincing yourself that you know it all . Your very far removed from reality to be honest as many top manufacturers , drivers and team owners readily step up and say that Le Mans is the most important race in the world , as well as an International survey from National Geographic .

Oh no , thats no good enough for you !!! Youve got to pipe up and throw insults around to try and prove your point ............

But you seem to know more , and then you label us with the word snob ..... I think you have a bloody cheek to be honest .

What would you know about popular motorsport in the outback blue ? You have a nice little championship down there with your touring cars ..... suggest you leave proper racing to us , and get on with your little homegrown series .

European ..... isnt that what you were basically , or did you forget your history of what a real Australian is ?

I notice from your name it includes the F1 trademark , I suggest you stick to watching your high speed percession and stop sticking your finger into a series your not interested in and clearly know bollicks all about .

Dont bother replying to this , cuz I wouldnt wasnt my time on you , cuz Im one of those European snobs .

[Salamus]

Originally Posted by Articus

See where I am from that couldn't be further from the truth. No one has a clue what Le Mans is or what it entails. Outside of hardcore sportscar fans in America. When you say motorsport they laugh and say you watch Nascar...That is there only concept of Motorsport. You could even ask the guys at ABC or Fox news and they probably have no idea what Le Mans is.

In Europe having gone there the average Joe has a good idea of what you are watching when he shows up in the hotel lounge.

Here evern Nascar viewership is dying. ALMS and Le Mans is such a niche in America.

In the same way Americans have a understanding that Nascar exist. Germans are aware of DTM, Europeans of Le Mans and N24 probably.

Sadly, this is so true I remember telling my friends that I was watching a car race (Sebring) and they all instantly thought of Nascar. Then I explained to them that it was nothing like Nascar, that the GT cars actually look like the street car and they didn't believe me. I also remember one time I was watching an Indycar race and my friends thought I was watching Formula One

Here in Ontario, I'd say more people know about the Indy 500 because it is on TV and in the newspaper the next day. Actually the Indy 500 makes the front page every year.

[Salamus]

Originally Posted by FordCosworthPanoz

In reality, going by the same standards that ranks any other type of world sporting events the "BIGGEST RACE IN THE WORLD" is whatever Formula 1 race gets the highest television ratings. Which is typically Canada because of TV times in addition to 300,000 attending over the weekend.

Canada wins again.

YAY To be honest, the Canadian GP is far more exciting then the Monaco GP. Monaco's excitement on the track has dwindled for many years now while other GPs are still very fun to watch.

[lms]

Originally Posted by Salamus

Sadly, this is so true I remember telling my friends that I was watching a car race (Sebring) and they all instantly thought of Nascar. Then I explained to them that it was nothing like Nascar, that the GT cars actually look like the street car and they didn't believe me. I also remember one time I was watching an Indycar race and my friends thought I was watching Formula One

thats sad and funny at the same time.

[FordCosworthPanoz]

Originally Posted by formerf1champ

No, it pretty much answered it fully.

Monaco is not cherished anymore, but Le Mans is? Mainstrean cultural relevance to the opposite side of the Atlantic, or anywhere, is not important. As a hardened motorsport fan from Australia, overall, the Indy 500 has the edge over Le Mans. Also, while people may not appreciate Americans FIGJAM attitude. UK/Europeans have to understand one thing, "you" come across as motorsport snobs. But I'll save that for another thread.

After the 1992 Bathurst 1000 and the rules that followed, "butthurt rednecks" could be used for Australian racing fans, however I'm not one to generalize.