Re-energizing Open Wheel Racing

[JohnSSC]

Well fellow forum members, I have given this some thought and decided that starting a thread would not be a bad thing.

My only request here is that we stay away from the "Whodunit" aspect of things and focus on how what we all love so much can be re-energized and hopefully made relevant as a Top Series in International open wheel racing.

First, we have to start with some "givens":

1) Open Wheel racing is no longer the prominent type of racing in N America. The casual fan is almost unaware of it. Say "Indy" to the average person and like as not they will smile and say: "Brickyard 400!" Say: "Champcar World Series Brought to you by Bridgestone and Powered by Ford" or "Indy Racing League" and the answer will be a scowl and the word: "What?"

2) Teams from both Series (IRL/CC) have trouble arttracting sponsors, talent and the ongoing interest of the hardcore racing fan.

3) Drivers find that going to NASCAR is now a step UP in that the drives are paying drives and the focus is on finding a talented driver (see Jeff Gordon).

4) The sponsorship dollars find their way to NASCAR. For their faults, the France's have figured out how to keep manufacturer participation keen without having manufacturer domination - and thereby enormous costs. (This is not as true as in the past though, I admit).

5) The driver "country of origin debate" goes on. The true problem imho? Balance. There is none. Young travellers from Europe and Beyond with $$ use both Series' to further their careers. Even hardcore fans don't know who the heck these guys are.

6) Related to that issue is the whole "Ladder Series" farce. While there have been notable exceptions, in most cases the "Ladder Series'" exist simply to fill our race weekends so we are not bored waiting for the next CC/IRL practice/qualifying/race session. The Team Owners and the Series owners really could give a rat's booty about any of these guys - unless of course they have a gimmick (Danica - talented female) or $$$.

7) Gimmicks don't make up for good honest racing. "Push to Pass" is a joke as CC races primarily on street circuits where there is no ROOM to pass. If "Push to Pass" incorporated some sort of "Move the Jersey Barrier Out-of-the-Way Feature" then we have something worthwhile. See also the special sticky tire thing, mandatory pit windows and any full-course yellow for "debris." (A NASCAR favorite - 'cept no one has figured out how to use it right in Open Wheel.) The IRL has avoided this somewhat but they have a techno package that (no offense) creates a playing field SO level that they may as well be in equal shifter karts. A fluctuating crosswind can be more important to a race outcome than overall strategy.

8) Race Team Owners who own the Series. Can you say: "Conflict of Interest?" Sure you can.

There is, were I to burn the few remaining brain cells I have thinking about it, more. This will suffice to start.