IRL SCHEDULE

When I talk about the IRL, I try to see if from a driver’s standpoint because the drivers are not the one’s who cause the split, they are not the one’s who determine where they race or who sponsors them. They are the pawns in the open-wheel war. It’s the only way to look at the IRL in my opinion. I know I have blown off some steam in the past with regards to the IRL and their management. I have been critical at times, but I like to think I have been fair in my criticism and not unabashedly negative like other reporters, simply for the sake of reaching a deadline. But after looking at the schedule for 2007, I am baffled. Truly baffled. I cannot understand the thought process in going to Mid-Ohio and Belle Isle. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time at those tracks, but come on. There is a reason that CART left those places and there is absolutely no reason that the IRL will make these events a success. The drivers can’t be happy about going to those tracks, Mid-Ohio for safety concerns and Belle Isle because it never really worked as a big time racing event. They are already going to Michigan. They way I see this schedule frankly, is an attempt, a last ditch effort if you will at making it work. They have now literally transformed into CART 2 and they are even talking like they have.

“The 2007 schedule is clearly the most diverse schedule in IndyCar Series history and one of the most diverse in motorsports today,” said Brian Barnhart.

In 2008, they lose Sam Hornish to NASCAR. He’s their biggest asset, an American Indy 500 winner and Indy Champion driving Penske. That’s just one driver. We already know that RAHAL has dramatically shrunk their program and that’s just one. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure the drivers are excited about doing more than turn left. But in my opinion, the IRL will pull all the stops in 2007 before finally realizing that it’s not working. When the fans aren’t there, you can’t do anything about it. No amounts of Danica or freebies will change that. Its not Belle Isle or Mid-Ohio that will bring those fans in.
By the way, I made a bet with a co-worker here that Danica wins the 500. The person I made the bet with is a big time motorsports fan, so naturally he took the bet, knowing full well that she is not capable of winning. She isn’t. But, again, I think the IRL is pulling out all the stops in 2007 and that might be one of them.

The reason I am baffled isn’t because they continue to go back on their oath, we’ve all grown to know they do on a regular basis. But it’s the amount of money they are sent to spend to go to all these tracks. I think this pretty much throws a merger out the window. But man oh man, they are going to blow a lot of money in 2007.