OT - Open Wheel Unification?

Blake Johnson · 2/10/08, 12:16 PM

What we need here a little contrition. Even though both sides would like to become one, the rip in Open Wheel will remain even after a merger unless fans, management and the media realize that they are not the center of racing. We must understand a few things:

A. IRL followers must embrace CCWS followers. Despite the feeling of IRL dominance in Indy, CCWS pockets of fans are strong in the US. Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, Canada and California are full of CCWS fans. It is imperative for IRL followers to open their arms and welcome CCWS followers that may sill feel bitter about the past decade.

B. The center of the racing world is not Indianapolis. It is Charlotte. As much as I hate it, we need to accept it and then work together as one Open Wheel series to reverse the trend. The longer people think the rest of the world bows the bended knee to Indianapolis, the longer we will be a 2nd rate to a 4th rate racing series. We have a problem. That problem is the general population of North America has lost interest. We need humble ourselves, open our arms and spread the word that Open Wheel racing is the best form of racing in North America.

C. Finally, this may be the best chance of Open Wheel racing returning to prominence. The public is hungry for one series. Folks are fed up with NASCAR from the ugly COT to the over priced hotels and tickets on race weekends.

Now is the time for an Open Wheel revival. Now is the time for fans, media and the series to open their arms, embrace one another and push towards a strengthened unified series.

cecil98 · 2/10/08, 12:46 PM

Now is the time for an Open Wheel revival. Now is the time for fans, media and the series to open their arms, embrace one another and push towards a strengthened unified series....Blake Johnson

A few Americans in top notch rides wouldn't hurt either. In spite of what Robin Miller says, by 1995, openwheel was sliding. At Indy in '95, less than 50k showed up on Pole Day. There were 44 "official" entries but only 37 (or 39?) car-driver combinations. Foreign road racers were replacing the Snevas, Rutherfords, Johncocks etc. Ovals were being replaced with street festivals and now, look where we are. Right back to the same scenario we had before the split. By 2002 the IRL had the best racing on the planet, a good cost effective formula, and American circle trackers and American road racers were being given opportunities. Smaller teams like Hemelgarn, Cahill, Walker, Panther, Cheever, Larry Blair, Foyt, Curb Agajanian, Kelly and D&R were competitive and won races, even after Penske came over. Enter Toyota and Honda and we've come full circle back to 1995. Unification or not, things will have to change before American race fans will once again embrace openwheel racing in this country.

2/10/08, 12:16 PM	#21 Re: OT - Open Wheel Unification?
Blake Johnson Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 41	What we need here a little contrition. Even though both sides would like to become one, the rip in Open Wheel will remain even after a merger unless fans, management and the media realize that they are not the center of racing. We must understand a few things: A. IRL followers must embrace CCWS followers. Despite the feeling of IRL dominance in Indy, CCWS pockets of fans are strong in the US. Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, Canada and California are full of CCWS fans. It is imperative for IRL followers to open their arms and welcome CCWS followers that may sill feel bitter about the past decade. B. The center of the racing world is not Indianapolis. It is Charlotte. As much as I hate it, we need to accept it and then work together as one Open Wheel series to reverse the trend. The longer people think the rest of the world bows the bended knee to Indianapolis, the longer we will be a 2nd rate to a 4th rate racing series. We have a problem. That problem is the general population of North America has lost interest. We need humble ourselves, open our arms and spread the word that Open Wheel racing is the best form of racing in North America. C. Finally, this may be the best chance of Open Wheel racing returning to prominence. The public is hungry for one series. Folks are fed up with NASCAR from the ugly COT to the over priced hotels and tickets on race weekends. Now is the time for an Open Wheel revival. Now is the time for fans, media and the series to open their arms, embrace one another and push towards a strengthened unified series.

2/10/08, 12:46 PM	#22 Re: OT - Open Wheel Unification?
cecil98 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,399	Now is the time for an Open Wheel revival. Now is the time for fans, media and the series to open their arms, embrace one another and push towards a strengthened unified series....Blake Johnson A few Americans in top notch rides wouldn't hurt either. In spite of what Robin Miller says, by 1995, openwheel was sliding. At Indy in '95, less than 50k showed up on Pole Day. There were 44 "official" entries but only 37 (or 39?) car-driver combinations. Foreign road racers were replacing the Snevas, Rutherfords, Johncocks etc. Ovals were being replaced with street festivals and now, look where we are. Right back to the same scenario we had before the split. By 2002 the IRL had the best racing on the planet, a good cost effective formula, and American circle trackers and American road racers were being given opportunities. Smaller teams like Hemelgarn, Cahill, Walker, Panther, Cheever, Larry Blair, Foyt, Curb Agajanian, Kelly and D&R were competitive and won races, even after Penske came over. Enter Toyota and Honda and we've come full circle back to 1995. Unification or not, things will have to change before American race fans will once again embrace openwheel racing in this country.