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The last few years have seen much more bare aluminum for the 400 than the 500. But both are down from their heights, no doubt. But the 500 seems to be coming back up while the 400 is headed down.Quote:
Originally Posted by nigelred5
And the economy sure hasn't helped any at all.
Agreed, but I stand by my statement. I have good friends that dropped their block of 25 500 tickets in turn 3 they had held since the early 70's in '99, but they still have the same block of tickets for the 400 they have had that they picked up when they dropped the tix for the 500. They were to the point where they were getting stuck with the 500 tix when they used to have a family and friends draw to see who got to pay Mike for one of his tickets. He had to do that for the 400 for years.
Fortunatley, I agree with you that 500 attendance APPEARS to be trending upwards and the 400, well, I don't really care as I think it's a miserable track for stock cars and never watch the race, but even 100K butts in seats helps keep IMS going and improving.
Your estimates of attendance is just wrong. Your estimate of 100,000 would make IMS look empty. Getting rid of the IRL image and restoring the Indycar image is going a long way in rebuilding interest. Plus going back to turbo charged engines with multiple suppliers will also add interest and bring back fans.
Agree, I think many people have forgotten how many free tickets beer and cigarette company's including engine suppliers would give in promotions.We all know damage that was done ,but I think Indycar this year is going to be turning point of a comeback.Quote:
Originally Posted by mike15
No one is questioning the facts, we are questioning the conclusion. You are speculating that the reason for the decline in interest in the 500, was because of the 400. But that ignores all of the other factors, not the least of which was the split. Personally, I think many more folks quit going because of the politics and the likes of the racing dentist filling the field for several years. Sure there were some folks who made a decision between the 500 and the 400, but I think that number is insignifcant.Quote:
Originally Posted by nigelred5
Gary
The Milwaukee Mile race is set now. It is the weekend of June 16th-17th.
Yep. Can't wait!Quote:
Originally Posted by DanicaFan
Milwaukee Mile IndyCar return confirmed for 2012 - Racer.com
Got tickets t Iowa and will be going to Milwaukee as well. Looks like back to back race weekends for my wife and I.
Great news, I hope they spend few bucks on promotions in newspaper and local tv stations in Chicago . I know Where I will be on that weekend. See you there!Quote:
Originally Posted by DanicaFan
Yeah! This is great news!
First off I never sait it was MY conclusion, but I similarly question your assertion the 400 had negligible effect on the 500. Hell, I'll argue the mere presence of the 400 and the windfall it provided the track gave good ol TG the big boy britches to even start the IRL. The 400 was his hedge fund for decreased attendance and the cost of totally supporting the IRL, and I"ll actually give him credit for having the forethought to see that.Quote:
Originally Posted by garyshell