Story #1: Technical Innovation
Derrick Walker wasted no time in his new position developing a strategic plan for technical innovation over the next five years. The plan mainly focuses on increasing speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway while developing kits to differentiate the cars more, so that fans can identify a Honda car versus a Chevy car. While his vision is impressive, I am not fully convinced this plan is the best direction for IndyCar.
Fans who long for the "glory days" of IndyCar bemoan the fact that the cars are ugly, all look alike, and lack the technical innovation that made the series great in the 1980s and early 90s. These fans also likely grew up around cars, enjoying the problem-solving challenge of fixing them and "pimping" them out. Walker's vision seems to be aimed at this target audience. He claims that fans want these changes. And true, some definitely do. But for every fan that desires innovation, you'll also find others (like me) who are worried that such changes will reduce the great racing we have seen over the past two years, and take away the parity among owners and drivers.
I am not a sociologist, but I would definitely say the world has changed in the past twenty years (duh). Those changes have led to different interests among fans. Some claim that people aren't as interested in fixing cars anymore. Newer vehicles resemble more of a computer than a classic automobile. Sports fans' attention must vacillate between a smartphone with games and apps, an HD television with over 100 channels, and the increased popularity of extreme sports such as MMA. Does technical innovation really inspire new fans? I don't know the answer to that question. But I do know that if IndyCar wants to thrive, its fan base needs to get younger, not older. So it would be wise to develop strategies aimed at getting new fans, not appeasing the gearheads who are already watching but who express some dissatisfaction with what they're watching.
Having a plan in place is not necessarily bad for IndyCar, though. The college where I teach has such a strategic plan based on visioning sessions with its students, employees, and the community. This gives us goals to strive for, and we can assess how well we are meeting those goals over the next five years. We can articulate the details of the plan to each other, and to outsiders, which is extremely important for IndyCar. Sponsors and advertisers can see that IndyCar finally has direction and a clear future, which is nothing to bemoan about.
Story #2: Detroit Fines
News broke today that several drivers received fines or penalties for infractions at the Dual in Detroit. While some of these fines were justified, such as James Jakes' fine for rear wing violations, others lack merit. Will Power was placed on probation for throwing his gloves (his gloves, mind you) at Sebastien Bourdais, who was also placed on probation for comments directed at officials (but not for causing a huge wreck?). Sebastian Saavedra received a rather hefty $30,000 fine for giving Marco Andretti double birds, in plain sight of the TV cameras. I am guessing that the series' rationale for the fine is more because it was broadcast on live television, but Texas Motor Speedway used the opportunity to creatively promote its own race:
Now that's great marketing, which IndyCar desperately needs to learn! The glove throwing and the double birds were hilarious, come on! And gloves are a lot less harmful than a helmet, which is what Tony Stewart threw at Matt Kenseth last year. I understand IndyCar is not trying to be NASCAR, but this is one area where they should be. These kinds of images and stories bring humor and interest to the motorsport, and I actually think they should be encouraged (within reason) rather than fined. They are entertainment, which is what sports should be. Judging by the comments I've read in social media so far, many other fans agree. What happens if Power violates his probation? Will they really suspend him? Oh IndyCar, sometimes you embarrass yourselves.
Story #3: Texas
And sometimes, IndyCar, you produce great racing, which is what we've had all year and what we had last year at Texas. I suspect we'll have more of the same this year, and I'll be at the race on Saturday night to witness it!
One of the more intriguing Texas storylines concerns Oriol Servia. Servia is not well-liked in Texas, to be blunt. He has made some rather negative comments about the state in the past, which Texans did not appreciate. Now he is back racing in the National Guard car for Panther Racing. This does not sit well with many fans. I expect him to be booed a little when he is introduced on Saturday.
Texas is a wickedly fast track, and appropriate actions were taken last year to ensure that the cars would remain fast but safe. These actions resulted in drivers having to really drive the cars (Power even indicated it was the most fun he'd ever had on an oval!), but also resulted in tires falling off quickly and noticeably. We'll see if the same holds true for this year.
Justin Wilson was a surprise winner at Texas last year after Graham Rahal's late dust with the wall cost him a victory. Rahal will be a man on a mission at this race, eager to redeem himself and to prove he should be the #1 RLL driver after Jakes' podium finish in Detroit. Really, though, this race is anyone's to win, which brings incredible excitement to the race. Can a Penske or Ganassi car finally win this year? Will Marco or Helio take over sole possession of the points lead, or will someone else emerge as the new leader? Will we see a new winner, or a new first-time IndyCar series winner? We'll find out on primetime TV Saturday night!
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