Schedule Gaps

Rumor has it the 2014 schedule is nearly finalized, and with 20-21 races supposedly finished by Labor Day, you can bet we won't be seeing three- and four-week gaps like this year. The schedule is a major source of contention among everyone associated with IndyCar--owners, drivers, and fans alike. Fans don't want long breaks between races, but teams get worn out without them, especially with doubleheaders. We need a happy medium. Unfortunately I don't think this problem will be fixed any time soon.

NASCAR thrives in part because races take place nearly every weekend. It's just like any other sport: it has a regular schedule that fans can plan around and look forward to. Huge gaps between races lead to fans losing interest, forgetting to tune in, and finding other things to occupy their leisure time. I've been somewhat grateful for these breaks because they have allowed me to get some much-needed work done, but I want to see some racing! I know we all do, and let's face it, as good as Turbo is, it just doesn't cut it. But I don't necessarily need doubleheaders every weekend either, which might happen if we're expected to fit in 20-21 races by Labor Day. Again, let's find a happy medium.

News also surfaced this week that IndyCars would begin testing on the IMS road course, for a possible race next May. Testing does not guarantee there will be a race, but the IndyCar powers that be certainly seem to have their mind set on it. I am not opposed to the idea of an IMS road course event. I think it will help the track bring in a little more revenue, and it gets IndyCar back to its roots, the place they are most known for. However, I am opposed to such a race in May.

Forget about tradition, and history, and ruining a sacred event like the Indianapolis 500 for a moment, although those are good reasons too. I just don't think this is the best solution to help IndyCar gain recognition and financial stability. You already have the premier motorsports race on Memorial Day weekend (despite what some naysayers say, I still believe it's the greatest spectacle in racing). So a lot of eyeballs and fan attention are already turned toward the speedway in May. Wouldn't it make more sense to spread things out so you can bring those eyeballs back, such as at the end of the year? I think having the season finale at IMS would be great publicity. (A street race in Indianapolis would be even better.) And I think it would highlight the fact that these drivers are the most versatile in the world, because they race on ovals and non-ovals--at the same place! Crazy! If you want to expand your fan base and grow more appeal, I think that would be a better way to do it.

I hear some fans complain that the race would be too boring, because previous events held on that course have been. Let's not rush to judgment on that just yet. As I recall, a lot of folks used to say street races and tracks like Barber were boring too, but we've had some incredibly exciting action at those venues this year. I'm willing to give an IMS road course race a chance. I just wish it wasn't in May.