Grand AM and NASCAR to test IMS Road Course this fall?

[IowaBoyinIndy]

I haven't seen any threads on this throwaway comment by Cavin in yesterday's Star. It gets no response from anyone? It was a blurb in the pull out special for yesterday's race. IBiI

[Quixter]

While it isn't a great road course, I'd love to see them use it a whole lot more.

I'd go.

ICS needs to run it. Huge mistake not doing so, IMO.

[bkeske]

ICS needs to run it.

That would be just plain wrong. And makes no sense from a business/series/image perspective.

[Quixter]

That would be just plain wrong. And makes no sense from a business/series/image perspective.

I disagree vehemently.

Here's why:

They already own it. It exists.

It's right smack in the middle of the what is by far the largest fan base of OW n the country.

The teams are mostly based in Indy.

They race on road courses, this is one of the most known road courses in the nation. Heck, our country's initials were on the races held there (USGP).

What possible negative to the series image would adding a race on the road course? Who is going to read a story about them racing there and think "that's just wrong. The Edmonton thing, tho, that's grand."

What possible negative business impact is there? Some people might choose to attend that race instead of the 500, I suppose. But I would surmise many, many more would attend both. It's an additional event, it would generate business (read $$$$).

I'll be honest, I have no idea what a 'series perspective' is or has been. I'm curious how you see a road course event there as a negative to it tho.

They payed millions to make it. They own it, pay to keep it up, pay additional taxes on the value it added.... and out of pride or hubris they're NOT gonna run a race where so many of the fans and teams are?

Why exactly?


Please provide some examples of how this would negatively impact their image. And to whom it would appear lessened.

[bkeske]

That is easy, it diminishes the 500.

The only time these cars should go to IMS is during the month of May.

[Quixter]

That is easy, it diminishes the 500.

How does it diminish the 500? Please be specific.

And to whom?

The only time these cars should go to IMS is during the month of May.

Why? Because some of the fans are resistant to change?

You'd rather they race in Brazil or Alberta than at Indy?

[atrackforumfan]

That is easy, it diminishes the 500.

The only time these cars should go to IMS is during the month of May.

Gotta agree with you.

IMS is already saturated with races.

If you have a road race, it has to be with a series that brings its own fans who don't go to the oval races. Otherwise, it will just divide the Nascar/Indycar fans over three races instead of two.

[Danske]

And now Grand-Am issues a press release saying they're be testing on Sept 3rd:
http://www.grand-am.com/news/index.cfm?cid=23452
Sounds like it'll be open to the public.

[Ann Dretti]

Murph the bear says its off. Is this guy ever right?

[PHJIndy]

And now Grand-Am issues a press release saying they're be testing on Sept 3rd:
http://www.grand-am.com/news/index.cfm?cid=23452
Sounds like it'll be open to the public.

All testing is open to the public. You can sit in the South Terrace which is just south of the Hall of Fame Museum.