An Open Letter to Tony George

To: Tony George
Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Re: Open-wheel racing in America


Dear Tony,
This is your fault.

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(From the May 27, 2009 USA Today:)

Indianapolis 500 losing television drawing power

by Michael Hiestand, USA TODAY

You have to wonder: What's left, theoretically, that could resurrect the Indianapolis 500's drawing power?

The merger of what had been two competing Indy-style circuits, ending a split that had supposedly hampered the sport for years, came last year. Danica Patrick was supposed to bring star power if she could also be a contender on the track — and she finished third in Sunday's race.

But ABC's coverage drew just 3.9% of U.S. TV households. That's down 13% from last year, down 40% from coverage four years ago — and the lowest rating since the 500 got live start-to-finish TV coverage in 1986.

And if the recession kept some viewers off the roads this Memorial Day weekend, it didn't mean they wanted to watch cars on TV.

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Tony, I used to be a rabid open-wheel fan, especially in the heyday of the CART series. I'd watch every race on TV and attend 3-4 races a year.

But then you concocted your Indy Racing League brainchild and the walls caved in.

You don't need me to remind you that the schism you created between CART and the IRL in the mid '90s opened the door for NASCAR's massive growth and put American open-wheel racing solidly in the death-spiral that currently swirls around it.

What's most galling is your justification for the split. You wanted American drivers, in American-built cars, racing on American ovals.
What we have are Japanese engines in Italian chassis with an international cast of drivers competing in a series that visits foreign countries and includes street circuits and road courses.
Which is what open-wheel racing in the US used to provide us -- before your power grab.

What were you thinking?

Despite its travails, open-wheel racing is still viable, somehow, yet finds itself at a crossroads. There are conflicting predictions of its future and your role in it. USA Today had another story this week, lauding your Indy Racing League for so far avoiding the economic pitfalls that have struck NASCAR and Formula 1. Meanwhile, speedtv.com reported earlier this week you'd been removed as CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a story you were quick to deny.
But the ratings prove that the very foundation of your IRL -- what old-timers still call "The 500 Mile" -- is inspiring viewers to stay away in droves.

Whatever the future holds, open-wheel racing and its fans would benefit from you not being a part of it.


Sincerely,
Disgruntled in West Virginia