Past Verses the Present | Is Indycar Racing Gone the Way of the Dinosaurs

With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 just days away and only 32 cars actually qualified, is the current version of the IRL going the way of the dinosaurs? In the hey day of the Indianapolis 500 more than eighty entries would have shown up. Today we get 33.

The IRL powers to be have developed a strategy that enables only the teams with big pockets to participate. With only four or five teams able to field cars and other drivers and team owners unable to find sponsors. We saw a lot of young people at the race last year, but will the series be able to sustain itself. The IRL has abandon tracks of the past and tried to get fancy road courses instead, like the ill fated Boston attempt.

Even the press are now writing articles about what about next year after the 100th running is over with. Will the race sell out. Will they continue to get dismal attendance at other races. Unless the formula changes and more teams and fans get excited about the IRL its popularity will be in question. You have one body and two engine choices. The only difference to tell the cars apart is the paint scheme. There used to be roadsters, Lotus, McClarens, Eagles, Coyotes, Marchs and such. Enovation by car designers, now we get mono Star Trek designs.

Enabling cars that don't cost millions of dollars, doing away with aero kits, and all the electronic features that raise the price and enhance drivability. Is racing more exciting with all of this than in 1974. As a person that has been going to the track since 1966, I vote no. We will be in turn 1 rooting our favorite drivers to victory on Sunday. Have a safe race. Until next time.