US GP set for failure even before the flag drops
Discussion
It seems totally unbelievable that no one within the FOM checked the dates when deciding what date the inaugural Austin GP race should take place.
Maybe F1’s decision-makers are not aware, but there’s a quaint little motorsport series in the U.S. called the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, commonly referred to as NASCAR.
For those in the F1 paddock who are not aware of this stock car series, it’s a bit different from grand prix racing. It features approachable drivers, open paddocks, and cars with fenders that usually race on strange tracks called ovals. It’s also the second-most watched sport in the U.S. after the National Football League and, more importantly, its season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway falls on the third Sunday in November.
In case anyone in the F1 paddock is wondering, that puts it on — you guessed it — Nov. 18 in 2012.
Maybe F1’s decision-makers are not aware, but there’s a quaint little motorsport series in the U.S. called the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, commonly referred to as NASCAR.
For those in the F1 paddock who are not aware of this stock car series, it’s a bit different from grand prix racing. It features approachable drivers, open paddocks, and cars with fenders that usually race on strange tracks called ovals. It’s also the second-most watched sport in the U.S. after the National Football League and, more importantly, its season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway falls on the third Sunday in November.
In case anyone in the F1 paddock is wondering, that puts it on — you guessed it — Nov. 18 in 2012.
NASCAR has a very large American audience whereas F1 has a very large international audience. The two events aren't aimed at the same people. There are plenty of Indycar / NASCAR schedule clashes over the course of the season, so I really don't see it being an issue. Not as if they're running in the same city.
rlw said:
I would imagine that, to the advertisers and sponsors, getting the biggest TV audience possible is the most important. These people need a large part of the NASCAR audience viewing and, on this basis, it ain't gonna happen.
Correct. Must US journalists will be at the Nascar race and most media will cover Nascar and not the F1.And it only gets worse. In football crazy Austin, the Texas Longhorns will play on Saturday during race weekend. It won’t matter whether the game happens at the University of Texas campus in Austin or on the road. Either way, Longhorn fans will tailgate for a couple of hours and then watch their team rather than show up at the track to check out the F1 cars. A day later when the cars take their warm-up lap for Sunday’s race, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans will likely be kicking off their NFL games.
It seems to me a really bad weekend to re launch F1 in the USA
rlw said:
I would imagine that, to the advertisers and sponsors, getting the biggest TV audience possible is the most important. These people need a large part of the NASCAR audience viewing and, on this basis, it ain't gonna happen.
Do they really need a large part of the NASCAR audience?F1 a globally watched event and the sponsors and advertisers are generally global companies - you're not going to get local Texan companies involved.
The race could be held on the moon, really. Some track attendances are pretty small - the figures only look reasonable as they usually quote combined figures for the three main days.
The whole reason behind the US GP is for the manufacturers to sell more cars and the sponsors to get the coverage that only the USA can offer.
Unless the yanks get onboard and become interested in F1 then it's been a waste of time.
I wonder if a street circuit in Vegas or Long Beach would of been more suited to this task.
(ok i'm ignoring the Vegas Car Park GP) or even better Laguna Seca !
Unless the yanks get onboard and become interested in F1 then it's been a waste of time.
I wonder if a street circuit in Vegas or Long Beach would of been more suited to this task.
(ok i'm ignoring the Vegas Car Park GP) or even better Laguna Seca !
tux said:
But wont the F1 start at 1pm? And the Nascar at 3:30-4:00
Welcome Sports fans to Super Mega Sunday! First up we start with Formula 1 at the new circuit in Texas, and we follow that up with the Nascar season Finale live and direct from Homested Miamiiiiii!!!! Get your hot dogs and cold beers at the ready folks and settle in for the finest motor racing Sunday you everrrrr did seeeeeeee!!!!!11!!!/yankannouncer
hornetrider said:
Welcome Sports fans to Super Mega Sunday! First up we start with Formula 1 at the new circuit in Texas, and we follow that up with the Nascar season Finale live and direct from Homested Miamiiiiii!!!! Get your hot dogs and cold beers at the ready folks and settle in for the finest motor racing Sunday you everrrrr did seeeeeeee!!!!!11!!!
/yankannouncer
Don't forget to stock up on the sprayable cheese./yankannouncer
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