I was reading about this supposed purchase of Cart (taking Cart private) that is to occur today and I couldn't help but thing this is a huge blunder for those involved.
First, the assumption that Cart can return to profitability in '06 is a stretch. What would make this occur? A return of big name sponsors to the series is a start but what makes us think this will occur? The IRL will still be around in '06 absorbing their share of the sponsors.
Return of the big name drivers (like AJ, Sullivan, Mears, Andretti were in the '80s)? Considering the drivers that go to NASCAR and that the IRL will have 20-something seats to fill I doubt this seriously.
Cart at some point has to change its engine forumla and this is going to cost someone (either the teams or suppliers) a considerable amount of money. Who is going to invest this? Ford, OK that's one but who else? With international suppliers set to enter NASCAR I doubt any will take a chance on a struggling series like Cart.
Return of big TV ratings? This is a stretch given that NASCAR has sucked up almost all the motorpsports fans in this country. And this country is key to Cart revival. It has already been suggested that the international events go away in the next few season while Cart rebuilds. But if you can't get American fans then how can you rebuild?
Essentially, what has to happen is for Cart to return to where it was in the '80s for this to be an investment that pays off for those who take Cart private. Can anyone really expect this to happen? Considering NASCAR and the IRL aren't going to fade to where they were in the '80s I just don't see it.
First, the assumption that Cart can return to profitability in '06 is a stretch. What would make this occur? A return of big name sponsors to the series is a start but what makes us think this will occur? The IRL will still be around in '06 absorbing their share of the sponsors.
Return of the big name drivers (like AJ, Sullivan, Mears, Andretti were in the '80s)? Considering the drivers that go to NASCAR and that the IRL will have 20-something seats to fill I doubt this seriously.
Cart at some point has to change its engine forumla and this is going to cost someone (either the teams or suppliers) a considerable amount of money. Who is going to invest this? Ford, OK that's one but who else? With international suppliers set to enter NASCAR I doubt any will take a chance on a struggling series like Cart.
Return of big TV ratings? This is a stretch given that NASCAR has sucked up almost all the motorpsports fans in this country. And this country is key to Cart revival. It has already been suggested that the international events go away in the next few season while Cart rebuilds. But if you can't get American fans then how can you rebuild?
Essentially, what has to happen is for Cart to return to where it was in the '80s for this to be an investment that pays off for those who take Cart private. Can anyone really expect this to happen? Considering NASCAR and the IRL aren't going to fade to where they were in the '80s I just don't see it.
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