Revisting an old idea

[Rick Jones]

Back in the days after the split when the oval versus roadcourse debate was huge and talks about reconciliation were more focused on the philosophy of what really is Indycar racing, a suggestion that was kicked around quite a bit was to have within the IRL series two divisions, oval and roadcourse. Teams going for the IRL/Indycar championship would race the entire series, ovals, street, and roadcourses. Teams wanting to get their feet wet in the series could focus on the division that they are best suited to compete in. USAC oval trackers for example could race for divisional points and money on the ovals and it would be a partial season versus those going for the series championship. The same would be for those coming to the series in a sports car roadcourse background, they race the streets and road races for points, money, and experience. It was argued that this concept would create an open door for teams that want to test the Indycar waters at a lesser expense and help provide larger fields for the entire series. With all that is happening today, do you think this is a concept that the new and improved Indycar series ought to consider?

[mario]

No. The last thing they need is any type of separation. Plus, it's too complicated. There is one ow racing series now. Race at the 20 venues that are the most financially suceessful and produce the best racing.

[Mario4ever]

No. Let's not confuse the fans.

[Kart29]

I think it's a great idea. I suggested as much in another topic. I think a three or four race oval series within the series would be great idea for some teams which would otherwise be Indy only to run Indy PLUS some other races - thereby increasing value to their potential sponsors yet keeping their travel costs and equipment costs at a fraction of running a whole season all over three continents and totally different kinds of racetracks.

That was kind of the whole point behind the original Indy Racing League before CART scheduled races to conflict with those oval events. I think it's time for that concept to make a comeback.

[thehairpin]

Isn't there already an entirely oval OW series? It's called Silver Crown.

[Kart29]

Isn't there already an entirely oval OW series? It's called Silver Crown.

That's a great idea! Now you're talkin'! Let's race SilverCrown cars at the Indy 500. I am SO with you on this idea! You're a genius!

[Littleman]

That's a great idea! Now you're talkin'! Let's race SilverCrown cars at the Indy 500. I am SO with you on this idea! You're a genius!

Might be a good thing once this "joining of hands" thing doesn't get it's hoped for results.

[Rick Jones]

The Indianapolis Star had an article over the weekend about the history of the split. Tony Stewart was quoted and shared that he felt lucky about the timing of the new IRL which allowed him to step up from USAC to new fame in the IRL Indy car series and then beyond. This opportunity he would not have had in the CART days before the split, and it's an opportunity that many will not have today. The philosophical differences over the roots of Indycars and how you guide talent from diverse backgrounds into the series still exists today. The divisional concept keeps what Indycar has become since the initial IRL years, but yet it opens doors for those that come to the series with varied experience and talents.

[Sea Fury]

Let me get this straight-after 12 years of "split," now that unification has happened, why, let's just SPLIT AGAIN?

Sorry, but now is not the time for PC replies to such suggestions: It's a stupid idea.

Now, a 500-Miler Triple Crown prize, that's a different story.

[roadracer]

Agreed. A non-starter.

[Saw150]

Sure it's practical, this is my theory...ahem,... ahem...

Road courses in the spring ST Pete, LBGP, Mexico, Surfers...mostly ovals all summer thru Labor Day...then all the old Can Am tracks in the fall like the good old days...Mid-Ohio, Elkhart, WG, Canada, Sears, Laguna.

The oval guys get 10-12 races, the RRs get 10...cross over if you want.

That will really be what it takes for oval specialists to really survive...plus the euro centrics won't need to run ovals if they don't want to (and they don't). They'd gladly like being the Indycar Road Racing Champion.

Otherwise the Super teams will continnue to hire foreign formula road racers...