Why can't the IRL attract American ride buyers?

[F1 fanru]

The US being the richest country has numerous young wealthy racers, why hasn't the IRL been able to attract these drivers to the series? Most ride buyers not only bring a bag of cash, but many have corporate affiliation of some sort. The NASCAR Bush, and ARCA series have many young drivers who have brought money to their teams. Panther and Cheever could no doubt use a couple drivers who will help support the team.

[stretch51]

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[FenderFree]

There's a difference between being funded by your daddy and his company and being funded by a government or by a large national corporation.

I don't believe the US Government or any large US corporations sponsor drivers like other countries do.

I'd also be gracious if you could cite some specific examples.

[bikermike]

Because the costs of the Indy Car series in 2006 are beyond even a wealthy sportmen.Just the engine budget alone in 1.3 million.
What the Hornish's did in 2000 with PDM could never happen in the modern day IndyCar series.That Barnhart and TG fail to see that is troubling to me and a sad thing for the league.

[silva2]

I am not sure that open wheel forumla car racing on big ovals is really for the gentleman racer. That's why we have sportscars. Well that and a place for older drivers to race that have scrubbed out of the big leagues.

The United States produces many good racers every year. They race in NASCAR.

[F1 fanru]

Ride buyers aren't expected to pick up the whole tab, the team must invest some of their own resourses.

[BDININGER]

Paging Dennis Vitolo....you have a courtesy call on the red phone.

[F1 fanru]

IMO Dave Steele, Bobby East, Tracy Hines could and would bring sponsorship into the IRL. They all have been dealing with the same companies for years. They may not have cash, but they have sponsorship. Foyt would rather hire FG than some American, besides FG has tons of American fans.

[OWNUT]

Maybe the IRL is not looking for ride buyers. If they were I think the IRL be a better fit. Since they have higher ratings and a World wide TV package.

[F1 fanru]

Maybe the IRL is not looking for ride buyers. If they were I think the IRL be a better fit. Since they have higher ratings and a World wide TV package.

No... the IRL shuns ride buyers, the IRL would take just about anyone at this point.

[Clefo]

h

^

[Grinder-Tank]

Well Mr. Fanru, if this is bothering you, I will send a note to the Speedway addressng your concerns if you wish not to do it yourself. I know you're worried about this and very concerned and caring for the IndyCar series, but I think they'll be fine.

[ClintCurtis]

The question should not be "why aren't there more ride buyers from America," but, "Why are MOST of the ride buyers from South America?" Which is a far easier question to answer. It is far easier to come up with the needed cash incentive to the owner when your relatives rub shoulders with the leaders of some of the most corrupt regimes on the planet. Not saying being friends with dictators is neccessarily a bad thing...it's just a whole lot easier to run the Indy 500 if you're connected.
And before you namby-pambies start yelling, "Link", do the research yourself. The trails aren't that hard to follow.

[FCYTravis]

Most of the ridebuyers are road-racing drivers. They want to go road-racing and aren't interested in the least in driving around ovals 10 times a year.

Most oval-racing drivers are in it to make a living. They want to earn money and aren't interested in the least in cutting someone else a check to drive.

[flatlander_48]

Most of the ridebuyers are road-racing drivers. They want to go road-racing and aren't interested in the least in driving around ovals 10 times a year.

Most oval-racing drivers are in it to make a living. They want to earn money and aren't interested in the least in cutting someone else a check to drive.

For once and for all, WHO is buying a ride? Do you have information in Black & White? There seems to be the assumption that any non-US driver is buying a ride and I don't think that's the case. I think this notion of everybody buying rides is just so much smoke. Put up, of Shut Up...