Ray, Dave and Myself have been discussing what happend at Indy this weekend, if anyone has any thoughts on the situation please feel free to post away!
1- I have to wonder if the fans in other countries would have reacted the same way, or is it just an American thing to trash the track!
2- If this would have affected Coultard and Schumacher, I have to wonder what might have happened different. They are usually very whiney, but in their interviews, they kept saying that it was not their problem. I have a feeling, they would have not been so quiet, if it had been! And maybe the officials would have done something different.
I discussed this earlier with Ultimo. This is what I sent him.
I really feel for the fans that traveled. Some spent thousands for travel, hotel and tickets. It's not right. F1 and FIA should refund the tickets at least. I'm sure some fans will bring lawsuits. Since I work for the track I was a bit worried going to my car. The shirts we wear are Indianapolis Motor Speedway. People were showing their anger to anyone they thought had anything to do with it. But we got to our cars and out of the track ok. It was a very sad day for Motorsports. Friday Bernie was ripping the IMS staff for not promoting the race to his liking. Then this happens. I hope someone From F1 and FIA steps up for the sports sake. Michelin had to do a better job of providing tires. I heard a rumor, and can't verify whether it was true or not, that Michelin had trouble with their tires in Montreal. Sad, sad time. I was on the third floor stage where the Commodores performed before the race. Great stuff. They did Brickhouse, Lady and Night Shift. Then they stuck around for the start of the race. I was talking with William King and J. D. Nicholas and explaining the start of the race and how it would give them chills. Then I see Michael come out of turn 13. The other cars nowhere in sight. Then I look to the pits/garages and the entire field is parking and backing into the garages. No one quite new what was happening. Then the race starts with 6 cars. Everyone starts to figure out what is happening and then the booing and littering the track started. I told the two Commodores they were witnessing history. But they didn't get to stick around long. They were flying to Denver, Colorado for a concert last night. Then they are off to Rome of several dates. So even though it was bad I did have a lot of positives.
Dave, I think the fans would have reacted like that anywhere. I saw fans from all natioanlities displaying their anger...rightfully so. The only way to lash out was to direct it at the Speedway. I'm sure once the smoke clears Michelin will have to take the responsibility. Their equipment didn't work. They should have provided a tire that would work. It's not like they haven't bee here before. I also wonder how much of the owenrs/FIA fued came into play. It's no secret that they may split andthe owners start their own series in 2008. Oh well....time to catch my breath.
Michelin were getting the blame over here and rightly so, they messed up and should have sorted it out long before the race day, I felt sorry for all the fans big style, F1 gets about 8 million viewers here in the UK and I head there were about 200 thousand fans there at the track!
It was funny to watch on TV though, it was like kids in the playground, he said this and he said that kinda stuff. Im not sure on Bernie though I think he was all for putting the chicane in but the FIA wouldn't allow it.
Its probably killed F1 in the USA though, very bad news for the sponsors!!
great pics Ray, thanx for puttin em up, MZ,- there are so many cause its like the zebra - lion thing, when you get close they all scatter and you don't know which one to go after !! side note- if those girls are "legal" , then I'm getting really old , they look so young ,good bye youth, hello social security
