IndyCar: The Mission

Normally, we are not big fans of mission statements here in the Republic. Revolution is, after all, about taking action.

That said, we here have learned the hard way that overturning the old order is not sufficient to bring about peace and prosperity. Without direction - a mission, if you will - citizens tend to lose their heads.

It is with this in mind that we present the beginnings of a mission statement for the Indy Racing League. It probably already has one. But the IRL would do well to remember that firms tend to be myopic, believing that their respective industries are unique and that, therefore, so, too, are the challenges they must overcome. This is seldom the case. If it were, then McKinsey, Bain, and the other high-priced consulting firms would be out of business.

Fortunately for the IRL, The Indy Idea has no delusions about its market value. The advice here is free.

So, what is the mission? What would a really successful IndyCar Series look like?

• Ridiculous profits to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Undeniably awesome Month of May in Indianapolis
• Corporations competing to sponsor IndyCar teams
• Promoters competing for race dates
• Drivers aspiring to get to IndyCar and stay there
• Versus becomes a household name
• The IRL at least breaks even

Achieving these long-term goals is possible with focused strategy and meticulous execution. NASCAR (sans-culottes!) followed this route to mass market nirvana until, alas, it lost its sense of discipline. For the first time in its history, the House of France faces contraction. It is very vulnerable.

IndyCar is not positioned to take advantage. That does not mean it can't happen, but rather that it can happen only if the IRL is disciplined, determined and courageous enough to do the jobs that must be done to achieve its mission.

Roggespierre