I recently was referred to this article by Anthony Schoettle of the Indianapolis Business Journal. It is filled with delicious irony.
Derek Daly and Paul Tracy have championed an international, road racing direction for IndyCar racing for many years. Now, because Daly's son and Tracy himself are unable to land IRL rides, they are angry.
Derek and Paul will find no sympathy here. I have argued for some time that businesses can not have everything that they want. In this case, that means that the IRL can not have multiple road and street races, high-tech, high-cost equipment, and a solid base of American drivers.
I have explained in some detail here, here, here, here, here and here.
Graham Rahal lost his ride because McDonald's no longer has to fund NHL in order to procure salad dressing. He will not get another funded ride because the series is not designed to appeal to an American audience. Paul Tracy and Derek Daly's kid are no different.
Just ask the IMS ticket marketing chief, who quit this week.
This is a problem that will not be solved by a new car, delta wing or no delta wing.
Again, the problem is that IndyCar can not have everything that it wants.
Gentlemen, it is time to grow up.
Roggespierre
