A major topic of discussion at the Brickyard 400 was the attendance, or lack thereof. I have attended multiple races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it was without question, the most sparse crowd I have personally seen on race day. It wasn't just the bad seats that were empty, there were some pretty good spots to be had. So what's the deal? Why wasn't anyone there? The craziest part of the entire issue is that O'Reilly Raceway Park which hosted the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race Friday night, and the Nationwide Series race on Saturday night had huge crowds. Capacity (40,000) and then some! So it's obvious the big time race fan was still in attendance. Where you lose people is the casual/local fan.
But why? Was it the heat? Is it the economy? Was it the tire issues of 2008? Is it the preconceived notion that IMS is not a stock-car friendly track due to its diamond planed racing surface and narrow track that limit passing? Is it all of these? Is it none of these?
I'll be honest with you- I don't know. I don't get it either. I'm not sure what NASCAR or IMS could do to make it more attractive other than make it a "chase race." You already have a great product and you've put it in the most famous racing arena in the world. You'd think it's a slam dunk right?
For me, all I need to hear is Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR, and I'm there. Ever since the mess in 2008, Goodyear has stepped up and brought an incredible tire and the races have been outstanding.
Hope to see everyone there next year...plenty of good seats available for the 2011 race.
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