Who Else is Disappointed with...?

Question

the 2009 IRL schedule?

Answer 1

me. kinda.

Answer 2

I'm like everyone else.  It needs Cleveland, Surfers Paradise, and another try at Loudon, NH.

Answer 3

Very disappointed to say the least.  I do not like the addition of more road courses, as I am more of an oval fan.  But, then again, it's a trial and error experiment year after year with racing schedules.

Answer 4

im not disapointed, more surprised. this year they said that they got 15,000 people for homestead and they shouldnt open there, so they decided to close with it...??? Also I am extremely surprised with no race in Surfers Paradice, however they said they left a slot open for it and its in Surfers Paradices hands now. Glad to see Long Beach and Toronto but we saw that coming

Answer 5

At first, I was disappointed with the schedule, but then I started thinking about it more.

This year, there are 18 races (including one non-points race in Australia).

Next year, there are *currently* 18 races on the schedule (note I say "currently").  I do believe that Surfer's Paradise will be added to the '09 schedule the weekend after Motegi, and just before the series finalé at Homestead.  So, I'm banking on at least 19 races.  However, if you read IndyCar.com, there are a few magic words at the bottom - "Schedule subject to change".  This could mean additions to the schedule not mentioned as of yet.

IndyCar is not in a NASCAR situation regarding quantity of tracks.  The budgets aren't there.  The sponsors are coming, but slowly.  The teams (esp. the transition teams) are still strained regarding driver experience, understanding the car, and financial situations.

By adding too many tracks to the '09 season, you put more of a burden on the teams themselves.  It's rather expensive to run an IndyCar team, even if just a one-car operation.  Additional tracks = additional costs of equipment + travel + crew salaries + (etc.).

While we see Nashville fall off the '09 calendar, don't be surprised if it gets picked back up in the future.  It's still a good track to race at, and with Firestone's HQ there, I can see it being considered for future seasons.

However, with subtraction, there is addition!  Both Long Beach & Toronto are on the schedule.  Fantastic!  Both races are traditional IndyCar races, and the market & fan base for both are extremely strong.  This is good stuff.

Overall, I'm content with a 19-race schedule (remember - the IRL started with a 4-to-6 race schedule, and has built up to this).  With time, with sponsors, and mostly, with fans and fan support, I can only see a promising future.  Right now, I can name an additional 7 courses I personally would like to see on (or back on) the schedule (NH, LV, Road America, Cleveland, Nashville, Michigan, & Phoenix), which would bring the series to 26 races, but that might be pushing the outer envelope towards what IndyCar *should* be.  Oversaturation can be a bad thing - just ask some traditional NASCAR events that have now been dropped.  Let's keep the the reins tight toward enthusiasm, and build the IndyCars up progressively.  It will take time, but the momentum is undeniable.  It's a great great feeling!

Answer 6

Me

I read the big schedule gap between the last 2 races is for australia. So probably after Motegi they can go to Australia then back to FL for final.

Answer 7

I'm not disappointed, but I'm a bit disappointed with Sufers Paradise not in the mix (but they may be added later before the 2009 season starts). I would like to see Cleveland be added to the schedule, it such an exciting course and it's wide open.

Answer 8

I can live with it, I'd still like to see Nashville, or Surfers Paradise..

Go Helio

Answer 9

I actually sort of like it because there are more road and street courses, and I like road and street courses but does anyone know why Homestead is happening in October?!  I don't know, I guess I would have changed a few things on the '09 schedule though.

Answer 10

not thrilled.....but not disappointed....I'd have liked to see Nashville and Cleveland but at least the roads and ovals are almost even.