Bernie E. Critical of Indianapolis Motor Speedway

dinogts · Jun 20, 2005

From Indystar.com (Indianapolis Star):
7 days Archive
June 18, 2005

United states grand prix
F-1 boss to IMS: Promote race more
Ecclestone says, 'You can move into town and you can't tell there's an event going on.'

Sell them: Bernie Ecclestone said of the Speedway's approach, "They're used to people wanting to buy tickets." -- Greg Griffo / The Star

By Curt Cavin
[email protected]

Bernie Ecclestone said Friday he believes Indianapolis Motor Speedway is failing itself and, more importantly, the U.S. Grand Prix by not promoting this weekend's race more aggressively.

The Formula One chief said the Speedway, which has hosted the Indianapolis 500 since 1911, still hasn't learned how to market an event, particularly the race that will be held for the sixth time Sunday.

"You can move into town and you can't tell there's an event going on, and that's the problem," Ecclestone said. "It's not promoted even in Indianapolis, let alone somewhere else. It should be promoted aggressively, and they've understood that at all the places where Formula One has been successful.

"They don't seem to get behind that here. They're used to people wanting to buy tickets. That's not really the way to go anymore."

Speedway president Joie Chitwood said the company markets at an appropriate level of aggressiveness for "the parameters we have to function under."

Chitwood cited a crowded sports market that includes two other major events on the Speedway's oval track.

Ecclestone said local marketing won't affect F-1's decision to return next year. He expects to sort out details for the 2006 race with Speedway CEO Tony George this weekend. The tentative date is June 25.

The decision to return will be George's, Ecclestone said. The Speedway's primary form of revenue is ticket sales, which means a crowd of 120,000 (the 2004 crowd estimate) doesn't cover the estimated $15 million the Speedway pays Ecclestone's company to stage a race. Ecclestone also receives all the proceeds from television broadcasts, the paddock club and title sponsors.

"It's the Speedway that's suffering, not us," Ecclestone said.

Chitwood would not comment on whether the Speedway makes money on the USGP.

"We think this event is good for our company," he said. "It fits our business goals."

Ecclestone said he doubts there is enough money in Central Indiana to support three major races. In addition to the 500, the Speedway will host NASCAR's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Aug. 7.

"That's why you've got to bring people in," Ecclestone said. "I thought that was the point of being here."

Call Star reporter Curt Cavin at (317) 444-6409.

BERNIE AND COMPANY HAVE A LOT OF NERVE.

Mark Nerheim
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racerx3317 · Jun 20, 2005

Just goes to show you what happens when two a$$holes get to together. "They are used to people wanting to buy tickets"? That must be the stupidest thing i've ever heard anyone say.

96cobrakid · Jun 20, 2005

how come 145,000 showed up then? good thing the stands wern't packed

BartonWorkman · Jun 20, 2005

Friends of ours went to the GP and I've seen posts from others in forums that report they'd go to restaurants and hotels where the employees were not aware anything was going on at the Speedway and, as Bernie states, there was no evidence of anything happening at the Speedway out around the town.

There may be plenty of blame to spread around but if the IMS was using this absurd P.R. approach of using a picture of a bald man with an American flag painted on his face as their primary means of promotion, they've failed to convey that its a race happening and not a tattoo/piercing convention.

Wondering if Tony George has injured relationships between the Speedway
and the City of Indianapolis which should be squarely behind the event.

After last two year's USGP debacles, this year's race was a shambles on nearly every level. The fall out for the next few months will be interesting to watch.

BHW

hpjunkie · Jun 20, 2005

My sister in law (retail manager on the N. side of indy) told me that she had no idea there was a race in town. Then again she has no interest and wouldn't have gone anyways. I think that in its 6th year, the people that wanted to be here knew about it. Everyone on this site knew about it. 140,000 spectators knew about it. I don't think its a secret. It takes time to build a following. Im sure that there will be more spectators at the next event, but the event in France has been going on alot longer than 6 years.

SMS · Jun 20, 2005

That is total BS.
There is no way you could have been in Indy last week and not feel that something big was going on.

Tony George and Joie Chitwood should kick Max and Bernies a** for killing the dream that Tony sunk his own personal fortune in.

Looks like I can buy out all of stand H this morning for next year.

beast · Jun 20, 2005

The first F1 race at Indy in 2000 was close to a sell out the attendance has been going down ever since. The locals dont care about the race since the only understand turning to the left.

Even the local newspaper does not care about the race any longer. Here is an editorial in todays Indy Star.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050620/SPORTS0103/506200369

All i can say is Adios Indy i will never return even if it is for some other form of business. I received an offer to shoot photos at next years 500 with full credential access. Needless to say i declined the offer.

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