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I'm not sure what I'm missing here. I see more than one post stating that Pook's comments are offensive, or he needs someone else to be his mouth piece and the like. I don't get it. What's wrong with calling a spade a spade? I fully support the idea that those who have made a living and more over a name in CART are not justified in trash talking the series, yet it doesn't surprise me. It's business (the nasty side of it) and human nature. Everyone always believes their way is the best way. His Winston-Bud-Pickup comment may be a little harsh, and call me a snob if you will but, when was the last time you saw a little guy on the window of a BMW peeing on a Mercedes symbol, and who would you rather be associated with. It may not have been the most eloquent way of stating it but Pook's point is noted.
I don't beleive Pook is God's gift to the racing world but I will say I think he is pretty damn good. When you understand that it is most often more difficult to reverse a trend than to create one from scratch you will recognize that Pook has implemented a stratagy of stabilization from which to grow. No more than that but certainly no less. Given the state of CART's affairs when he took the helm that is a big accomplishment.
As has been said by others, it is going to take 5-10 years to get CART back to where it once was, if it ever gets there. People need to remember that most of the eighties and the nineties were an economy like the United States has never seen before. Companies were flush with cash and they are not now. Most of the people asking questions like "where are the sponsor $$$" also beleive 15%-20% annual returns on their investments are normal and should be expected. It ain't the way it works folks. We've grown accustomed to the absurd.
In general companies don't have "cash" for sponsorship anymore. They are looking for true value. CART can provide that but will need to prove itself over the long haul as will every other series.
The fact is that every openwheel series in America if not the world is hurting right now. CART's woes are, as a public company, on display whereas its competitors are able to keep there affairs private.
If not Pook then I ask, who?
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