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Originally Posted by Tony Clifton
I agree with the consensus here CCWS will go on for as long as the rich guys want to do it.
How long they will do it? My guess is about 1 season more.
Unless a miracle happens with sponsor growth the fields will get smaller to the point where owners will need to fund multicar teams just to keep contractual obligations to the event promoters fulfilled.
THAT will be the breaking point in my opinion.
The 2008 economy is not going to be a good one, recession is on the horizon, the US dollar is weak (which is good for CCWS).
The IRL is in not much better shape although that series still has the largest audience event as it's trump card. IRL does not have any new up and coming drivers, they cannot make a career out of open wheel cars. NASCAR still has the big sponsors
The split has killed open wheel racing that will probably never be rebuilt.
Sad days indeed for open wheel race fans.
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Sadly its all true, but I am an optimist.
In the late 1970's the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the US was near death. This was just after the conclusion of their devastating civil war with the ABA (American Basketball Association). Both leagues tried to kill one another by going after the stars and citites with basketball teams. The NBA won but was severly diminished, but the league was saved by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The NBA of the late 1970's and the IRL today have much in common.
If we can get one unified league the process can start and I don't care who runs the show. Indy car racing is so exciting that it can make a comeback with some popular drivers, and drivers with a financial incentive to stay in the league.
Sadly, like the NBA and ABA, its not possible with two competing leagues.