An Ominous Indy
July 24, 2006 by Jeremy McMullenFor decades the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been breaking hearts of teams and drivers. With the waving of the checkered flag after the United States Grand Prix, the Speedway may have broken the heart of Formula One's attempt at a competitive drive in the United States. Fingers have been pointed, and Formula One and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are in jeopardy of not coming to an agreement. But beyond all of the problems, everything needed for success is already there. The story for the past couple of years has been turn 13. Last year it was the tire and race fiasco. This year the concern was still present and even included Bridgestone in the worries, according to the German publication Auto Motor Und Sport. The trouble it has caused may force strained relationships to be beyond repair. Ironically, it was turn 13 that was to be the basis for Formula One's success in America. Now it may help undo everything. When the track layout at Indy was announced much was made of turn 13. For one thing it was part of the oval (turn 1), and for another thing, it was thought that the speeds, the banking, and the mere history of the track, as well as, the image of Ferraris and McLarens flashing through the corner would make for a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold. Initially it was a beautiful sight, but that was exactly all it ended up being—a unique photo opportunity. From a driver's standpoint it was even less inspiring. During the inaugural event, David Coulthard wrote next to turn 13 on his track map the word 'boring'. Of course turn 13 is anything but 'boring' now. Anymore, it's almost frightening. However, turn 13 could also be the messenger carrying with it important secrets to F1's success at the Speedway and the United States. And as Tony George is in London discussing a contract extension, it would be helpful if the secret could be realized by both sides during the negotiations. While using nearly 50 percent of the ominous oval, the current track design for Formula One is anything but similar in reputation. Instead of a course based upon courage and bravery, if not a little fear, the current design F1 uses appears more like a mere parade route for F1's elite. The race provides nothing more than a unique setting by which to watch the royal parade of pomp and circumstance that is Formula One today. Of course to bring Formula One back after an absence of nearly ten years with any chance of success meant coming to such a venue as Indy. Unfortunately, however, the track design is not conducive to making the USGP a jewel in F1's crown or in anyone's crown. But it was the idea that worked for Formula One. Formula One is more concerned with luxurious amenities than having to race at a place that challenges their reputation as being the best. Formula One likes to race at places that showcase its strengths and tries to avoid places that reveal its weaknesses. But Indianapolis's strength and reputation has always been one of showing no mercy to the weak, and being even more unforgiving to those that show it disrespect. And this is the drama that exists in every great race—to beat the track or the track beats the team. Unfortunately, what makes Indy such a force to be reckoned with has not been employed. Instead, this old and proud track has had to lay down for Formula One. Tony George wanted Formula One to come back to the U.S. at Indy to help solidify the Speedway as a center for racing, and thereby to perhaps quiet the detractors after the split between, what is now, the IRL and CART. The talk at the time was that the best drivers left to go to CART. So what better way to take care of that then to invite the absolute best? And F1 was more than happy to accept the package because it meant being able to take its own slice out of the American dream of wealth for themselves. The fact is that Indy truly is a great venue for Formula One if the people involved are willing to make the track as much of a big deal as the presence of F1. If a deal is made and the race stays, to ensure future success, what makes Indianapolis a popular draw needs to be employed. This means safely centering a race on Indianapolis's reputation—difficult and dangerous. Michael Schumacher has said that it is precisely because of the danger that he would not race in the 500. But that is Indianapolis at its core. For all of the up-grades to its exterior, it's still a place that hails from an older and tough generation. If anybody wants to race at Indy, then he/she should have to face what the track brings to the table as well. After all, racing, in itself, is dangerous isn't it? And if turn 13 has turned into something too dangerous for Formula One, then imagine what kinds of problems there would have been were the infield section to rejoin the oval somewhere on the backstretch? What's more interesting is that here is the world's best worrying about the danger of Indy because of one corner when the other three are used during the 500. Clearly Formula One's concern is about its reputation. To race at those places of 'historical' importance introduces danger into the equation. Formula One is used to having venues cater to its desires. The fact is that Monaco is about the only, what one would say, 'historically significant' race left on F1's calendar. It is the one place where safety concerns are forced into the background. Yes, teams protect the drivers the best they can while still fighting to win, but that's just it. Monaco is a track that Formula One has to put up with. To win at Monaco means to have tamed its terrible reputation. However, Formula One remains because the financial gains appear worth it, but also because history has forced it to have to stay. Were it any other place, Formula One would have left a long time ago. However, due to Monaco's presence on the race calendar, manufacturers and teams have to do their best to provide a car able to handle its narrow streets and tough reputation. Besides Monaco, all of the other tracks Formula One travels to have to serve the selfish interests of Formula One or face the threat of being left off the next year's calendar. Silverstone, in England, seems to face the guillotine every year. Most of the time, this popular event faces the axe not because of the race but because the luxurious amenities are lacking. So now this brings us back to the negotiations concerning the existence of Formula One in America.
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Formula One has said it doesn't need America, obviously pointing the finger of frustration in the direction of the Speedway, Tony George, and the American fans (or lack thereof). Obviously one portion of the problem is true—the track, as it is, is disappointing. Tony George's negotiations should include the promise of a track that will challenge the reputation of the world's best. The track needs to accentuate all of the difficulty and challenges the old track presents. But there is the other side to consider. Perhaps more so than with any other place it races, Formula One has to make a choice between racing for historical significance or selfish desires. Either the USGP becomes a fight between the best and most courageous pilots in the world and a dangerous beast needing to be tamed, or it can leave, taking the parade to some other country willing to pay to watch royalty pass by. No matter how it's looked at, these are the terms, the negotiating points, delivered by turn 13. America has always cheered the dragon-slayer, not the pacifist hiding in the back. Therefore, laying all who is at blame aside, should a new contract be struck but the race continues to bear a similarity to what it has been; one thing is for certain. America won't want Formula One. Then, for once, the two main players in these negotiations (American fans and Formula One) will be in agreement.
