Indianapolis GP Post Reactions

[rramseyr]

I thought some might find it interesting to put some local perspective on the post reactions now that we know the GP is locked up until 2014.

Bob Kravitz is a local sports writer with our local paper the Indianapolis Star. I take no sides but it's nice to hear all the reactions both positive and negative for the event etc...

Here is article written on Aug. 29th...

When various motor sports series come to Indianapolis, we want the drivers (or riders) to give us a little bit of genuflection. We want them to take one moment out of their busy weekend to wax rhapsodic about the history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the cachet of the place.

When the Formula One folks treated our shrine like a giant Porta-Potty, acting like the houseguests from hell, it was a relief when series boss Bernie Ecclestone and the boys packed up their things and left town.

So it was a little bit unsettling to listen to Sunday's MotoGP Red Bull Indianapolis GP winner Casey Stoner continue his weekend-long assault on the facility, the track, the straightaways, the corners and, quite possibly, the quality of the umbrella girls.

"I'm not like other riders who enjoy tracks because they win there," said Stoner, the breakaway leader in the championship standings. "I've won on most circuits and I can't honestly say this is better than most of them. I don't get a kick out of it because I won on it.

"This whole facility and place could be unbelievable, but in my opinion, the corners are that tight; you use first gear here more than other circuits. They're so tight and twisty, so in the corners you don't really push, just kind of ride around. . . . It's just my opinion, but I don't really enjoy riding it as much as other circuits."

Now, on the one hand, when a guy is putting body and soul on the line at 200 mph, he is allowed his initial opinion on the quality of the track. Safety is always the top concern, and if there's dust, marbles, small rodents and slick spots on the track, it's perfectly reasonable for Stoner and other riders to state their case.

But by Sunday afternoon, after days and days of complaints, it was enough already, and it started to feel like some of that old-time Formula One rudeness.

Was the track slippery? Yes. That happens when a track gets repaved. Adjust and move on.

Does the track lack the challenges these riders see on other tracks throughout the world? Absolutely. They often run on picturesque tracks, weaving through the trees, enjoying changes of elevation.

Indianapolis is what Indianapolis is: a make-shift MotoGP course established inside the world's most famous oval.

But Indianapolis gives this series something unique: prestige. And more to the point, prestige inside the United States, where the series runs only one other event (Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif.).

The riders -- specifically Stoner -- can't constantly complain about how bad the track is, then whine when crowds get smaller every year. This is a niche sport, a niche event that is trying to grow here, and it's not good public relations when the series' most visible and dominant rider is bashing the facility every day.

Got concerns?

Talk to race officials, then shut your mouth.

We're not asking anybody to blow smoke and whisper sweet nothings all weekend, but you'd like for some of the international riders to acknowledge what the American riders acknowledged: This is Indianapolis. This is hallowed ground.

You think this is a great track for the annual NASCAR race? Of course it isn't. But you don't hear those guys whining.

Being in Indy, even under less-than-ideal conditions, means something.

Or at least it should.

Ben Spies, the American who made a remarkable third-place run after falling back to ninth after a first-lap incident, was the only man on the podium who sounded excited by the prospect of returning to Indy if the contract is renewed.

"Yeah, it's a home race, in front of my home crowd," he said. "But it's more important for America to get involved with MotoGP and to grow in the States. I'd like to see it stay. And it's an easy flight."

When it comes to the uncertain future of MotoGP in Indianapolis, the best way to look at it is like this: If it brings money into the city and Speedway, what's the harm?

But there are issues, not the least of which is the dwindling crowds.

There's also talk of changing the race date, something Speedway President and CEO Jeff Belskus said may be a nonstarter in further negotiations.

We can say this: Stoner sounded like a man who looks forward to racing in Indy as much as he would a flare-up of the gout. He was relentless in his criticisms of the place all weekend; it's a testament to just how good a rider he is that he dominated the whole time -- practices, qualifications and finally the race.

If it comes back, a word of advice for the riders:

Treat Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the reverence it deserves. A little bit of genuflection goes a long way.

[rramseyr]

Here are just two of the reactions from the article after it ran on Aug. 29th...

MotoGP hopes to return I am CEO of IRTA, the organization that comprises all the teams and support companies participating in the MotoGP World Championship.
I was saddened to read the Bob Kravitz column Aug. 29 because your readers might assume that the comments of Casey Stoner on the Indianapolis track reflected the opinion of all the riders and teams. I hope they will understand that while Stoner is an exceptionally talented rider, it is by no means unusual for him to criticize the circuits we race on, his fellow riders or even the fans.

Reacting to criticism last year, IMS spent a huge amount of money leveling and resurfacing the infield portion of the track specifically for MotoGP. Yes, initially there was a lack of grip, but as the weekend went by and rubber was laid down, the grip improved. This is witnessed by the new lap record and a race time that was nearly 30 seconds faster than in 2010. The feedback we get from the teams about the Indy GP is overwhelmingly positive.

The Speedway staff are well-organized, friendly and efficient. We also get regular comments about the friendliness and hospitality of the good people of Indianapolis.

On behalf of all the teams, please assure your readers that we are sincerely hoping the series promoters conclude a deal with IMS to enable us to come back again in 2012 and beyond. Please don't condemn MotoGP to history because of the comments of one person.
Mike Trimby
Royston, England


Get over it, Stoner
I read Bob Kravitz's column regarding Casey Stoner's lack of respect for Indy, and as an Australian, Stoner's PR skills are embarrassing to say the least. His repeated condemnation of these "hallowed grounds" made me think -- along with many other of his retorts over all seasons -- why does he keep talking (nonsense)?

I love that we have an Aussie dominating this sport and that I got into this sport only because of him, but I just wish he'd shut his mouth once in a while.

I'd like to offer your country my thank you for going to the effort of hosting the venue and for resurfacing the track. I think a big thank you without the sucking up is all any host could ask for. We're not all like Stoner, but then who's as fast as him?

Gary Bosdyk
Sydney

[davy.j]

So what's your point?

[tye1138]

IDK what the point is, but the US doesn't deserve MotoGP or F1, both series are too high-brow. I'm pissed this whole texas race track deal is happening, I think its horrible. Plus who in the US even watches MotoGP? Who cares what Bob Kravitz think's about MotoGP anyway. Was he even at the race, did he even spend a moment to interview these guys?

[Tard]

Must be that time of the month again for another "Stoner said this" thread.

Sounds like Bob Kravitz wants racers to come to Indy and only speak good things about the track even if it's not true. Obviously he's just discovering that Stoner tells it like it is, and isn't the type of person who says a whole lot of BS just to please people.
If Stoner doesn't like something, well he'll tell you exactly what he thinks when asked. That's called good ol' fashion Aussie candor, and if Bob has a problem with someone giving their honest opinion of the circuit, well stiff shit Bob!

Originally Posted by davy-j

So what's your point?

Yea the OP mentions he has no agenda starting this thread and wants to relay to us the both positive and negative reactions for the event.

So I wonder if after the 'Stoner bashing' he'll actually get around to doing that.

[Chuckracer]

This is one funny damn forum right here... What a cast of characters. This is as entertaining as anything Metalhead posts...and this is real!

LMAO! Thanks, fellas!

[rramseyr]

My point would be you are not local and don't get to read the articles. So I posted it. Another opinion albeit not the know all end all.

I have zero agenda, I have great respect for any athlete that can do what these guys do. Casey has his opinion and that's his right. He made excellent points. I hope in the next three years IMS can make a better event and his input is valuable in making that possible. I'm pulling for them. They ask for zero taxes from any Indiana resident to run that facility. No shame in that at all. Now if we can only get the Colts and Pacers to quit taking our tax dollars

If you notice it was a cut and paste. I didn't have any personal attacks or opinion.

[Tard]

Originally Posted by rramseyr

My point would be you are not local and don't get to read the articles. So I posted it. Another opinion albeit not the know all end all.

I have zero agenda, I have great respect for any athlete that can do what these guys do. Casey has his opinion and that's his right. He made excellent points. I hope in the next three years IMS can make a better event and his input is valuable in making that possible. I'm pulling for them. They ask for zero taxes from any Indiana resident to run that facility. No shame in that at all. Now if we can only get the Colts and Pacers to quit taking our tax dollars

If you notice it was a cut and paste. I didn't have any personal attacks or opinion.

^^^Now that would have been a good post to add to your opening statement.
Your right many of us are not local, but all you supplied us with was pretty much a one sided view from an individual that insinuated Stoner was the only one having a bitch about the circuit and it was out of line and uncalled for.
Then you listed some feedback from a couple of people that supported the authors view condemning Stoner's complaints.
I'm sure there would have been other feedback to that article that may have supported Stoner's concerns that the track wasn't up to scratch? Any? It would have nice to list them to give the discussion an unbiased beginning. Many of the riders felt the circuit was substandard including the current world champion Lorenzo, but the only rider who was mentioned was Stoner.
Others on this forum have described the Indy track as too tight and small for any form of World Class racing such as Motogp, and that supports what Stoner was saying. Plus given the USA will have another track in the near future more suitable for such a race, surely the Indy round should move to the new Texas circuit after 2014. Sooner would have been better IMO.

[rramseyr]

The only point I will make is this...

When Dorna or the riders have expressed problems or concerns with whatever, IMS has jumped to change and or correct these concerns. The track surface will get better, and having a facility like IMS that is listening and addressing known problems to make it better for both rider and spectator is not all that bad. All I know is I get to see MotoGP right in my backyard for three more wonderful years

Here are more recent online posts of reactions from the Kravitz article...


Indy doesn't belong
I understand what Bob Kravitz stated in his column, however, Indy being hallowed ground may be true to us in the U.S., but it isn't true for the rest of the world.

Indy does not belong on the MotoGP schedule. It is a shame as I'd travel there to see a race, but many of the riders complain about Laguna Seca and (for MotoGP) it is a better track than Indy for this type of event.

Darrel Jensen, USAF Ret.


IMS history not enough
The biggest thing I see missing from the Speedway is there has to be something that keeps you coming back. I go each weekend because I love the track, but I hate some of things about the place:

1. The bathrooms are nasty for the most part under the stands. 2. I can't tell you how many people can't see the information on the video boards. 3. The road course layout (stinks). 4. Lack of good viewing angles. You get to see a straight, and two corners if you are lucky. Go to 90 percent of the ovals and you can see all around the track from row 10. The road course isn't bad for angles, but the viewing mounds could be larger, especially on the north end of the track. 5. Indy does not know how to promote the event. There is no grass-roots street team that gives out free tickets to schools and fire departments.

Give the MotoGP guys a track where they aren't stuck in first gear all day and then you will see what it's all about.

All this track has is history. For me, that's enough. But for a lot of people, it isn't.

Steven Driscoll

Columbus

Speedway overrated
Maybe IMS needs to get over itself and maybe Bob Kravitz and Curt Cavin and WTHR need to get over it, too.

From an oval standpoint, it's a terrible place to watch a race. You can see maybe 35 percent of the track at any given time. The road course is a joke. How about ripping out the tired old golf course and making a legit road course on the infield? Casey Stoner isn't the first one to diss that track; Jacques Villeneuve didn't like it, either.

Kravitz said that F-1 was "the house guest from hell." How did you expect them to act? Every question you guys asked was about the history of the place. Most of those guys are from Europe and could care less about IMS or the 500. They care as much about Indy as you do about Le Mans.

Jeff Heiliger
West Lafayette

[davy.j]

Mate .... if you think Indy has history..... a trip to the IOM might do you a world of good. (might even get you out of your local bubble)
AND that got dumped from the world calendar, mainly due to one talented individual rider expressing his "concern" about being asked to ride there.

Didn't kill the IOM did it?

.