Advice to F1. Look at the American Open-Wheel Disaster
I've been a Formula One racing fan ever since I realised that race tracks weren't exclusively composed of ovals but instead resembled what most folks drove on every day. I appreciate the talent of NASCAR drivers and Indy Car pilots but for the ultimate in technology and driving skills, the F1 World Championship is still the best. Thus I'm deeply saddened by the current battle between the FIA, racing's rules dynasty, and FOCA, which represents the competing teams. F1 has been through political skirmishes before but nothing like this.
Without going into the details I have some advice for FIA's rules dictator Max Mosely, promotions boss Bernie Ecclestone, and the FOCA teams. Take a look at what happened when America's open-wheeled series split in a similar dispute. In this case it was Indy 500 owner Tony George who decided to create a seperate series that would feature American cars and drivers racing on American ovals. Champ Cars was left with the road racing circuits. The result was a financial disaster when many open-wheel racing fans deserted to NASCAR'S stock cars.
Eventually and predictably the competing open-wheel series were forced to amalgamate in the Indy Car series. In the long run the split did no one any good and if F1 follows a similar pattern we're in for some dreary years. I'm aware that Max Mosely, Bernie Ecclestone, et al, are not likely to consider the views of a mere blogger but gentlemen, I've been covering your sport in print, on radio and TV, and now on the Net, for five decades so maybe I've learned a thing or two. And I know that a two-series championship isn't going to work. For the good of the sport and your millions of fans, set aside your egos and get back to the business (and fun) of racing.
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