We all know the competitive world of Formula One, it’s an annual series which sees 20 of the best drivers in the world fight our for 16-18 races a season for the honour of being Formula One champion.
An important question, though: If you’re European there’s a huge chance you’ll know what the Indianapolis 500 is. But, do you really know what IndyCar is?
Here in Britain there are two ways of watching the Verizon IndyCar series, watch it one the one channel that broadcasts it late at night or find it online – safer and better to pick the first option.
I started following IndyCar earlier this year and I’m glad to say I’m hooked, but none of my friends (some of who are huge motorsport fans themselves) had no idea what IndyCar was. When I asked them ‘Do you know what IndyCar is?’ they all replied with something along the lines of ‘It’s that boring oval thing isn’t it?’
I don’t blame them, Europe’s only connections with the sport are with its drivers. But the tracks – par a rare couple – are secluded to the North America region. But I’m still surprised.
I took the time to check out online if any other Europeans watch the sport. I found a large audience of British and European fans, but they all too complained that they are still part of a minority of which follow IndyCar.
It got me thinking again, people say oval racing is boring. You can tell that these people have never seen oval racing, races this year such as Iowa, Fontana and Pocono (par the horrible incident that sadly took Justin Wilson’s life) have all had some great racing. Cars going seven wide on straights – never in Formula One. Ten to twenty plus lead changes a race – never in Formula One. Twenty-five plus drivers in races – never in Formula One. Not to mention the fact no one wins every race – Mercedes maybe?
I think IndyCar is a fascinating and a truly entertaining sport and I wish that more people away from America would watch it. But. Could IndyCar help with this? They’ve announced a seven-month long season next year with extra races – such as Road America.
If you’re a non-American and an IndyCar fan, please mention in the comments and add where you are from.
I’m a huge IndyCar fan from the Midlands of England.
