In reply to z31maniac:
The way I see it- bernie has upped the sanction price so much that either the tickets are so expensive that he's maximizing the profits and still filling the stands (no left over demand), or the local governments step in and help out.
The tracks can't really handle more than 100k attending, anyway. Except for Indy, of course, which is a moot point, of course.
red5_02 wrote: I love how everyone constantly complains about the "Spec" aspect of NASCAR but busts a nut over Spec Miata.
I hate all spec series. For me, racing is all about the cars. There are only a few drivers I care about and most are either retired or dead.
I like Indy from the 1960s to the 1980s. Different engine and chassis combos, Indy specials, stock blocks, even a turbine powered entry. Bring back classic Indy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's funny to me how people that post about the ignorance of NASCAR fans are usually ignorant and bigoted about most other forms of racing, too.
alfadriver wrote: In reply to z31maniac: The way I see it- bernie has upped the sanction price so much that either the tickets are so expensive that he's maximizing the profits and still filling the stands (no left over demand), or the local governments step in and help out. The tracks can't really handle more than 100k attending, anyway. Except for Indy, of course, which is a moot point, of course.
You're on-track here, Eric!
Sanction prices go into the 20-30 million range and that expense is only for the prestige on hosting the race. Race organizers hope the revenue from event sponsorship, ticket sales and concessions will allow for a profit. If government subsidies help cover the costs, its' all for the better!
Follow the money and look at F1's eastward migration. The events hosted in the ME and Asia are all heavily subsidized by governments eager to promote their countries. It's all about prestige and exposure until the cost outweighs the perceived benefits. Both China and Australia are dealing with the ROI arguments and the Chinese GP would have never occurred without huge governmental investment. Heck, the grandstands would be naked if free tickets and transportation weren't given away.
Considering the costs of actually attending an F1 event, I still find my cable subscription to be a better investment. No, I don't get to experience the heady atmosphere, but I do get a better view of the race and the food and the beers are more appealing and cheaper.
Even Austin didn't get a GP without gov't help.
I think something like $25mil/year is going from the Tex Gov't to the promoters.
Granted it's good publicity for Austin, but if a race needs to be subsidized by the gov't, it's too expensive. And for what? Only to line Bernie's pockets.
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