I love watching both Indycar and ALMS and to have both of them come to one place on the same weekend is something else. As some have reported though the ALMS officials feel that they sometimes take a second seat to Indycar and some have even debated that by running with Indycar it proves that people still do see them as such. Whether this is true is not is open to debate but I sure don't see the ALMS as being second to anyone. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way and I even think Indycar doesn't think so either since some team names from ALMS are the same teams from Indycar and they try equally hard to win each series IMO.

The Indycar/ALMS weekend is a stroke of genius and I hope that neither Indycar or ALMS doesn't ruin this for the fans because of pride. Heck I think running them together helps both series as proof in places like Mid-Ohio and Road America when CART/Champ Car ran there. So please don't let big heads rule...please....

I should also add Grand Am to this because I believe there was Grand Am/Indycar weekend at Sear Point. I have to admit I am partial to ALMS that's why I mentioned ALMS/Indycar combo but I don't dislike Grand Am either - actually I love their GT battles, very fun.

i think the ALMS management was dwelling too much on the idea that the sunday show was by definition the weekend's main attraction. i don't think the people going to the races have been thinking that, and the quality of the product certainly hasn't reflected that...

Next time there is a combined weekend, take note of the amount of coverage each series gets in the local papers and TV. I think you'll see that the main event is run on Sunday in the eyes of those that bring you the news.

I think each of the ALMS and IRL need to kill the other before the other kills them first. It's a battle to the death for manufacturer dollars!

From what I have seen, they work well together. I know a lot of people that go to the ALMS race at St. Pete, but skip the ICS race. They are usually hard-core sportscar fans and TG haters.

I for one really enjoy both series teaming up on a race weekend. Both series needs fans and from the crowds I have seen at Mid ohio and hopefully Road America someday it's a win win.

If both series work to complement each other that combination could be an impressive set of series. A 6 hour ALMS race and two hour IRL race would make for, not just a great weekend, but if they could pull it off properly a wild race DAY. The added support races can be worked up saturday, or visa versa with the main show saturday and support sunday.

I've always loved the races starting in the sunlight and ending in darkness. Depending on time of year and locale, perhaps IRL at noon ALMS 3-9 saturday night, party for the infield, sunday all the under cards for those wanting to complete the experience. On weekends when the ALMS cars do 3 hour events then ALMS at noon, IRL at 4.....give that one a try at RoadAmerica.

I believe ending the IRL season at RoadAtlanta with the ALMS series would be a dream weekend. For those who can't differentiate the cars for the players, well that's their loss.

The two series are excellent, the two series combined are the best auto racing has to offer in this county.

Dopey

Seems like a win-win situation to me. ALMS may not like playing second fiddle, but they have to have noticed that, even running on Saturday at Mid-O, the crowd is close to double what it was when they were running there alone.

It sure does work.

I have been to Mid-Ohio the past two years, and the weekend of racing with the ALMS and Indy car, plus all the other support races is fantastic. Same with the Champ Car / ALMS weekend in 2007 at Road America.

The crowds are huge. The paddock areas are filled and manufacturer presence is massive. It's wonderful.

Keep it going guys, and dont let the egos spoil things. I can't wait for 2009.

LOKI65 - 07 September 2008 08:42 PM

From what I have seen, they work well together. I know a lot of people that go to the ALMS race at St. Pete, but skip the ICS race. They are usually hard-core sportscar fans and TG haters.

I did the same at Mid-Ohio. I got to witness how pathetic the Dallara chassis is in changing direction. I'll try again in 2011.

I'm not sure it's in the IRL's best interest to double with ALMS. I think the ALMS series makes the IRL look second rate like it did to CC @ RA. At least the CC cars are a bit faster than the ALMS cars. Grand Am would be a better match.

Off to Road Atlanta!