Sonoma is an issue, but I don't know if it is that big of one because only hard core fans are going to these races anyway.
Laguna Seca is owned by Monterey County but it's still operated by SCRAMP. That's a non profit organization and they have a responsibility to NOT lose money on an event. They really can't take chances, they have to have an event sponsor to underwrite their expenses.

Sonoma makes money because it is sponsored well and the corporate suites are generally sold out.They just announced a sponsor for the race the other day.Laguna Seca sucks for these cars currently.Also, if they were even to race their they must meet the going price of 1.25 million. Like Turn8 said they are running a business much like Monterey County and not a Charity.Once again, if you lowball for this one what happens with others when the come up for renewal? Miller said Road America last race with CCWS/ALMS for as little as 250,000. Their is your answer for Road America.

"Laguna Seca sucks for these cars currently"

Actually, the cars don't work great on ANY road course. Since "these cars" have never RUN at Laguna, how do you know they would be any worse than at Sonoma ?

I find it funny that "sold out" corporate suites mean more than potential FANS that may show up. Posters , here, have said the races at Sonoma have been pretty poor, which can't help ticket sales.

Sonoma had a big crowd and a pretty good race last August. I'm begining to be concerned about the lack of short term memory among a number of posters here.

We don't really know how the Dallera would race at LS, but I suspect it would be similar to other nt road courses.
I can understand why the IRL needs to maintain a sanctioning fee at a certain level, it has to be self supporting these days. And SCRAMP (Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula. It built the track back in the fifties to replace the Pebble Beach course.)is contracted to Monterey county to operate the track. They are a nonprofit charitable organization. They can't act as a promotor, they have no capitol. What is reqired for both the IRL and SCRAMP is an event sponsor.

Call me crazy but I thought Sonoma was a good race this year.

Buellboy, you are so correct. PLN_FAN, take it up with Robin Miller he has stated several times that IndyCars both CCWS and IICS have past by Laguna Seca.As for the they should race at my favorite track because... they are running a business and not a charity.

Ah, Earl's new montra for the series. "they are running a business and not a charity. "

If they had been running a BUSINESS all these years, instead of the Tony George charity racing series, perhaps things would be different. Now, Earl thinks they can play tough with tracks. As if they are some BIG time event coming to town. Time for a reality check. If a track shows interest, then you need to see what you can do to make it work for all parties. The original post mentioned an "exorbitant fee". Is that the oft quoted but never proven $1.25 mill, or has the series decided to charge more, now ?

- 08 November 2009 09:49 PM

they are running a business and not a charity.

I'll remind certain folks of this point next time they whinge that a 'Murican driver is getting shafted for a ride, in favour of a foreign driver who has the ability to source & bring sponsorship backing to a team

jes_ - 09 November 2009 07:23 AM

- 08 November 2009 09:49 PM

they are running a business and not a charity.

I'll remind certain folks of this point next time they whinge that a 'Murican driver is getting shafted for a ride, in favour of a foreign driver who has the ability to source & bring sponsorship backing to a team

Oh snap.