So, where do we go from here

[clm1545]

No matter what our opinions are on the RB deal, what are your thoughts on where we should be headed. I think that we all agree that the Hulman George family are a den of loonies and that the series would be better without them. Who would be crazy enough to buy the series? Even the president of "the more money than brains club", Jay Leno would walk away from that deal. Like it or not, and I don't, we are going to be stuck with TG in some way or another. Who would you like to see running the show? I think it should be someone who knows racing, knows the TV business, and is not afraid of the family or the owners. The first name I come up with is a guy who, due to a recent tragic event is now available, Bob Jenkins. Who has some other ideas?
Take Care
Craig

[Deleted]

where do we go from here? I'm buying an HO slot car track and starting my own racing series.

[stuboyle]

I just don't understand. Things were heading generally in a positive direction. Rule #1 is to not piss-off your customers (fans) which Board certainly did. Everything now is in a state of chaos. This is a self-inflicted wound.

[Chris]

I'll bet Robin Miller could get things Jumpin"........

[2lapsdown]

The Hulmans have all grown up being able to buy whatever they want. That includes loyalty, silence, total obedience, and anything else they need to answer their desires. They are no more nobile in their dealings than organized crime figures.

[methanol]

I will see what will happen, who will be put in charge, what changes will be made, if any. But if Tony George is involved or TGBB, I will not be watching. And will not patronize the sponsors. When Chip left for IRL I canceled by Target Visa and have not shopped there till 2009.

[indycals]

I wouldn't have a problem with TG taking control "IF" he had the sense to continue letting RB run the show. As Craig said, the 'family' as a whole is pretty loony. IMS and the sport needs a new "Tony Hulman", not a "Hulman Family". Family businesses are almost never the same as they were under their founder - too many descendants looking to protect their piece of the pie and all wanting to call the shots.

[clm1545]

I agree with Michael. Make no mistake, Tony George will be involved. I just hope that he stays in the background. Stu, the answer is greed, pure and simple. The sisters dumped Tony and hired Randy because he thought he could fill the seats. That did not happen. As fans, we are taken for granted by both the Speedway, and the owners. You want open wheel racing, they are the only game in town. The sisters are only interested in the bottom line. They would sell the speedway tomorrow if they could.
Take Care
Craig

[Deleted]

Here would be a thought-Ed Carpenter for RB's spot. Yes, he is TG's stepson, but I believe he has business sense and political apptitude to keep the different factions on an even keel. Plus he does have more than a little vested interest in the series.

[stuboyle]

craig,

If this was about greed, I don't think they would have fired RB. I think it's more about egos.

You know, I'm willing to give Tony another shot. He is looking like the better alternative than the sisters right now. If it is Tony, it wouldn't just be Tony, there would be others involved. Maybe they would even hire RB back in some capacity.

[Chris]

This past week TG has stepped down from all and any companies having any involvement with Indy Car ( inc Hulman Inc.) so he can take his place without any accusations of bias or conflict of interest... You better believe he has every intention of being involved with Indy Car at the highest level.. Results may Vary !!! Chris

[mjjracer]

As a San Diego Chargers fan I cannot comprehend how Norv Turner is still employed and Randy Bernard is not!!

I have calmed down a bit, but it's going to be hard to swallow TG back in charge. He needs to get down on his knees and beg the fans forgiveness for the mess he made in the past and promise never to be so stupid again. Then maybe I'll give him a chance.

But I ain't holding my breath.

MJ

[mjjracer]

As far as what should be done, first, even if TG is the new boss, he needs to appoint racing people to run things. Not someone like TGBB. Someone with real credentials, like Derek Walker or Tim Cindric. There are tons of folks out there with great credentials - use them Tony, not your golfing buddies.

And try, somehow, to capture some of that commitment and love of the sport and the competitors that Grandpa Tony had.

I don't know about anyone else, but my current plan to attend the 500 for the first time since 1965 is on hold.

MJ

[Deleted]

TG killed this sport in 1995 and it has never come back. Why would anybody trust him now? Of all the people who have commented on this mess, I have a new found respect for Roger Penske. To paraphrase: Where is the long term plan for this series? How can you sustain long time sponsors in such a disruptive climate?

I see another half-assed season in another muddled series. Don't how much support I will give it.

[indydog]

Oct 30, 2012 17:48:43 GMT -5 @mariofan said:

TG killed this sport in 1995 and it has never come back. Why would anybody trust him now?

I agree. The fans will never go for TG back in charge. Like MJ said, he needs to find the passion that Big Tony had for racing. Then, maybe, the fans will begin to trust him 5 years down the road.

Personally, I think if TG gets back in control, it will be the death of OWR in America as we know it. He has no clue what the fans what or the sport needs.

[Deleted]

Oct 30, 2012 16:14:05 GMT -5 mjjracer said:

As a San Diego Chargers fan I cannot comprehend how Norv Turner is still employed and Randy Bernard is not!!

MJ

you got that right about SD. not that I'm a Chargers fan by any means, but I have no idea why Turner was hired in the first place, let alone keep his job this long.