It’s my belief that Tony Hulman’s health was ruined by the disastrous 1973 race. But it’s true that Indy is not what it was in the 1970s or even 1980s. I’m sure you remember guys like Mel Kenyon, Steve Krisiloff, Lloyd Ruby and the Bettenhausens. Americans who raced for the love of the sport, and fans who went to the track for the love of the race.
I still go with my sons every year, and they are both huge fans. But the last several years, on Pole Day the track has been empty. I remember getting there “late” at 10 am for Pole Day in ‘77 and my brother and I had trouble finding a seat in the Tower Terrace.
I hate to say it but unless thare are some radical changes, auto racing in the United States has a cloudy future.
The Indy 500 was a national holiday.
GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES actually meant something.
It was a big deal back then.
As for nascar, It has become WWF mixed with PC
They would give their you know whats up for a good black driver today to go with miss danica.
Some races are fun to watch still but far too many have zero action unless they can throw a caution and bunch them up at the end.