Indy Car Not Immune to Economic Woes

One of the more harsh realities of employment today is getting laid off. It happens with alarming frequency as our once great country rushes toward transforming itself into a third world nation. It is difficult to find anyone who has not either been laid off at one time or has had to be the person to facilitate layoffs.

As the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Car re-works itself into a business-first entity, significant layoffs have begun. All those affected have best wishes for the future. The economic reality of not selling enough tickets to two of the three big races held at the big track has begun to take its toll. The same sort of activity happens on many racing teams every year at seasons’ end.

I wonder whether the economic impact of selling seats for less has been considered. Frankly, IMS has consistently been the best bargain in motorsports despite recent additions like cheesy ‘surcharges’ added to the price of a ticket. I would prefer they just raise the price and tell me why. The last time I rented a car in Indy the total price was over 30% taxes and ‘surcharges.’ I hate ‘surcharges’ but appreciate reasonably priced admission.

Realists understand the need for leaning out to maximize revenue. In my actual employment I led a staff of fourteen this time last year. The week before Thanksgiving last year featured a demand that I cut all but five. Fourteen hour workdays for the remaining staff followed, and that has become the norm. Such is life in corporate America, where people are no longer viable people…just expendable pieces.

Best of luck to those involuntarily separated from their livelihoods. Also best of luck to IMS/IRL in their efforts to mold the future in ‘lean’ mode.