6.28.2009
6.26.2009
Will Humpy Bring Change to Marketing?
According to the Indianapolis Star, H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler's family business...
6.24.2009
6.22.2009
What Humpy Had to Say
George’s Business Problems
On Wind Tunnel Sunday evening, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler provided some more insight into his recent visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The former CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., said he hadn’t been able to attend the Indianapolis 500 in the past due to his former job. It was the first time in 40 years he had had the opportunity.
As to his working with the Indy Racing League, he “may help them do some things”, as he is a friend of Tony George, IRL chief. According to Wheeler, “Tony will get this thing straightened out.” The “thing” he refers to is the Hulman-George family’s edict to Tony to reorganize the family businesses to make money.
He also shared that during his tenure at Charlotte he called Tony every race day (Indianapolis 500 and annual 600-mile race at Charlotte).
NASCAR versus IndyCar
When asked about Danica Patrick joining the NASCAR ranks, Wheeler referred to inviting Janet Guthrie, the first female to drive in the Indianapolis 500, to Charlotte for the World 600 in 1976. “There is nothing worse than an empty seat,” he believes. At the time, they were “killing us up at Indy”. But when Guthrie came to race, the promoter sold more tickets than ever. His belief is that Patrick can bring more revenue to the sport, too.
Patrick has brought notoriety to the Indy Racing League since joining the driver ranks. Her current contract negotiations put that added publicity in peril. Stock car racing has changed and a one-time appearance/promotion would be unlikely. Any move to NASCAR would be more long-term or permanent and perhaps detrimental to the IRL.
More Business Decisions
While Patrick decides whether to join another series, cost-cutting moves have been made and continue for the IRL. Earlier this year, the Indianapolis Star reported several jobs were eliminated at IMS. Laura George’s position was in that layoff. The wife of Tony George was noticeably absent from the family introductions at the Indianapolis 500 banquet. In past years, she has been recognized there and in the race program as an executive staff member.
A more recent move to save expenses was reported on Wind Tunnel. The second car team at Vision Racing, owned by members of the Tony George family, was shut down due to the Hulman-George family’s edict to increase finances. So was Vision really a league team rather than solely an entity of Tony’s family and a means for furthering Ed Carpenter’s racing career? That sheds more light on the pick up of Ryan Hunter-Reay following the end of his ride at Rahal-Letterman Racing, doesn’t it?
According to pit reporter Brienne Pedigo on the ABC broadcast of the race from Iowa Speedway, Ryan Hunter-Reay, former driver of the Vision #21, has been “loaned” to Foyt Racing. RHR said that he had been “enjoying his time with Foyt Racing” and he seemed happier than he had been in May. However, an early race crash ended his initial run with Foyt.
Footnote
IZOD, the clothing supplier for the league, was noted as the victory lane sponsor on the ABC Broadcast. The company had sponsored the #21 at Indy. Despite the announcement, a pizza company was noticeably advertised on the winner’s circle signage. Has IZOD been the sponsor on past broadcasts? Was it a shift of money due to the end of the car sponsorship? The teams regularly in the series have their sponsorships tied up for the season, unlike at Indy where teams come only for a piece of the high-dollar purse. Adding another car to a team is obviously cost-prohibitive, too, making another car sponsorship doubtful.
On Wind Tunnel Sunday evening, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler provided some more insight into his recent visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The former CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., said he hadn’t been able to attend the Indianapolis 500 in the past due to his former job. It was the first time in 40 years he had had the opportunity.
As to his working with the Indy Racing League, he “may help them do some things”, as he is a friend of Tony George, IRL chief. According to Wheeler, “Tony will get this thing straightened out.” The “thing” he refers to is the Hulman-George family’s edict to Tony to reorganize the family businesses to make money.
He also shared that during his tenure at Charlotte he called Tony every race day (Indianapolis 500 and annual 600-mile race at Charlotte).
NASCAR versus IndyCar
When asked about Danica Patrick joining the NASCAR ranks, Wheeler referred to inviting Janet Guthrie, the first female to drive in the Indianapolis 500, to Charlotte for the World 600 in 1976. “There is nothing worse than an empty seat,” he believes. At the time, they were “killing us up at Indy”. But when Guthrie came to race, the promoter sold more tickets than ever. His belief is that Patrick can bring more revenue to the sport, too.
Patrick has brought notoriety to the Indy Racing League since joining the driver ranks. Her current contract negotiations put that added publicity in peril. Stock car racing has changed and a one-time appearance/promotion would be unlikely. Any move to NASCAR would be more long-term or permanent and perhaps detrimental to the IRL.
More Business Decisions
While Patrick decides whether to join another series, cost-cutting moves have been made and continue for the IRL. Earlier this year, the Indianapolis Star reported several jobs were eliminated at IMS. Laura George’s position was in that layoff. The wife of Tony George was noticeably absent from the family introductions at the Indianapolis 500 banquet. In past years, she has been recognized there and in the race program as an executive staff member.
A more recent move to save expenses was reported on Wind Tunnel. The second car team at Vision Racing, owned by members of the Tony George family, was shut down due to the Hulman-George family’s edict to increase finances. So was Vision really a league team rather than solely an entity of Tony’s family and a means for furthering Ed Carpenter’s racing career? That sheds more light on the pick up of Ryan Hunter-Reay following the end of his ride at Rahal-Letterman Racing, doesn’t it?
According to pit reporter Brienne Pedigo on the ABC broadcast of the race from Iowa Speedway, Ryan Hunter-Reay, former driver of the Vision #21, has been “loaned” to Foyt Racing. RHR said that he had been “enjoying his time with Foyt Racing” and he seemed happier than he had been in May. However, an early race crash ended his initial run with Foyt.
Footnote
IZOD, the clothing supplier for the league, was noted as the victory lane sponsor on the ABC Broadcast. The company had sponsored the #21 at Indy. Despite the announcement, a pizza company was noticeably advertised on the winner’s circle signage. Has IZOD been the sponsor on past broadcasts? Was it a shift of money due to the end of the car sponsorship? The teams regularly in the series have their sponsorships tied up for the season, unlike at Indy where teams come only for a piece of the high-dollar purse. Adding another car to a team is obviously cost-prohibitive, too, making another car sponsorship doubtful.
Tidbits from Iowa Race
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 on Sunday provided some interesting tidbits:
■ After contact with Scott Dixon’s car, the Mazak sponsorship on Helio Castroneves’ car’s front wing was very visible when the end piece went flying across the track. Mazak Corporation is the manufacturing, sales and support division in North America of the leading international machine tool builder, Yamazaki Mazak Corporation of Japan. Headquarters of the division are in Florence, KY, and, according to their Website, recently expanded.
■ Seeing Dad’s Root Beer as the major sponsor of the #24 driven by Mike Conway for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing on Father’s Day was refreshing—no pun intended. Dad’s was unveiled as a sponsor last year at Chicagoland. The root beer brand originated in Chicago and is now headquartered in Jasper, IN.
■ Mike Conway’s major sponsor at the Indy 500 was Purex. The team, however, was shown on Indianapolis television making or attempting to concoct root beer floats with Dad’s Root Beer late one day in their garage. John Andretti, a teammate for the race, was not as adept at making floats as Mike or female team member Milka Duno for the associate sponsor.
■ Milka Duno wasn’t entered at Iowa. According to Scott Goodyear, who had spoken to team owner Robbie Buhl before the ABC broadcast, she will not be participating but in a few more races.
■ A newer D&R teammate, Tomas Scheckter, took quite a chance early in the race acquiring six positions by outrunning the field on the high side. For spectators, it appeared a dangerous move—and not unusual for the aggressive and risk-taking driver—until the fact that the rain-soaked track didn’t have marbles in the high line at that time of the race was realized. How many teams has TS driven for in his IndyCar career? He drove for Dale Coyne Racing for the most recent Indianapolis 500 after finding sponsorship.
■ Dan Wheldon led the race for eight laps. He was the only one outside the three big teams (Penske, Ganassi and Andretti-Green) to lead a lap. He may be the only one able to give them a run for the money. Kudos to the driver for always mentioning lessons he’s learned from the National Guardsmen, his sponsor, during interviews. It’s a unique but seemingly heartfelt way to mention the sponsorship.
■ Target Chip Ganassi Racing cars painted a color other than the usual red and white have always gone on to victory circle—until Dario Franchitti and the neon green TomTom car failed to win at Texas. Today he changed the tradition—he won on the second attempt with the car. It was also his second attempt and win at Iowa.
Other notes:
■ Good timing—the IndyCar race ended in time for race fans to also see the NASCAR race.
■ In a TNT interview, Dan Gurney shared that moving from a lightweight open-wheel car to a stock car was a challenge—like going from a waterbug skimming a liquid surface and changing direction in nanoseconds to trying to drive an aircraft carrier and waiting for a response.
■ Was that Pat Sullivan, known for announcing at IndyCar and USAC races, on the public address system at the NASCAR race?
■ Former IndyCar driver Tony Stewart is still atop the NASCAR driver standings. The IndyStar reported this past week that TS is considering a third car for his team as a result of successes so far this year. Danica?
■ After contact with Scott Dixon’s car, the Mazak sponsorship on Helio Castroneves’ car’s front wing was very visible when the end piece went flying across the track. Mazak Corporation is the manufacturing, sales and support division in North America of the leading international machine tool builder, Yamazaki Mazak Corporation of Japan. Headquarters of the division are in Florence, KY, and, according to their Website, recently expanded.
■ Seeing Dad’s Root Beer as the major sponsor of the #24 driven by Mike Conway for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing on Father’s Day was refreshing—no pun intended. Dad’s was unveiled as a sponsor last year at Chicagoland. The root beer brand originated in Chicago and is now headquartered in Jasper, IN.
■ Mike Conway’s major sponsor at the Indy 500 was Purex. The team, however, was shown on Indianapolis television making or attempting to concoct root beer floats with Dad’s Root Beer late one day in their garage. John Andretti, a teammate for the race, was not as adept at making floats as Mike or female team member Milka Duno for the associate sponsor.
■ Milka Duno wasn’t entered at Iowa. According to Scott Goodyear, who had spoken to team owner Robbie Buhl before the ABC broadcast, she will not be participating but in a few more races.
■ A newer D&R teammate, Tomas Scheckter, took quite a chance early in the race acquiring six positions by outrunning the field on the high side. For spectators, it appeared a dangerous move—and not unusual for the aggressive and risk-taking driver—until the fact that the rain-soaked track didn’t have marbles in the high line at that time of the race was realized. How many teams has TS driven for in his IndyCar career? He drove for Dale Coyne Racing for the most recent Indianapolis 500 after finding sponsorship.
■ Dan Wheldon led the race for eight laps. He was the only one outside the three big teams (Penske, Ganassi and Andretti-Green) to lead a lap. He may be the only one able to give them a run for the money. Kudos to the driver for always mentioning lessons he’s learned from the National Guardsmen, his sponsor, during interviews. It’s a unique but seemingly heartfelt way to mention the sponsorship.
■ Target Chip Ganassi Racing cars painted a color other than the usual red and white have always gone on to victory circle—until Dario Franchitti and the neon green TomTom car failed to win at Texas. Today he changed the tradition—he won on the second attempt with the car. It was also his second attempt and win at Iowa.
Other notes:
■ Good timing—the IndyCar race ended in time for race fans to also see the NASCAR race.
■ In a TNT interview, Dan Gurney shared that moving from a lightweight open-wheel car to a stock car was a challenge—like going from a waterbug skimming a liquid surface and changing direction in nanoseconds to trying to drive an aircraft carrier and waiting for a response.
■ Was that Pat Sullivan, known for announcing at IndyCar and USAC races, on the public address system at the NASCAR race?
■ Former IndyCar driver Tony Stewart is still atop the NASCAR driver standings. The IndyStar reported this past week that TS is considering a third car for his team as a result of successes so far this year. Danica?
They Did It Again!
Danica Hits Crew Member; Marco Crashes
The Iowa race weekend began with a report that Danica Patrick had again hit a person in the pit area. The #7 left rear tie changer was unable to participate in the race although reported to be all right. In the incident the man was trapped between the racecar and pit wall. A former, experienced crew member replaced the injured tire changer for the Iowa race.
What other driver has recently hit someone in the pits—not once but twice? The first time was attributed to the man not paying attention to pit activity.
Marco Andretti crashed his car in qualifications. The team prepped his backup car, which had been run at Texas Motor Speedway last week, as a replacement. A two-lap “installation” run was allowed to ensure the car was properly operating. That seemed unusual, especially for a car that was run last week. Wonder what the reasoning was?
Marco lucked out on the qualification attempt, however, because rain and water seepage on the track caused the grid to be set by entrant points when qualifications were cancelled. That placed him at 8th position. Would a driver that doesn’t win and continues to crash still be employed if not a member of the family team? Is his contract adjusted accordingly?
Race observers were waiting to see what would happen at Iowa following the incident between Patrick and the younger Andretti at Texas. The #26 car was faster but Patrick refused to allow a pass for her teammate to advance in the race for several laps. During the past week, team members have spoken about the event and according to Michael Andretti, team co-owner and race strategist for Patrick, on ESPN/ABC Sports, “She won’t do it again.”
Let’s hope she or another driver doesn’t hit a person in the pits again, too.
The Iowa race weekend began with a report that Danica Patrick had again hit a person in the pit area. The #7 left rear tie changer was unable to participate in the race although reported to be all right. In the incident the man was trapped between the racecar and pit wall. A former, experienced crew member replaced the injured tire changer for the Iowa race.
What other driver has recently hit someone in the pits—not once but twice? The first time was attributed to the man not paying attention to pit activity.
Marco Andretti crashed his car in qualifications. The team prepped his backup car, which had been run at Texas Motor Speedway last week, as a replacement. A two-lap “installation” run was allowed to ensure the car was properly operating. That seemed unusual, especially for a car that was run last week. Wonder what the reasoning was?
Marco lucked out on the qualification attempt, however, because rain and water seepage on the track caused the grid to be set by entrant points when qualifications were cancelled. That placed him at 8th position. Would a driver that doesn’t win and continues to crash still be employed if not a member of the family team? Is his contract adjusted accordingly?
Race observers were waiting to see what would happen at Iowa following the incident between Patrick and the younger Andretti at Texas. The #26 car was faster but Patrick refused to allow a pass for her teammate to advance in the race for several laps. During the past week, team members have spoken about the event and according to Michael Andretti, team co-owner and race strategist for Patrick, on ESPN/ABC Sports, “She won’t do it again.”
Let’s hope she or another driver doesn’t hit a person in the pits again, too.
6.21.2009
Promotion of Ethanol
Explosion in Illinois
When the Indy Racing League changed to ethanol as its fuel, it was due much in part to the efforts of now-deceased IndyCar driver Paul Dana. Use of ethanol, first as a small percentage of engine fuel and then as the only fuel, became an important selling point for the league as a supporter of American commerce. Understandably, the switch from American ethanol to ethanol produced by a Brazilian company led to a brouhaha of sorts before the 2009 race season began. The ensuing schedule prevented the change from becoming a huge issue—except for Rahal Letterman Racing and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 in Newton has traditionally been a platform to promote ethanol and American agriculture. The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association gave the starting command before this year’s 250-lap race. He noted the drivers were turning over “corn-fed ethanol engines”.
However, prior to the race in not-so-far-away Rockford, IL, a train derailed and an explosion of the railcar contents—ethanol—resulted in a death. A woman sitting in her car at the railroad crossing was killed in the explosion. Others in the car were reported to have run from the scene to safety.
One of the positives noted by the IRL about the switch to straight ethanol last year was that the fuel was safer than methanol. The ability to fight a methanol fire is hampered by not being able to readily see it. Conversely, recall the pit fire that Vitor Meira endured at the Indy 500; flames were very much visible.
The explosion in Illinois, however, reiterates that mishandling of ethanol and accidents involving the fuel can be very dangerous. Although easier to see and react to, the fact is that ethanol fires, too, can be life-threatening for participants and bystanders.
Should the ICGA president have gone ahead with his promotion of ethanol in the starting command with the recent death? Should he have promoted another consumer product? Or simply promoted American-grown corn?
When the Indy Racing League changed to ethanol as its fuel, it was due much in part to the efforts of now-deceased IndyCar driver Paul Dana. Use of ethanol, first as a small percentage of engine fuel and then as the only fuel, became an important selling point for the league as a supporter of American commerce. Understandably, the switch from American ethanol to ethanol produced by a Brazilian company led to a brouhaha of sorts before the 2009 race season began. The ensuing schedule prevented the change from becoming a huge issue—except for Rahal Letterman Racing and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 in Newton has traditionally been a platform to promote ethanol and American agriculture. The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association gave the starting command before this year’s 250-lap race. He noted the drivers were turning over “corn-fed ethanol engines”.
However, prior to the race in not-so-far-away Rockford, IL, a train derailed and an explosion of the railcar contents—ethanol—resulted in a death. A woman sitting in her car at the railroad crossing was killed in the explosion. Others in the car were reported to have run from the scene to safety.
One of the positives noted by the IRL about the switch to straight ethanol last year was that the fuel was safer than methanol. The ability to fight a methanol fire is hampered by not being able to readily see it. Conversely, recall the pit fire that Vitor Meira endured at the Indy 500; flames were very much visible.
The explosion in Illinois, however, reiterates that mishandling of ethanol and accidents involving the fuel can be very dangerous. Although easier to see and react to, the fact is that ethanol fires, too, can be life-threatening for participants and bystanders.
Should the ICGA president have gone ahead with his promotion of ethanol in the starting command with the recent death? Should he have promoted another consumer product? Or simply promoted American-grown corn?
6.17.2009
Humpy Wheeler to Appear on Wind Tunnel
Next Sunday night former Lowe’s Motor Speedway president and general manager H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler will be the guest on Speed Channel’s Wind Tunnel. You may recall that Wheeler, a well-known race promoter, was a visitor to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 last month.
Wheeler was asked if he would be willing to help the IRL as he is no longer involved at Charlotte. He answered that he would.
The regular board meeting of the Hulman-George family followed the May 24 race. President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Hulman George was reported to have been asked to resign during that meeting. Chairperson Mari Hulman George, Tony’s mother, later made a statement that the CEO had been asked to develop a plan to concentrate on the Indy Racing League. Other board members are Tony George’s sisters as the Speedway and other associated entities are privately held by the family.
So who invited Humpy to the Speedway? That and other questions may be sent via e-mail to windtunnel@speedtv.com for next week’s broadcast.
06.15.2009
Hunter-Reay Joins Foyt Racing
The Indianapolis Star reported during the past week that Ryan Hunter-Reay had joined Foyt Racing, owned by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, Jr. He will replace Vitor Meira, who sustained injuries in a wild crash during the recent Indy 500.
On Speed’s Wind Tunnel the reason reported for Hunter-Reay’s availability was that Vision Racing has suspended the operations of the #21 team. Hunter-Reay carried the Izod/William Rast sponsorships. The former, a Phillips-Van Heusen company, provides the official apparel for the IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Firestone Indy Lights. The latter is a jeans company co-owned by entertainer Justin Timberlake.
Hunter-Reay joined Vision, owned by Hulman George family members, early this year when Rahal-Letterman Racing could not secure sponsorship to maintain his seat there. The car had been sponsored by an American ethanol association in 2008, which league replaced as the official fuel supplier with a Brazilian entity.
During the local telecast of the 500 Festival Parade in May, Derek Daley noted that Hunter-Reay is engaged to driver Robby Gordon’s sister Becky.
Gordon has driven for Foyt in past Indy 500s. The car owner is also known to be very close to the Hulman George family. The two associations may have provided a path to the seat for the Indy 500’s 2008 Rookie-of-the-Year.
Twenty-plus years ago it was referred to as being one of the Good Ol’ Boys or calling in a favor. Today it’s called networking. Whatever it’s called, the system typically honors meritorious efforts and RHR has proven he deserves a ride.
Hunter-Reay was noticeably unhappy during May. In addition, his qualification for the 500-mile race was the result of a last-minute Bump Day struggle that placed him 33rd in the starting field. Finally, his sophomore effort at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended in a pit road crash with only 19 laps completed.
Although he advanced in both the Milwaukee and Texas races, he didn’t make the top 10in either event. Foyt’s recent history doesn’t promise any better results but it will keep him in the league.
Izod seemed to be building an advertising campaign around the good-looking, American driver prior to RLR’s announcement that they were not participating in the 2009 IndyCar Series season. Was Hunter-Reay picked up by Vision Racing to maintain the Izod sponsorship? What has happened to the car sponsorship since Milwaukee?
The Indy Racing League’s switch to Brazilian ethanol for race fuel incensed many American farm organizations, including the Indiana Farm Bureau, prior to the season. Was it the reason why RLR lost their sponsorship and caused the young driver to become a journeyman?
Wheeler was asked if he would be willing to help the IRL as he is no longer involved at Charlotte. He answered that he would.
The regular board meeting of the Hulman-George family followed the May 24 race. President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Hulman George was reported to have been asked to resign during that meeting. Chairperson Mari Hulman George, Tony’s mother, later made a statement that the CEO had been asked to develop a plan to concentrate on the Indy Racing League. Other board members are Tony George’s sisters as the Speedway and other associated entities are privately held by the family.
So who invited Humpy to the Speedway? That and other questions may be sent via e-mail to windtunnel@speedtv.com for next week’s broadcast.
06.15.2009
Hunter-Reay Joins Foyt Racing
The Indianapolis Star reported during the past week that Ryan Hunter-Reay had joined Foyt Racing, owned by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, Jr. He will replace Vitor Meira, who sustained injuries in a wild crash during the recent Indy 500.
On Speed’s Wind Tunnel the reason reported for Hunter-Reay’s availability was that Vision Racing has suspended the operations of the #21 team. Hunter-Reay carried the Izod/William Rast sponsorships. The former, a Phillips-Van Heusen company, provides the official apparel for the IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Firestone Indy Lights. The latter is a jeans company co-owned by entertainer Justin Timberlake.
Hunter-Reay joined Vision, owned by Hulman George family members, early this year when Rahal-Letterman Racing could not secure sponsorship to maintain his seat there. The car had been sponsored by an American ethanol association in 2008, which league replaced as the official fuel supplier with a Brazilian entity.
During the local telecast of the 500 Festival Parade in May, Derek Daley noted that Hunter-Reay is engaged to driver Robby Gordon’s sister Becky.
Gordon has driven for Foyt in past Indy 500s. The car owner is also known to be very close to the Hulman George family. The two associations may have provided a path to the seat for the Indy 500’s 2008 Rookie-of-the-Year.
Twenty-plus years ago it was referred to as being one of the Good Ol’ Boys or calling in a favor. Today it’s called networking. Whatever it’s called, the system typically honors meritorious efforts and RHR has proven he deserves a ride.
Hunter-Reay was noticeably unhappy during May. In addition, his qualification for the 500-mile race was the result of a last-minute Bump Day struggle that placed him 33rd in the starting field. Finally, his sophomore effort at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended in a pit road crash with only 19 laps completed.
Although he advanced in both the Milwaukee and Texas races, he didn’t make the top 10in either event. Foyt’s recent history doesn’t promise any better results but it will keep him in the league.
Izod seemed to be building an advertising campaign around the good-looking, American driver prior to RLR’s announcement that they were not participating in the 2009 IndyCar Series season. Was Hunter-Reay picked up by Vision Racing to maintain the Izod sponsorship? What has happened to the car sponsorship since Milwaukee?
The Indy Racing League’s switch to Brazilian ethanol for race fuel incensed many American farm organizations, including the Indiana Farm Bureau, prior to the season. Was it the reason why RLR lost their sponsorship and caused the young driver to become a journeyman?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)