Politics in Racing

The partisan bickering that we have come to know as politics has become the means of much ridicule by the American people. Many are extremely dissatisfied with the efforts of these lawmakers, as they often seem to disregard public opinion, opting instead to tiptoe around bills that may ruin their chances for reelection. The Indycar Series, like many other sports, has also fallen prey to political calls, the most dramatic of which ripped the series into two separate entities. While these differences have since been reconciled, politics still has a home in racing, albeit an unwelcome one.

One of the biggest goals that every fan would like to see is increased popularity of the series. Randy Bernard has implemented several measures to boost the fan’s experience, including doublewide restarts and the World Championship in Las Vegas. He has been quoted as saying that he will immediately vacate the series if the broadcast ratings are not at least a 1.0 in a perhaps valiant or perhaps foolish effort to prove his dedication to the increased popularity goal. Another of Bernard’s strengths is that he tends to listen to the demands of the fans. Following the conclusion of the Toronto race, I think the fans may have a large complaint to take up with Randy Bernard and Brian Barnhart.

The Streets of Toronto is one of the most popular road courses appearing on the Indycar schedule. Overnight ratings revealed it to be the most viewed race aired on the Versus network. While the series and the fans should both rejoice over this newest record, it has been somewhat overshadowed by controversy surrounding race control’s seeming unwillingness to issue penalties. Numerous incidents appeared to viewers as avoidable contact, which is means for a drive through penalty. The most controversial of these mishaps involved championship points leader, Dario Franchitti, and Penske rival, Will Power. Versus commentators stated that Franchitti had been issued a drive through penalty, which would require him to relinquish his front running position. Viewers were later informed that the commentators had mistakenly interpreted the call for a review as a penalty. They apparently pulled this punishment out of thin air, further igniting controversy on pit lane.

Following an incident with Alex Tagliani that completely removed Power from the race, Power openly vented his frustrations with the outcome of his day and the spineless presence of race control. “The guy [Dario] that mouths off about everyone, and whinges about everyone, and he’s the guy that races the most dirty, and never gets a penalty from Indycar. It’s just not right.”

Really though, it just isn’t right. For a series that prides itself on having the “best drivers in the world,” it seemed to be amateur hour in Toronto. Following an early exit from the race, Tony Kanaan tweeted, “Did we all need to go back to driving school or something?” It sure seemed like it, Tony. He also commented on race control’s presence, “And race control is starting with their excuses. WHAT A JOKE.” A joke indeed. I, myself, felt that these calls were inconsistent and should probably render more attention from the Versus crew so as to avoid confusion of the viewers.

During a post race interview, Scott Dixon admitted that he had been notified over his radio that teammate Dario Franchitti had been issued a penalty for avoidable contact, but that it had later been dismissed. Listeners of race control’s frequency stated that they had heard no such punishment issued, but are we really supposed to believe that Dixon’s crew was passing on information from the race broadcast? I find that theory somewhat fishy. Recent race control verdicts have seemed to protect “Princess” Dario (Power’s words, not mine) after blatant wrongdoings, the most outrageous of which was the Milwaukee pit stop when Dario ran over Power’s pit equipment. Many are beginning to believe that the series is simply turning a blind eye to Target Chip Ganassi Racing, myself included.

Michael Andretti expressed exasperation when the frontrunning Ganassi cars refused to line up for the restart, extending the caution in a period. This, Michael theorized, was their efforts to save enough fuel to make it to the finish line. I don’t know about you, but as a fan I am fed up with Ganassi’s stunts. I don’t want Chip’s politicking for short-term benefits to ruin the credibility of the Indycar Series.

We must let Randy Bernard and Brian Barnhart know that we won’t stand for any more pathetic and cowardly calls from race control. The world’s best drivers know what they are doing out there. Now race control must decide whether they will allow their credibility to be trampled or hold drivers accountable for their errors. I’d hate to have these petty politics ruin my love for this sport.