Sorry – just seen this – just got back to my computer from Salt Lake.
To answer the question – I think that the US and Canadian circuits compare very favourably to their European counterparts.
Let’s break it down to tracks, facilities and promoters /track owners.
1) Tracks
As most of the drivers’ will tell you they love driving the US tracks. The comment I hear most is tat they are like the circuits over here were before the ‘safety’ work sanitised our best tracks.
Although many European officials would have blue fit at the thought of International class racing at Mosport, Lime Rock and even Road America and Sebring, the simple fact is that improvements in car design and build along with passive safety developments (HANS and circuit barriers) have reduced the danger factor associated with the US tracks. I place before the court the BK Mazda/Risi Ferrari incident at Lime Rock, two bent cars, two unhurt drivers.
I know that banded tyres held in place with conveyor belt is hardly high tech but remember back to Sebring and the Corvette brake explosion. Not only was Johnny O fine, the car finished the race!
The fact that the tracks are considered a challenge by drivers says a lot – the t-shirt worn by Jacques Villenueve that caused such a stir with officialdom said, “I remember when sex was safe and motor racing was dangerous.”
At the other end of the spectrum you would have to try really hard to hit something solid at Miller Motorsport Park. It has FIA group 2 sanction – that’s every thing except F1. It looks like any other FIA approved track though. I’m not saying that’s bad, it is just a very different animal to the other American circuits.
The surroundings of the tracks also play a part –
Mid Ohio, Mosport, Road America and Atlanta all lie in picturesque parkland with great natural topography – marvellous.
Sebring oozes history and is barely changed since the first US GP in 1959 – superb.
Portland – only one straight and that’s the front stretch drag strip, set up always a compromise – brilliant.
Lime Rock – like racing 180 MPH sportcars around your living room, OK Brands Indy Circuit – mega!
Laguna Seca – two words - The Corkscrew.
I think it’s the variety of the ALMS tracks that I like so much – I’d love to see LMS or FIA Sportscars at Croft, Thruxton or Knockhill. Not going to happen though.
2. Facilities
Since my first visit to the USA for PLM 1998 this is the area where I have seen the most improvement.
In part led by the Panoz-owned tracks (Sebring, Mosport, R-Atlanta) the move toward more ‘European’ infrastructure has been a real eye opener.
It would be churlish to suggest that the investment by the above venues, mirrored by Laguna Seca is purely driven by the ALMS. But think about this. The ALMS proposition is; technological advance, an all inclusive experience and, dare I say, World Class. Obviously the ALMS fan understands that and is motivated – at least in part and possibly unconsciously – by those values.
Of course some of the improvements are aimed at the corporate market. However that’s not bad, the general public benefit with better washrooms, food and other concessions etc. Of less direct benefit are improved press facilities, making ‘our’ sport easier to cover by more journalists from more diverse media outlets.
3. Promoters
I can only speak from my experience with ALMS but it seems that promoters/track owners fall into two categories;
Type One;
Understand the ALMS proposition and are prepared to buy in 100%. Recognise that they are probably not reaching the majority of ALMS fans with their other events. Prepared to compromise and make changes to their ‘normal’ operating practice. E.G. open grids for all fans, fan forums, no track action during autograph sessions, provision for live TV and Radio. See the event as an important addition to the calendar that reflects well on the facility as well as being profitable. Hope to make a good impression and attract some of the ALMS spectators to other events.
Type Two;
ALMS is just another event albeit a profitable one. This is our track. We don’t do it like that here. You want to do WHAT? No No NO! Our people always do that. Don’t understand the type of fan that the ALMS attracts.
I’m delighted to say that Type two is all but extinct. I believe that is down to three reasons.
a) the ALMS is a money maker for any venue
b) the ALMS attracts loyal and knowledgeable fans who spend in the surrounding area as well as at the track
and probably most importantly
c) the ALMS has proved that it will not be held to ransom by promoters. There are more venues that want the ALMS then currently have a round, and that, coupled with the series’ willingness to choose new (sometimes temporary) venues for their events has ensured that the ALMS remains in control of the calendar.
I hope this goes some way to answer the question - The Jet Lag is kicking in now and this has become more of a missive than I intended for which I apologise.
Please understand these are only my personal opinions and that the circuits named above are for illustrative purposed only and no inference should be taken form the omission or inclusion of any venue.
JH
