This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

Here’s more meat for those who think I don’t like IndyCar.

INDYCAR LogoWe were all thrilled when Roger Penske took over the series in 2019. But the problems may have been deeper than anyone thought. Or the people at the top aren’t sure what business they’re in.

IndyCar’s product should be audience over racing. Money partners want fans who buy things. There’s not enough race teams who’ll buy the consumer goods sponsors want to sell.

Next, the series has become regional. 12 of the 17 races are in the American Midwest and South.

You could argue that’s where the tracks are. But that leaves a lot of fans elsewhere who only touch the series on TV or Social Media. And when you’re home there’s more to do than watch cars drone and complain.

I’ll give you one good thing. Last year the headlines blared about NASCAR’s new winners. In 2022, IndyCar had the same percentage of different winners but the headlines weren’t as loud.

So, did NASCAR get the new fans? Again?

The way I see it, it’s not the racing that’s the problem it’s all the walls in the way of new fan engagement. That should be IndyCar’s sole concern.

Peace.