The IndyCar Series will open the second half of its first 'unified' season in good heart, after promising reports both on- and off-track following the merger with the now defunct Champ Car World Series.
After four months and nine races, the majority of accounts and measurements suggest that, while the on-track product featuring an average 26 cars per week has been a success and could reach 29 at select races later in the season, off-track the series continues to show business momentum.
“We could not be happier with what we have seen over the first half of the unified IndyCar Series season,” commercial division president Terry Angstadt said on the eve of this weekend's Watkins Glen road course round, "Key areas like attendance, ratings and sponsorship are all pointed in the right direction, and we anticipate further growth and momentum headed into the second half of the season.”
"I don't think it could be better," Penske driver Ryan Briscoe said of the on-track growth, "I think this year there are some compromises. Not everyone's happy. Some guys are getting a bit more testing, some less, but I think if that's what it takes to keep everyone on board and to keep everyone together then that's the way it's got to be. I think next year it's going to be the best it's ever been. It's going to be a level playing field next year. We're going to know all the tracks. It's so competitive.”
League officials are particularly impressed with attendance figures, as every circuit that the schedule has stopped at in 2008 has reported increased attendance numbers, while the 'in-market' and 'at-track' atmosphere has been noticeable. Reports from tracks on the second-half of the schedule have been even more positive, with tickets selling well.
