Portland no more. - Page 2

indycool · 16 Oct 2007, 21:08 (Ref:2042206)

I don't like to predict things, but when it comes to filling out the schedule with events, Portland has been there to have an event the past few years and is just sitting there now. If CC answers the bell in '08 -- and it doesn't look like it has many races lined up -- Portland is in the same position as it's always been under CC and would likely be on the schedule in that circumstance. It's been "threatened" before.

D.R.T. · 17 Oct 2007, 02:02 (Ref:2042329)

Quote:

Originally Posted by indycool

If CC answers the bell in '08 -- and it doesn't look like it has many races lined up

How can you ascertain or predict such things without the calender Indycool.

indycool · 17 Oct 2007, 02:10 (Ref:2042332)

Well, what races are you counting on for '08 at this point?

Sounds like Long Beach and Laguna Seca are done deals. Toronto's wiggly but most probable. ALMS announced running with CC at Houston, so MAYBE CC's part of that deal is done. Same with Road America. CC had three races announced and canceled in '07.

Portland gets re-signed each year to fill out the schedule and I don't see a reason to think it might not again.

D.R.T. · 17 Oct 2007, 02:35 (Ref:2042339)

Quote:

Originally Posted by indycool

Well, what races are you counting on for '08 at this point?

Without a released calender, call me crazy but I havent begun counting the number of races for 2008 yet.

There was a rumoured calender in the 2008 schedule thread but apart from that it seems very unusual for anyone to be suggesting the number of events for 2008 at this current time.

indycool · 17 Oct 2007, 03:11 (Ref:2042346)

Agreed. Past what I posted, I have no idea what work has been concluded on an '08 schedule. I know of some issues at several places, but if they get resolved, they get resolved. But I can't see that we're very close to seeing a reasonable schedule yet.

JohnSSC · 17 Oct 2007, 09:56 (Ref:2042488)

So for all those marketing mavens out there, the news of "no schedule yet" is not good. The further into the future the schedule release is pushed, the harder it will be to attract $$. IRL, ALMS, Rolex, NASCAR, etc all have their schedules published. Sponsors and potential sponsors know where the cars will be and who they will be in front of. Next year is literally 2 months away. Decisions are being made (and need to be made) Now.

Meanwhile, at Business Model Central, potential sponsors are being pitched with: "We don't know for sure where or when we are racing, how many races will be in Europe, Canada, Mexico, The Pacific Rim or the US or what the length of the season will be. Please sign here, deposit your very large check and we'll let you know. Oh yeah, if races get cancelled like they did this year, we will give you a rebate and a cool autographed poster of Tristan Gommendy."

luke · 17 Oct 2007, 10:05 (Ref:2042494)

Who wouldn't want to be a sponsor of Champ Car?

JohnSSC · 17 Oct 2007, 10:30 (Ref:2042511)

Apparently luke, there is quite a number of sponsors who have not wanted to be a sponsor judging by the lack of sponsors.

When your "business model" depends on pay drivers, then it is relatively clear that there are no sponsors bringing cash.

D.R.T. · 17 Oct 2007, 10:49 (Ref:2042533)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnSSC

So for all those marketing mavens out there, the news of "no schedule yet" is not good.

Your insight is priceless John.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnSSC

The further into the future the schedule release is pushed, the harder it will be to attract $$. IRL, ALMS, Rolex, NASCAR, etc all have their schedules published. Sponsors and potential sponsors know where the cars will be and who they will be in front of. Next year is literally 2 months away. Decisions are being made (and need to be made) Now.

Very true. I guess the balancing act is that the organisers want a firm schedule not one with the dreaded TBA's or cancellations.

indycool · 17 Oct 2007, 10:54 (Ref:2042538)

I agree that's the "balancing act." Thing is, those other sanctioning bodies do the same thing, matching up schedules with promoters and TV. And they've done it by now. Where has SJ been? Has KK visited Antarctica again?

JohnSSC · 17 Oct 2007, 10:56 (Ref:2042540)

He is reviewing depositions with his attorneys in preparation for the Uniphase trial phase, I am sure. Those sorts of things take a lot of time and one heck of a lot of cash...

D.R.T. · 17 Oct 2007, 11:04 (Ref:2042549)

Quote:

Originally Posted by indycool

I agree that's the "balancing act." Thing is, those other sanctioning bodies do the same thing, matching up schedules with promoters and TV. And they've done it by now.

Very true and something that is a serious flaw in the current ChampCar workings. The cancellation of Pheonix, and San Jose events in recent weeks/months would be a factor in a delayed schedule.

It was 2005 or 2006 season that the schedule was out early, prior to the conclusion of the season. So its not rocket surgery, obviously it is understood the earlier a schedule is out the better for sponsors and teams to commit.

mountainstar · 18 Oct 2007, 02:05 (Ref:2043254)

There is a schedule.

Apparently fences were mended with the fia.

More steve johnson messes are being mopped up.

I agree having the schedule out late is a problem. No rocket science there.

racerat1966 · 19 Oct 2007, 15:17 (Ref:2044621)

gosh darn, without a race in portland? they just re paved the whole track surface, it would have fun to see more speed,

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What ever happened to Portland?	AllofaSutton	IRL Indycar Series	15	30 Aug 2004 14:51
PORTLAND Almost Gone ?!	zerO	ChampCar World Series	150	27 Jul 2004 18:38
Portland Photos!	Liz	ChampCar World Series	8	1 Jul 2003 02:52
Portland Qualifying 1	camcartfan	ChampCar World Series	9	22 Jun 2003 12:42
Anybody going to Portland?	Muzza	ChampCar World Series	3	14 Jun 2002 03:46