[WEC] 2013 WEC Schedule

[trickyd]

Its on odd situation really, one in which it would appear the fans are given no consideration. Its more a bizzare mating dance between teams and sponsors, each trying to attract each other so one set can pay to either host a race in front of nobody, or emblazon their name in front of nobody, and the others so they can afford to race in front of nobody. Nobody comes out with any credit and the sport's credibility is eroded that little bit more every year. Motorsport has gone from something fella's do for fun, and people watch for fun, the odd company getting a name for themselves in the slipstream so to speak, to a roaming advertising procession where fans have to watch what we are told to watch by either very short old men with ridiculous hair or large car companies who want to appear like they are not just burning a shed load of petrol, or diesel, for a laugh. Bit of a nonsensical rant but anyway.

[JaseFellows]

It's a matter of acknowledging different regions are at different stages of their sporting development, positioning yourself to be in place when said sports take off, with resultant investment to counter downturns elsewhere.

This is not the European Le Mans Series, it's the World Endurance Championship and needs to reflect that. It's a cheap shot to point at empty grandstands in Bahrain given it's year one of a major investment by the country. I can point to empty grandstand for the last 30 years at classic tracks like Monza. It's the home of Ferrari and Maserati, neither manufacturer has supported the sport beyond a handful of GT cars in the last decade, Italian fans have been sparse in their support and government support is most definately not available. Encourage and support the European Le Mans Series' development, successful races will make a case for possible inclusion in the WEC, they shouldn't be automatic inclusions because they were classics in Stirling Moss' time or even Steve McQeen's.

When the last World Championship ceased in the early 1990's motorsport was on the brink of major change, the series isn't kicking on from where the last one ended, believe it or not there's been a generation between the two and that will be reflected in the calendar. For all the talk of Sebring and PLM being kicked in the balls, neither would be viable beyond 2013 if Grand Am insist on playing to their rules. The feelings for PLM's exclusion in particular justifies series looking to expand in new directions, the race didn't even exist before 1998. Who's to say Sao Paulo won't be a cornerstone of the calendar in years to come and PLM will slip from prominance now Daytona and Watkins Glen return?

Europe has to get back some order, the sportscar racing landscape has been confusing at best. Beyond rounds already in the WEC and the case for a German stop over, which European tracks stand out as criminal omissions?

It's time for teams and fans to support the ELMS and help it fullfill it's potential, I want to see a strong local series, seeing it support the spectacle of the WEC which itself can take the sport into new regions and re-establish Le Mans support in places like Japan.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by JaseFellows

It's a cheap shot to point at empty grandstands in Bahrain given it's year one of a major investment by the country.

Really? Considering that the F1 GP was first held in 2004 and the grandstands have remained empty. The last persons to care whether there are people in the grandstands are the organizers themselves (=Bahrain).

[Maelochs]

My understanding is Bahrain holds these events to gain international legitimacy as a jet-set vacation spot, and probably hopes to become ever- more Dubai-like---the place where rich folks play.

The vast majority of Bahrain's populace would probably be unable to afford any race ticket to any kind of race using motorized vehicles.

[TF110]

If they don't go to Abu Dhabi instead, they should race in Qatar. They have a very high average income and at least aren't in the news.