Fall from grace of now former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. The incriminating reports of tattoo parlor scandal now revealed stretched back to 2002 along mounting pressure lead him to resign. I say good riddance. Tressel thought he was bigger than the university. While he knew infractions was going on all he did was trying to cover up for the players mistakes instead reporting to the school and NCAA about it. The jerseys and memorabilia for tattoos and cash scandal put Ohio State football under a huge microscope. When addressed about the scandal Tressel lied to Ohio State AND NCAA when he had knowledge of it. When admitted he lied Tressel gave himself a five game suspension which is a slap on a wrist. As more allegations came revealing more damning evidence such as arranging cars for players there was no choice for Tressel, but to resign sealing his guilt of his infractions cover up. Jim Tressel gave Buckeye football a big black eye and huge embarrassment. He left Ohio State to clean up the mess along with NCAA breathing down the school's neck with most likely to give sanctions to Ohio State football. Despite his wins and chokes in bowl games Jim Tressel ego and ignorance of player's wrongdoing and rule breaking led to his fall.
To the fans giving hell and making death threats on a journalist for uncovering the story the guy is doing his job. He DID NOT ruin Ohio State football. Ohio State football screwed themselves when some players decide to trade jerseys and memorabilia for tattoos and cash and Jim Tressel let them get away with it when he knew all along.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
This is what Indy 500 meant to me
The final lap of the Indy 500
Drama at its finest pulling at your heartstrings with emotions of excitement, shock, and disappointments. I'm still shocked at the finish of the race. J.R. Hildebrand feels like sickest man of face of the earth. So close to the finish line only to crash. Dan Wheldon pulled off a shocker with his 2nd Indy 500 win. Congrats to Dan Wheldon along with Bryan Herta, Sam Schmidt, and Curb Records for pulling off this win.
Drama at its finest pulling at your heartstrings with emotions of excitement, shock, and disappointments. I'm still shocked at the finish of the race. J.R. Hildebrand feels like sickest man of face of the earth. So close to the finish line only to crash. Dan Wheldon pulled off a shocker with his 2nd Indy 500 win. Congrats to Dan Wheldon along with Bryan Herta, Sam Schmidt, and Curb Records for pulling off this win.
Why I watch Indy 500
As Indianapolis Motor Speedway marks it 100th year this will be my 22nd year watching the Indy 500 in front of my TV. When I got into auto racing Indy 500 have always appealed to me. Even with open wheel split I still watched it. It's always something magical or heartbreaking with the cars, speed, and drama. It's cheering on one of the drivers from favorites to underdog to witness in dismay a fine performance ruined by a crash or mechanical failure. There's too many moments during the race that made it worthwhile.
The 1989 race finish where Emerson Fittipaldi and Al Unser, Jr. battled out touching with Lil' Al in the wall while Emerson takes the checkered flag. In 1991 Rick Mears beat out Michael Andretti for his fourth Indy 500 win. In 1992 started with a very bad crash-filled race to domination of heartbreak of Michael Andretti whose engine expired with 12 to the duel between Al Unser, Jr. and Scott Goodyear which Lil' Al won. In 1994 Penske Racing with Mercedes-power dominated the field. In 1999 Kenny Brack takes victory giving A.J. Foyt, who won 4 Indy 500, his first as car owner. I will never forget 2006 of the final 4 laps which Sam Hornish picked off cars and battled Marco Andretti for the lead only to pass him on the last lap to win, the only time a race won by a last lap pass.
I spent last week watching past Indy 500s on ESPN Classic. Still get chills and excitement before, during, and after watching the past races. Indy 500, there will always be a story of triumph, success, heartbreak, and agony of defeat.
The 1989 race finish where Emerson Fittipaldi and Al Unser, Jr. battled out touching with Lil' Al in the wall while Emerson takes the checkered flag. In 1991 Rick Mears beat out Michael Andretti for his fourth Indy 500 win. In 1992 started with a very bad crash-filled race to domination of heartbreak of Michael Andretti whose engine expired with 12 to the duel between Al Unser, Jr. and Scott Goodyear which Lil' Al won. In 1994 Penske Racing with Mercedes-power dominated the field. In 1999 Kenny Brack takes victory giving A.J. Foyt, who won 4 Indy 500, his first as car owner. I will never forget 2006 of the final 4 laps which Sam Hornish picked off cars and battled Marco Andretti for the lead only to pass him on the last lap to win, the only time a race won by a last lap pass.
I spent last week watching past Indy 500s on ESPN Classic. Still get chills and excitement before, during, and after watching the past races. Indy 500, there will always be a story of triumph, success, heartbreak, and agony of defeat.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Lakers embarrassing fall
Picture on the right described the embarrassment of Lakers final game of the season. Lakers, not only got swept, but they flat out didn't want to play in the series. With only Kobe showing heart the rest didn't have the drive to make it past the second round. Hardly anyone guarded the perimeter as Mavericks especially Jason Terry making rainbow shots outside and inside the 3-point arc. Dirk Nowitski outpowered Pau Gasol throughout the series. Lakers couldn't defend against Mavericks shooting spree. Coach Phil Jackson, no matter how hard he tried, lost control of the team. Ron Artest decide to thug it up in game 2 against Barea and paid for it getting suspended for game 3. Lakers could have won game 1 and 3 when they had the lead going into 4th quarter, but blew it. It all came unravel in game 4 as Maverick outclassed the Lakers throughout the game. Losing by a wide margain few Lakers players decide to ruin Mavericks glory and make the focus and stories on themselves. Lamar Odom got himself ejected with flagrant on Dirk Nowitski. Not long after Odom's ejection, Andrew Bynum with a very stupid dangerous flagrant foul on J.J. Barea getting himself. Well Odom and Bynum you got your glory. The glory of being the bad guys, the glory of bunch of sore losers and thugs. At same time it got shared with Dallas Mavericks winning glory on sweeping Lakers out of the playoffs. It also marked the first time in Phil Jackson coaching career he got swept out of the playoffs. After two straight NBA championships Los Angeles Lakers fell hard in embarrassing fashion to Dallas Mavericks. With Jackson most likely retiring the state of Lakers is in questionable shambles. Team in need of a complete overhaul if they want to compete. It took one bad series where they were outclassed and outplayed to realize how much they fallen.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Retro NFL Draft: 2006 1-15
With the NFL draft tonight let's take a look at the draft five years ago of first 15 players taken along with notable mentions. Like many 2006 draft was heralded with Heisman winners, championship-leading QBs, and speedy playmaking offensive and defensive players such as Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Vince Young, A.J. Hawk, and Mario Williams to name a few on the board. Just when media and NFL fans immediately chose a player as the no. 1 pick the team stunned the league with their pick. Along came the critics and how it turned 180 degrees five years later. Starting with Houston Texans who possess the no. 1 pick of the draft.
1. Mario Williams (Texans) - the sports media had Reggie Bush projected going to Texans. The team pulled a surprised on the day before the draft when it was announced they selected Williams instead of Bush with their first overall pick. The critics widely criticizing the pick, in some cases immediately called Williams a draft bust. Williams proved his critics wrong. He became anchor of now much improved Texans defense becoming All-Pro player. Meanwhile for the player that "should have been" no. 1 pick...
2. Reggie Bush (Saints) - landed no. 2 with the Saints. Expected immediately produced and become a star it became the opposite. Still explosive but fought injures and has NOT rushed over 1000 yards in a season like all predicted. What thought to be a league star turned into a bust. Looking back its funny how the critics got it all wrong.
3. Vince Young (Titans) - shined in his rookie season many expected to rise even higher. Then came a series of bizarre moments throughout his five seasons with the team questioning his leadership, work ethic, and maturity. While a winner as a starter and leading Titans to the playoffs and played in the Pro Bowl his career been scrutinized for running away to quitting on then-coach Jeff Fisher, whom I believe ran him out of town. He hasn't been a fit with the team playing in a dysfunctional environment despite being a favorite of owner Bud Adams. On his way out hope a change of scenery will do him good. Is he a bust? Honestly I say no because he did win games are a starter and lead the team to the playoffs despite the drama. I have him barely above the borderline of bust.
4. D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets) - the pick that helped the Jets build their offensive line. One first of two OL Jets took in the first round, he started all 16 games in his rookie season and still has to this day not missing a single game in his five years in the league. He made two trips to the Pro Bowl since.
5. A.J. Hawk (Packers) - decent defensive player for the team that has yet made it to the Pro Bowl. Despite being one of many players that help the Packers to their Super Bowl victory he was released but re-signed with the team. Packers won with this pick.
6. Vernon Davis (49ers) - struggle in his first three seasons mainly due to injury before breaking out in his fourth season becoming a second/third option receiver throw to. On his way upward and 49ers likely got a winner.
7. Michael Huff (Raiders) - chosen for Al Davis love of speed he was above average player making a swap from defensive back to safety in his third season. While a starter he got picked way too high making him unfairly bust (like Aundrey Bruce).
8. Donte Whitner (Bills) - stellar rookie season which he was named All-Rookie. His production declined along missing games due to injury. Step it back up leading the team in tackles. Above the bust line.
9. Ernie Sims (Lions) - despite playing for a very poor Lions team he lead the team in tackles in his first two years then his production tailed off. He got shipped to Eagles after lackluster forth season where he had average production with the team. Above borderline bust line.
10. Matt Leinart (Cardinals) - Cardinals laid a rotten egg on this one. Heisman winner and led USC to a championship you expected him to be a future star. Started 11 games showing promise. Then came his second year where he got injured. Kurt Warner took over and never let go his starting position. Once Warner retired he became the no. 1 QB on the depth chart but struggled in preseason that Cardinals cut him. Signed with Texans being 3rd in the depth chart without playing a game. A big time bust.
11. Jay Cutler (Broncos) - polarizing figure for his strong arm but, like Vince Young, his leadership, work ethic and maturity questioned. Show he can throw the ball in air in Denver, but cried foul on his way out when he found he was getting shopped around. Went to Chicago Bears where he threw balls to the other team more than touchdowns to the teammates in his first season with them. Then came NFC Championship the following year where players outside the team criticized him for not returning to the game after suffering an injury questioning his toughness. Make or break time as will Bears fans forgive him after believing he wimped out on the team at NFC Championship. He's barely above borderline of NFL draft bust status. Strange how two of out first three QBs taken of the draft been surrounded by drama.
12. Haloti Ngata (Ravens) - as usual Ravens know defense with another winning defensive pick in the first round. Like rest of Ravens defense, he became a defensive force with two All-Pro selections when it should have three or four. Ravens, again, a big time winner.
13. Kamerion Wimbley (Browns) - shined in his rookie season with the Browns but went downhill the following next three seasons. Sent to Raiders where he moved a new position and performed well like his rookie season. See if he keeps it up as he's currently on the borderline.
14. Brodrick Bunkley (Eagles) - became starter in 2nd season and continued til he missed the 2010 season with elbow injury. Barely above the bust line.
15. Tye Hill (Rams) - after his rookie season it was all over for him as he battled injuries throughout his career. Now on his third team, Detroit Lions. Bust.
Other notables:
18. Bobby Carpenter (Cowboys) - a big mistake for the Cowboys as he never panned out. Bust.
19. Antonio Cromartie (Chargers) - dangerous speedy corner capable defending and intercepting passes in spectacular ways despite playing through injuries. Played with the Jets last season. A winning pick.
25. Santonio Holmes (Steelers) - despite very spotty off field record, on the field he's much need 2nd receiver target of Ben Roethlisberger. He became Super Bowl MVP but his off field antics became a big distraction that Steelers cut him after his fourth season. Played for Jets in his fifth season to decent numbers despite sitting out four games. Borderline above bust.
28. Mercedes Lewis (Jaguars) - Despite not being a tight end receiver like he was in college he became a good blocker playing well in his first four seasons. He found his catching touch in his fifth season with 10 touchdowns in a season. Winning pick and don't believe his early season stats as it lies.
29. Nick Mangold (Jets) - the other pick Jets 1st round pick that built their offensive line. The last four of his last name tells the story: he's gold in the trenches opening holes and protecting the QB becoming All-Pro player.
30. Joseph Addai (Colts) - after rushing over 1000 yards without starting a single game in his rookie season he earned high expectations. It didn't last as he struggled the following four seasons.
While teams have seen success with their picks some are no longer with the team they been picked. Few of those have performed decent to well with their current team. Strange how whatever been said 2006 been a 180 from draft winners to bust. Bush and Leinart who were part of 2005 USC championship team didn't pan out. Young who lead Texas to a championship in 2006 might have panned out and likely a star player if he didn't had drama in two of his five seasons. Jets solidify their offensive line with their picks of Ferguson and Mangold. Vernon Davis and Mercedes Lewis took their time to develop. Ravens continue their best of knowing how to choose defense than offense in the first round. Most importantly, Mario Williams and Houston Texans, left for dead by the media calling their pick a mistake and a bust, proved them all wrong working hard becoming All-Pro defensive player.
Teams will scouting around for hundred of hours and have 50/50 chance their pick will pan out. Media personnel will have their picks on who will go where based on need on improvement. Yet all it matters how will the player will do. Then along the contracts hoping to sign the player in time for camp. NFL draft will always have its drama and that what makes it worthwhile especially looking back who's on the right and who's on wrong.
1. Mario Williams (Texans) - the sports media had Reggie Bush projected going to Texans. The team pulled a surprised on the day before the draft when it was announced they selected Williams instead of Bush with their first overall pick. The critics widely criticizing the pick, in some cases immediately called Williams a draft bust. Williams proved his critics wrong. He became anchor of now much improved Texans defense becoming All-Pro player. Meanwhile for the player that "should have been" no. 1 pick...
2. Reggie Bush (Saints) - landed no. 2 with the Saints. Expected immediately produced and become a star it became the opposite. Still explosive but fought injures and has NOT rushed over 1000 yards in a season like all predicted. What thought to be a league star turned into a bust. Looking back its funny how the critics got it all wrong.
3. Vince Young (Titans) - shined in his rookie season many expected to rise even higher. Then came a series of bizarre moments throughout his five seasons with the team questioning his leadership, work ethic, and maturity. While a winner as a starter and leading Titans to the playoffs and played in the Pro Bowl his career been scrutinized for running away to quitting on then-coach Jeff Fisher, whom I believe ran him out of town. He hasn't been a fit with the team playing in a dysfunctional environment despite being a favorite of owner Bud Adams. On his way out hope a change of scenery will do him good. Is he a bust? Honestly I say no because he did win games are a starter and lead the team to the playoffs despite the drama. I have him barely above the borderline of bust.
4. D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets) - the pick that helped the Jets build their offensive line. One first of two OL Jets took in the first round, he started all 16 games in his rookie season and still has to this day not missing a single game in his five years in the league. He made two trips to the Pro Bowl since.
5. A.J. Hawk (Packers) - decent defensive player for the team that has yet made it to the Pro Bowl. Despite being one of many players that help the Packers to their Super Bowl victory he was released but re-signed with the team. Packers won with this pick.
6. Vernon Davis (49ers) - struggle in his first three seasons mainly due to injury before breaking out in his fourth season becoming a second/third option receiver throw to. On his way upward and 49ers likely got a winner.
7. Michael Huff (Raiders) - chosen for Al Davis love of speed he was above average player making a swap from defensive back to safety in his third season. While a starter he got picked way too high making him unfairly bust (like Aundrey Bruce).
8. Donte Whitner (Bills) - stellar rookie season which he was named All-Rookie. His production declined along missing games due to injury. Step it back up leading the team in tackles. Above the bust line.
9. Ernie Sims (Lions) - despite playing for a very poor Lions team he lead the team in tackles in his first two years then his production tailed off. He got shipped to Eagles after lackluster forth season where he had average production with the team. Above borderline bust line.
10. Matt Leinart (Cardinals) - Cardinals laid a rotten egg on this one. Heisman winner and led USC to a championship you expected him to be a future star. Started 11 games showing promise. Then came his second year where he got injured. Kurt Warner took over and never let go his starting position. Once Warner retired he became the no. 1 QB on the depth chart but struggled in preseason that Cardinals cut him. Signed with Texans being 3rd in the depth chart without playing a game. A big time bust.
11. Jay Cutler (Broncos) - polarizing figure for his strong arm but, like Vince Young, his leadership, work ethic and maturity questioned. Show he can throw the ball in air in Denver, but cried foul on his way out when he found he was getting shopped around. Went to Chicago Bears where he threw balls to the other team more than touchdowns to the teammates in his first season with them. Then came NFC Championship the following year where players outside the team criticized him for not returning to the game after suffering an injury questioning his toughness. Make or break time as will Bears fans forgive him after believing he wimped out on the team at NFC Championship. He's barely above borderline of NFL draft bust status. Strange how two of out first three QBs taken of the draft been surrounded by drama.
12. Haloti Ngata (Ravens) - as usual Ravens know defense with another winning defensive pick in the first round. Like rest of Ravens defense, he became a defensive force with two All-Pro selections when it should have three or four. Ravens, again, a big time winner.
13. Kamerion Wimbley (Browns) - shined in his rookie season with the Browns but went downhill the following next three seasons. Sent to Raiders where he moved a new position and performed well like his rookie season. See if he keeps it up as he's currently on the borderline.
14. Brodrick Bunkley (Eagles) - became starter in 2nd season and continued til he missed the 2010 season with elbow injury. Barely above the bust line.
15. Tye Hill (Rams) - after his rookie season it was all over for him as he battled injuries throughout his career. Now on his third team, Detroit Lions. Bust.
Other notables:
18. Bobby Carpenter (Cowboys) - a big mistake for the Cowboys as he never panned out. Bust.
19. Antonio Cromartie (Chargers) - dangerous speedy corner capable defending and intercepting passes in spectacular ways despite playing through injuries. Played with the Jets last season. A winning pick.
25. Santonio Holmes (Steelers) - despite very spotty off field record, on the field he's much need 2nd receiver target of Ben Roethlisberger. He became Super Bowl MVP but his off field antics became a big distraction that Steelers cut him after his fourth season. Played for Jets in his fifth season to decent numbers despite sitting out four games. Borderline above bust.
28. Mercedes Lewis (Jaguars) - Despite not being a tight end receiver like he was in college he became a good blocker playing well in his first four seasons. He found his catching touch in his fifth season with 10 touchdowns in a season. Winning pick and don't believe his early season stats as it lies.
29. Nick Mangold (Jets) - the other pick Jets 1st round pick that built their offensive line. The last four of his last name tells the story: he's gold in the trenches opening holes and protecting the QB becoming All-Pro player.
30. Joseph Addai (Colts) - after rushing over 1000 yards without starting a single game in his rookie season he earned high expectations. It didn't last as he struggled the following four seasons.
While teams have seen success with their picks some are no longer with the team they been picked. Few of those have performed decent to well with their current team. Strange how whatever been said 2006 been a 180 from draft winners to bust. Bush and Leinart who were part of 2005 USC championship team didn't pan out. Young who lead Texas to a championship in 2006 might have panned out and likely a star player if he didn't had drama in two of his five seasons. Jets solidify their offensive line with their picks of Ferguson and Mangold. Vernon Davis and Mercedes Lewis took their time to develop. Ravens continue their best of knowing how to choose defense than offense in the first round. Most importantly, Mario Williams and Houston Texans, left for dead by the media calling their pick a mistake and a bust, proved them all wrong working hard becoming All-Pro defensive player.
Teams will scouting around for hundred of hours and have 50/50 chance their pick will pan out. Media personnel will have their picks on who will go where based on need on improvement. Yet all it matters how will the player will do. Then along the contracts hoping to sign the player in time for camp. NFL draft will always have its drama and that what makes it worthwhile especially looking back who's on the right and who's on wrong.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Andrew Miller Upper Deck SP Authentic letterman cards - COMPLETED
Two and half years I pulled Andrew Miller letter "L" card from a pack of 2007 Upper Deck SP Authentic. I made it my mission to track the down cards to spell out his last name. I spent time on Ebay hoping come across the letters and be the winning bidder for it. Despite often missed opportunities, slowly I end up being the winning bidder obtaining the cards starting with E then L, M, and I. Last week I finally got the winning bid for the letter "R" to complete it. Today it came in the mail and here it is. Andrew Miller last name spelled out with his letterman cards. It's a long road and proud of myself in completing it. Now back to trying complete few more sets.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
MLB takes over the Dodgers
Major League Baseball taking over business and day-to-day operations of Los Angeles Dodgers. Second time MLB taken over a team. The first time they took over then-Montreal Expos they shopped around Washington DC/northern Virginia area hoping to attract suckers to buy it while gutting the franchise players and prospects. It's not likely its going to happen in Dodger-land but for Dodgers fans be on a look out as MLB might attempt to sell their big money contract players and stars along with top prospects from the farm system. Hopefully they can find anyone to buy the team AND not demand a new stadium or risk moving. A once-proud prestige franchise is now in a sorry state from mismanagement.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Fall of Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez career came to unexpected end last Friday. On verge getting suspended second time for violating PEDs policy Manny rather retire than being suspended for 100 games. A sorry sad end for one of best hitters of the game. Ever since getting busted for first time in 2009 he never recovered with disappointing seasons. When you thought Manny was being back after a good spring training he got popped for second time and you know the story by now. Now he ends his career under more scrutiny turning his back to the game and the teams and fans that believed in him.
Is he a Hall of Fame? Yes but will never get in because the idiot two-face media voters made a moronic pact of not electing players under suspicion of steroids/PEDs use when, like the fans and Selig, cheered them on. Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco did it when it wasn't on the rule book. Manny got stupid did it within the rule book.
The bright spot is Sam Fuld doing a decent job replacing him in the lineup.
Is he a Hall of Fame? Yes but will never get in because the idiot two-face media voters made a moronic pact of not electing players under suspicion of steroids/PEDs use when, like the fans and Selig, cheered them on. Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco did it when it wasn't on the rule book. Manny got stupid did it within the rule book.
The bright spot is Sam Fuld doing a decent job replacing him in the lineup.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
California Speedway: Disaster Track in Fontana
No track in the past decade has been widely criticized in motorsports than 2-mile California Speedway at Fontana. What was a dream for NASCAR expansion turned into a giant nightmare. Many NASCAR fans, current and former, point to this track as one of many reasons NASCAR is on a downside. It wasn't used to be that way. When Roger Penske opened this track in 1997 it was welcome arms for open-wheel racing and stock cars. While open wheel cars put on a show at the track it was different for NASCAR as they proceed to bore the audience. Then came the following moves that not only effected the track but entire American auto racing.
International Speedway Corporation, owned by NASCAR France family, bought the track including all of Roger Penske owned tracks in 1999. Later in the year track was rocked with a deadly crash of CART driver Greg Moore. Some of the audience, whom watched in the stands or on TV, got turned off by the track due the death of talented driver. It went downhill as they spent five years trying to force feed NASCAR to the Southern California market while slowly cutting open wheel racing from CART to Indycar who still put on amazing show and drawing a crowd over NASCAR. It was evident when estimate 90,000 still show up on a MONDAY to watch CART race after it was postponed for rain. It finally came when California got their second NASCAR date for 2005 season taking away one of Darlington races, a crown jewel in NASCAR. Not only that it kicked out all of open wheel racing from the track after 2004 season. It was the move that broke the straw of the back. NASCAR fans, especially hardcore ones, got fed up and stop following the sport. It also added another open wound to American open wheel racing who still having trouble drawing fans to the track despite blowing NASCAR away on ISC tracks due to the split. Despite two NASCAR races at the track they have hard time bringing fans in even giving the track a "playoff" race (which also took away one of Atlanta races). The crowd attendance each season in heavily saturated SoCal market declined. Last year spring race they drew 70,000 instead claim 100,000. The year before it was around 80,000.
Another problem they spent the time trying cater "rich Hollywood elite" instead the working class where 95% of the fanbase are. For ISC management they manage to dismiss complaints acting like there are no problems where there are problems from high prices (tickets to food) to souvenir booths moved from outside to inside track requiring to buy a ticket (which is high). ISC management refused to make changes even during California economic crisis which is still going on to this day.
Despite now having one NASCAR date the track is still a black eye to the fans and entire American auto racing landscape. NASCAR races are still boring on a track built for open wheel cars with crowd likely around 80,000 instead what ISC claim. As for American auto racing landscape how bad did it screwed up? Indycar CEO Randy Bernard decide to cut all ISC tracks from 2011 schedule which is a shame since produce far better action than NASCAR. Despite the better action ISC did little or no promoting of Indycar races (in act of jealousy and sabotage business decision) on their tracks thus having few ten thousands attend an Indycar race. Amazing how one ISC move single-handingly made fans turn their back on a series and an open wheel series giving them a big "FU."
There are times I wish Roger Penske never sold his tracks to ISC because most of the tracks were core to open wheel racing instead NASCAR like Fontana and Michigan. Now wish they close and tear Fontana down or move up north to Bakersfield for that short track. Fontana track wasn't a Hollywood dream; it's a Hollywood disaster.
International Speedway Corporation, owned by NASCAR France family, bought the track including all of Roger Penske owned tracks in 1999. Later in the year track was rocked with a deadly crash of CART driver Greg Moore. Some of the audience, whom watched in the stands or on TV, got turned off by the track due the death of talented driver. It went downhill as they spent five years trying to force feed NASCAR to the Southern California market while slowly cutting open wheel racing from CART to Indycar who still put on amazing show and drawing a crowd over NASCAR. It was evident when estimate 90,000 still show up on a MONDAY to watch CART race after it was postponed for rain. It finally came when California got their second NASCAR date for 2005 season taking away one of Darlington races, a crown jewel in NASCAR. Not only that it kicked out all of open wheel racing from the track after 2004 season. It was the move that broke the straw of the back. NASCAR fans, especially hardcore ones, got fed up and stop following the sport. It also added another open wound to American open wheel racing who still having trouble drawing fans to the track despite blowing NASCAR away on ISC tracks due to the split. Despite two NASCAR races at the track they have hard time bringing fans in even giving the track a "playoff" race (which also took away one of Atlanta races). The crowd attendance each season in heavily saturated SoCal market declined. Last year spring race they drew 70,000 instead claim 100,000. The year before it was around 80,000.
Another problem they spent the time trying cater "rich Hollywood elite" instead the working class where 95% of the fanbase are. For ISC management they manage to dismiss complaints acting like there are no problems where there are problems from high prices (tickets to food) to souvenir booths moved from outside to inside track requiring to buy a ticket (which is high). ISC management refused to make changes even during California economic crisis which is still going on to this day.
Despite now having one NASCAR date the track is still a black eye to the fans and entire American auto racing landscape. NASCAR races are still boring on a track built for open wheel cars with crowd likely around 80,000 instead what ISC claim. As for American auto racing landscape how bad did it screwed up? Indycar CEO Randy Bernard decide to cut all ISC tracks from 2011 schedule which is a shame since produce far better action than NASCAR. Despite the better action ISC did little or no promoting of Indycar races (in act of jealousy and sabotage business decision) on their tracks thus having few ten thousands attend an Indycar race. Amazing how one ISC move single-handingly made fans turn their back on a series and an open wheel series giving them a big "FU."
There are times I wish Roger Penske never sold his tracks to ISC because most of the tracks were core to open wheel racing instead NASCAR like Fontana and Michigan. Now wish they close and tear Fontana down or move up north to Bakersfield for that short track. Fontana track wasn't a Hollywood dream; it's a Hollywood disaster.
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