OK, I'm going to come to IRL's defense. I think that the IRL puts out a good product - the drivers are accessable, the fans can actually get into the paddock within hours of the race start, the owners don't tool around in G600s, host cities include Nashville and Watkins Glen instead of Monaco and Melborne. Sure, the traveling circus known as F1 is a grand spectical and certainly the pinnacle of motor sports but to me, IRL is more 'real'. Let me give you an example. In the British Grand Prix last week, much was made about the new nose that Red Bull gave SV. I'm sure they spent well into 6 figures on computer design and wind tunnel testing on that nose, which may or may not be the design that they end the season with. Flip to IRL, where pit crews regularly 'modify' a front wing with a hand sledge and duct tape. The F1 approach is clearly innovative and leading edge. But the IRL approach is home-grown American get-it-done attitude. And I guess that's the appeal for many, including me - I can dream about living in the F1 fantasy world but I can relate to living in the IRL real world.

 

[QUOTE=espelirS2K,Jul 18 2010, 11:47 AM]Is it just me or is the Indy Car series a bit amateurish compared to F1?

 

Slap a Mugen or TRD badge on them and your set.

 

I haven't seen team orders come into play in Indycar this year. I haven't watched an F1 race since the Ferrari team order win several races ago. I know team orders in F1 have been around for a while but it hasn't been as blatant as that race. Even the crash gate w/ Flavio last year had more sanctions. But then when Ferrari does something illegal, everyone turns a blind eye.