NOLA race to be financial bloodbath? (4th Update)

UPDATE This rumor is now 'fact.' The race was a bloodbath and today it was announced IndyCar is not returning.

04/10/15 UPDATE #3 A reader writes, Dear AR1.com, Did I read that right, they expect 10,000 people for this weekend's IndyCar race in New Orleans? If so you can stick a fork in this race, it's done. I knew when Anton split the sport in 1996 he was going to kill it, and although it's not dead, it has two feet in the grave and the tractor is backfilling the hole. Way to go Anton! Why is he still allowed in the paddock? Mordichai Rosen, Los Angeles, CA

04/10/15 Weather "could be a gamble" for Sunday's Indy Grand Prix of Louisiana. NOLA Motorsports President Kristen Engeron said that the "chance of rain could drive attendance down" at the three-day event "expected to attract more than 10,000 people." WDSU.com

04/09/15

NOLA Motorsports Park

Not to wish misfortune on anyone, but looking into the forecast a little more, the good folks at AR1's Southern Louisiana Weather Bureau estimate about a 95% chance of thunderstorms during the race window Sunday. Not helping matters is the fact Monday's forecast is probably worse. And with the teams already stretched to make it to Long Beach for next week, Monday is already a less-than-ideal scenario should Sunday be a wash.

Throw in the fact IndyCar's rain tires are generally regarded as less-than-optimal, and NOLA is a flat track built on marshy land with a water table about four feet below the surface, and yes, you have the makings of a potentially difficult weekend for the series.

To be clear, this is not a criticism of anyone or anything. NOLA, the promotion team at Andretti Sports Marketing, IndyCar, whoever cannot control the weather. We are simply noting the series may find itself in a difficult spot this weekend, based on the information we have available.

We'll continue to follow the happenings from NOLA and AR1's Lucille Dust will be on-site this weekend. Stay tuned for updates.

04/09/15 If the forecast below holds true for this weekend in New Orleans, race promoter Michael Andretti (Andretti Sports Marketing) might be in for a financial bloodbath as very few fans are likely to buy a ticket to sit in the rain for the inaugural GP of Louisiana when they can watch it on TV. However, the weatherman is habitually wrong and we hope for Andretti's sake they are once again.

Weekend Forecast for New Orleans