Highlights from Mark Miles teleconference (2nd Update)
10/30/14 IndyCar CEO Mark Miles acknowledged that officials in Boston are eager to get their arms around a Labor Day weekend event for next year and the years to come.
"They think it will be perfect for them," Miles said on an afternoon conference call with reporters. "We're very, very bullish about being back with the finale in a great market on Labor Day weekend for 2016."
10/30/14
 |
| Mark Miles |
Hulman Motorsports CEO Mark Miles and 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series Champion spoke with the media via teleconference to discuss the 2015 IndyCar Series schedule. The full text of the teleconference is here, while the 2015 schedule is here.
Below, AutoRacing1 has noted a few of the highlights from Miles’ teleconference.
• Miles reaffirms series’ controversial commitment to ending by Labor Day Weekend
• Calendar expands the season from 22 weeks in 2014 to 25 weeks in 2015 potential for 28 weeks, maybe 29 weeks in 2016. Miles used the term "sliding" the schedule forward.
• It sounds as if something may still happen before the season-opening race in Brasilia (in other words Dubai may still happen)
"While Brasilia is alone at this point for 2015, there are ongoing, very active conversations that are serious with three other countries at this point. We remain bullish and more confident than ever in our ability to expand that part of the series in February."
• According to Miles, teams are not looking for a significant increase in the number of races. And under current economic model, potential for growth not significant. Growth will come in “margins" if growth does in fact, come.
• 2015 schedule represents start of developing the international strategy. AR1 has of course, long advocated IndyCar expanding internationally.
• Potential for as many as four international races in the period from the U.S. perspective after the Super Bowl in early February into as late as the middle of March.
• Bullish about being back with the finale in a great market on Labor Day weekend for 2016 (Read Boston, outside chance of Baltimore)
• Date equity remains a goal, but easier said than done
• People in the paddock said Toronto was an important date. Promoter was flexible.
• ABC will broadcast St. Pete, GP of Indy, Indy 500 qualifying, Indy 500, doubleheader in Detroit. Balance of schedule on NBCSN.
AR1 Staff