Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMightyM
Yes, but the IndyCar/IMSA doubleheaders at Long Beach and Detroit are special circumstances — IMSA sees Southern California and Detroit as key markets and the only way to get into those markets is by being part of the IndyCar weekend street course show. IMSA much prefers to be the headliner and not the support act. On permanent road courses, they no longer share dates with IndyCar or WEC. So if we’re talking about a Silverstone date, Long Beach isn’t a good analogy.
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One aspect of Motorsport has always been about promoting in key markets, so I don't see what special circumstances have to do with it. If IMSA want to market in Detroit and Southern California, it makes sense to share both venues. There is the nature of a street course, the logistics and organizing, which only makes it available once a year plus there is a guaranteed TV audience and spectators at the track.
With regards to Southern California, if IMSA wanted to be the headliner, not that I think they are seen as a support act, the could always hold their own event at Fontana.
It's not an analogy, it's an example of how two different series can successfully run their respective races on the same weekend and over a number of seasons.