Quote:
Originally Posted by 10TENTHS
Attendance at Toronto looked a lot better this year, but the inability to repave the private roads that make up most of the track is a real problem...
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There were fewer grandstands than ever, but the ones that remained appeared full. Maybe it
looked better, but I'm not convinced it actually was a larger crowd or that there has been any real improvement in the disappointingly small crowds since the race returned the year after the IRL/ChampCar merger. The perception is that it has been kept alive by promoters who
attempt to cut expenses as much as possible to break even. Apart from e-mails to previous ticket buyers, there's
no advertising that I see or hear until about 3 weeks before the race. It seems doubtful they would be able to pay for
needed repaving and other road work, while the city would find it difficult to justify doing it solely for the race promoters. Along with the new hotel, now there are also more events with larger crowds (at the stadium, amphitheatre across the road, and other buildings) who find the barriers and fences to be an annoyance for the month preceding the race, and would not miss it.
On the other hand, Mosport is owned by billionaire Carlo Fidani, who likely won't have much trouble making some improvements to his track if he wants to attract an IndyCar event.