2. What are the IRL’s greatest strengths? Which weaknesses would you recommend that the IRL attempt to convert into strengths? How might these weaknesses be converted?
The Indy Racing league has great sponsorship including; Godaddy.com, target, Mcafee, Lotus Cars, Citgo, Geico, Izod, Shell and Verizon. They have well known drivers including; Marco Andretti, Tony George, Mark “Dill” Driscoll, and Will Power. Brand recognition and partnerships help people associate the sport with their favorite companies. The big money sponsorship also allows them the capital to expand and market their product globally.
Beginning in 2009, Versus (now the NBC Sports Network) began a 10-year deal to broadcast 13 IndyCar races per season (the remaining races, including the Indianapolis 500, would remaining on ABC through 2018.) Television has always played a major role in the marketing campaign. What better place to attract new customers then in their own home with hours and hours of coverage. In the UK, the IndyCar Series races have all their broadcasts on the Sky Sports family of networks. The viewing figures of the IndyCar races in the UK outnumber that of the NASCAR races which are also broadcast on Sky Sports.
A major weakness that the Indy League needs to identify and turn into strength is whether this is an American sport league or International competition. If they chose to be an American sport, they should go after more American drivers representing a widespread portion of the U.S. Similar to other American sports like football and basketball. American’s take pride in cheering for a team they identify with, and all the IRL’s foreign drivers are taking away that connection.
Another key crisis is that the season drags on too long. They should take advantage of blitz marketing and condense their expenses and run their event every ten days instead of two to three