Date 3 July 2006
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Indianapolis 500. Racing cars speeding past at 240 mph, watched by a crowd of over 340,000 spectators – it’s truly breathtaking. And, claims SA Law’s sports specialist Peter Goodman, this was a genuine business trip!
A trackside view of the Indy 500 was the highlight of the recent Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) trade mission to the east coast of the USA. Sponsored by UK Trade and Investment, a delegation of 16 motorsport industry professionals went to learn just how seriously the US takes its multi-billion dollar industry.
Led by Chris Aylett, the charismatic head of the MIA, the delegation included senior representatives of some of Europe’s leading racing car manufacturers including French company Mygale, Britsh company Lola and the major Italian operation Dallara. Other industries represented included CADCAM software, electronic plating simulation software, computer-based desktop marketing, specialist engineering services, cooling systems, trade publications, aluminium castings, legal services and a property consultancy.
The week’s events kicked off on the evening of Saturday 20th May with a visit to watch NASCAR’s Nextel Cup at the Lowes Motor Speedway – a mile and a half of track with seating for 186,000 spectators. As trade mission delegates, we had a unique tour of the paddock, courtesy of the senior manager of the Dodge NASCAR team.
Monday and Tuesday were a whirlwind of visits that covered the Richard Childress NASCAR Racing Team HQ (followed by lunch at his private winery!), the Virginia International Raceway, the NASCAR Technical Institute and Clemson University. A visit to Penske Racing proved particularly interesting as their operation is equal to that of a large F1 team.
They currently run their NASCAR and American Le Mans teams from this site and will be relocating their Indy Racing League team there from Pennsylvania at the end of this season.
On the Wednesday, half of the delegation including myself flew up to Indianapolis. That evening, I was taken to dinner by the lawyer for Chip Ganassi Racing with whom I negotiated racing driver Dan Wheldon's contract last year. After dinner he showed me round his office, which I have to admit left me a little green with envy!
Thursday was another long day visiting four motorsport workshops in and around Indianapolis, followed by an exclusive MIA reception. After that, it was on to another party sponsored by Racer Magazine.
Friday found us at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway – a vast sports stadium containing a two and a half mile oval track and a golf course – where we watched the final practice from the ‘Pagoda’, the exclusive viewing location for the owners of the track and their guests. Later that day, I met up with the two drivers in the race I represent, Dario Franchitti and Dan Wheldon (last year’s Indy 500 winner). I also met up with former colleagues from global sports and entertainment group CSS Stellar who introduced me to US sponsors and other industry names.
Saturday was Indy 500 Parade day in downtown Indianapolis and a fantastic event it is. The parade takes 90 minutes to pass and contains many local and national celebrities, six marching bands, a range of lavishly prepared floats and the drivers.
The weather had been hot and sunny for every day of my trip and Indy 500 race day was no different. In fact, it turned out to be the third hottest in the ninety years the race has been run. It was easy to forget that two years earlier the race had been delayed by six inches of rain and tornadoes!
I was lucky enough to be the guest of Honda Racing, which gave me access to an air-conditioned suite with superb viewing facilities. However, I soon tore myself away from the corporate guests and traded the cool climate for the heat of the unshaded viewing area from where I watched most of the race.
But unfortunately, the race ended in a huge disappointment. Having dominated the race for 185 of the 200 laps, our very own Dan Wheldon ran over some debris and picked up a slow puncture causing an early pit stop. Even then, he still might have won if it wasn’t for an unfortunate crash on lap 193 that caused the pace car to come out. Once the race had restarted, Dan had dropped to fourth and Dario Franchitti came seventh.
And the next day we all flew back to the UK. Oh well, ‘tis a tough life for a sports lawyer!
SA Law provides sports law advice and representation to individuals, teams and their advisors. To speak to one of our experts, contact 01727 798000 or contact us by email.
© SA LAW 2006
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