Whether you like it or not, dark clouds are looming over the global auto racing scene. Contrary to what you might think, I'm not talking about environmentalists who pressure governments to ban the sport, which is said to be a major (yet totally useless) cause of pollution.
No, the most serious threat might just be the increasing detachment by racing fans in general. And when you take a closer look at it, you'll see that today's youth don't seem to care about motor sports.
Could this lack of interest be the result of their green conscience? I don't think so. More than anything, I believe it has to do with the fact that auto racing hasn't really evolved since the mid-20th Century. Sure, cars are faster and more technologically advanced now, but the show is basically the same: one track, a number of cars, and may the fastest win.
Consider NASCAR's Sprint Cup: It's long been recognized that the first 490 miles of a 500-mile race are a mere appetizer with gentle passing manoeuvres, multiple pit stops, and a couple of accidents. The real action only lasts for about 10-15 minutes, and takes place during the last few laps.
With ever-increasing ticket prices (Formula 1 spectators will tell you all about it), attending a race is harder and harder to justify, especially in the struggling global economy we live in.
So, like I said, disinterested young fans are threatening the sport like never before. They're more into extreme sports, which barely even existed 20 years ago, and entertainment. As proud members of the Facebook and Twitter generation, they have zero patience and a short attention span. How could they even sit still for a three-hour race?
Another key point is that today's under-30 crowd wants to be a part of the action, not just innocent bystanders. They try new sports and activities without any hesitation, and then they rush to YouTube to post their accomplishments.
For them, the idea of sitting in the bleachers for long hours to watch cars going round in circles is ridiculous. However, they will stay glued to their computer screen to marvel at the feats of drift icon Ken Block in his Gymkhana series. It sure helps that Mr. Block is sponsored by their favourite energy drink company.
Next to him, the Jeff Gordons, Fernando Alonsos and Sebastian Vettels of this world have a pretty hard time exciting young fans who prefer hot-headed, off-the-wall Joes over cool, calm and collected pros.
Who exactly will make a conscious effort to attend auto races 15 years from now? The current crowd is ageing fast, with young boys and girls looking for their adrenaline rush elsewhere.
Auto racing as we know it is seriously endangered.
No, the most serious threat might just be the increasing detachment by racing fans in general. And when you take a closer look at it, you'll see that today's youth don't seem to care about motor sports.
Could this lack of interest be the result of their green conscience? I don't think so. More than anything, I believe it has to do with the fact that auto racing hasn't really evolved since the mid-20th Century. Sure, cars are faster and more technologically advanced now, but the show is basically the same: one track, a number of cars, and may the fastest win.
Consider NASCAR's Sprint Cup: It's long been recognized that the first 490 miles of a 500-mile race are a mere appetizer with gentle passing manoeuvres, multiple pit stops, and a couple of accidents. The real action only lasts for about 10-15 minutes, and takes place during the last few laps.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
With ever-increasing ticket prices (Formula 1 spectators will tell you all about it), attending a race is harder and harder to justify, especially in the struggling global economy we live in.
So, like I said, disinterested young fans are threatening the sport like never before. They're more into extreme sports, which barely even existed 20 years ago, and entertainment. As proud members of the Facebook and Twitter generation, they have zero patience and a short attention span. How could they even sit still for a three-hour race?
Another key point is that today's under-30 crowd wants to be a part of the action, not just innocent bystanders. They try new sports and activities without any hesitation, and then they rush to YouTube to post their accomplishments.
For them, the idea of sitting in the bleachers for long hours to watch cars going round in circles is ridiculous. However, they will stay glued to their computer screen to marvel at the feats of drift icon Ken Block in his Gymkhana series. It sure helps that Mr. Block is sponsored by their favourite energy drink company.
Next to him, the Jeff Gordons, Fernando Alonsos and Sebastian Vettels of this world have a pretty hard time exciting young fans who prefer hot-headed, off-the-wall Joes over cool, calm and collected pros.
Who exactly will make a conscious effort to attend auto races 15 years from now? The current crowd is ageing fast, with young boys and girls looking for their adrenaline rush elsewhere.
Auto racing as we know it is seriously endangered.