The race is 200 laps around a 2.5 oval speedway, for a total of 500 miles. The total purse in 2011 was $13 million, making it one of the largest in sports. The average viewership of this race is 6.2 million people including fans in attendance and television views. With an estimated 220,000 fans in attendance and an average ticket price of $185 per ticket, this race brings in estimated revenue of over $40 million. It is the largest single-day sporting event in the world. The city of Indianapolis benefits greatly from this race, making an average of $300 million annually from this race alone.
In the history of the INDYCAR series there have been a total of 96 driver, 20 crew member, and 30 fan deaths as a result of injuries from on-track incidents or debris. 3 of those deaths, all being drivers, have occurred within the last 10 years. As a result of these accidents, a negative light has been shed upon the
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INDYCAR utilizes rain tires when it rains at oval tracks, but they can’t use rain tires at oval tracks. At oval tracks the cars risk hydroplaning which could lead to an accident. Weather can be a reason as to why fans do not attend races or are unable to attend a post-poned or rescheduled race. This is a threat to the series because it decreases ticket sales and can upset fans that can’t attend a rescheduled race, which in return affects fan loyalty.
Limited Car Manufacturers: The INDYCAR series currently has two car manufacturers: Chevrolet and Honda. As noted previously, Honda is considering leaving the sport because of the lack of competition. The lack of car manufacturers is not only a threat for the series but a threat to the competitiveness of the series as well. If Honda retracts their sponsorship the INDYCAR series will have only one manufacturer, eliminating the need for manufacturer championship points. This takes away from the competition of the series and lessens the marketability of the