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"Humpy Wheeler: Both NASCAR and IRL Must Cut Costs Even Further"

As I mentioned previously, Humpy Wheeler exchanged an e-mail with me on the resignation of Anton H. "Tony" George as the boss at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, and the ongoing soap opera that marks the Jeremy Mayfield v NASCAR drug testing saga.

George, says Wheeler, "is a racer, and that is what we lack in top management in auto racing today--people who truly understand racing. There are some, but is the passion there like we have seen in the past? Great leadership is needed now more than ever at the Brickyard."

Humpy praised George's attempts at cost containment, but says it has to continue and make greater strides. "NASCAR Cup racing is still out of hand, despite NASCAR's attempt to cut costs. Both the IRL and NASCAR must cut costs by at least 30-40 per cent to make it through this still sliding economy." That said, Humpy felt that the status quo (with cars and races) won't help the IRL to survive. His take: "You simply can't hold your very top drivers unless you have 20-24 races; every starting field should have at least 30 cars." It might be a little difficult to find 30 cars--not so much proper venues (New Hampshire, Cleveland, Road America for example).

Wheeler suggests Jeremy Mayfield will have a rough time coming back. "Once you are branded (as a user of banned substances), it is hard to lose it. He's still a fine race driver and can win races. Is he guilty of taking banned substances? I have not a clue and only hope he isn't. If he does come back, I think NASCAR will play it straight with them. They (NASCAR) will have to be very careful in how they conduct everything with him if Judge Mullen rules permanently that he (Mayfield) can return."

Agree or disagree, please feel free to comment.