More racing teams are to be cut, thanks to the global economic fiasco. Suzuki has just announced that they're pulling out of the WRC (here).
Here's Inside Line's take: Suzuki Getting Out of FIA World Rally Championship
A little over a week ago Honda announced that they were dropping their F1 team (Audi and Honda drop racing teams), and now they have announced that they are also pulling out of AMA road racing with their bikes (here). With the bikes there is a sub-plot in that there are a lot of bike teams upset with the new AMA road-racing governing body (Daytona Motorsports Group), so I guess this financial mess was the last straw.
Porsche and Subaru too!
After the announcement of Audi pulling out of the American Le Mans Series, we now have learned that Porsche too is pulling out of this racing venue (here).
Subaru is leaving the WRC as well (here). This is a company that has spent 20 years in the WRC!. At least SOA is continuing with their effort in the American Rally series. Wow, talk about a collapse of the racing industry.
estreka says:
06:34 AM, 12/16/08
It doesn't help that over the years ticket prices to sporting events has climbed dramatically. Back in the 90's, I could watch a NASCAR race for $20. Today, I don't think you can get a seat for less than $150. To a lot of folks, that means you can either go to a race or pay your mortgage. No wonder we've had so many forclosures!
dougtheeng says:
06:44 AM, 12/16/08
Honda left F1, which is a shame. Subaru leaving WRC definitely kills some of the allure for me.
steve_ says:
10:09 AM, 12/16/08
I wonder when all the non-car companies will start cutting back on sponsorship. Like Hershey - do they really get a lot of bang for their advertising buck with their NASCAR/Reeces car?