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SPORTS ZONE 2: Formula One Fiasco

On Sunday, June 20, 2005, the reputation of Formula One was hurt badly as fans gathered at the Indy track to see the F1 motor race in the United States Grand Prix. Expecting to see an exciting 20-car race, the crowd was outraged when only six cars cranked their motors at the starting line.

Michelin tires represented seven teams and 14 total cars for the F1. Only 48 hours before the race, it was determined by Michelin that the tires on those 14 cars were unsafe for the final turn of the race.

A modern F1 car is lightweight with aerodynamic features that allow high speeds during the 190-mile race. The final 13th turn is the only banked turn on the Indy track, and it caused too much stress on the tires at high speed. After a lengthy meeting with Michelin, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, and the series governing body (FIA), a compromise could not be reached. Michelin rejected the use of fresh tires and the placement of a chicane to slow down the cars on that turn. Instead, they abruptly pulled all 14 cars from the track and left the fans with an embarrassing six-car race, all of which were racing with Bridgestone tires.

With very little competition, the door was opened wide for seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher to capture another victory. Unfortunately, Schumacher climbed out of his car to deafening boos from the crowd--or at least the crowd that was left. Many headed for the exit before the race was even over.

The most damaging outcome of this fiasco on Sunday was the effect it will have on Formula One racing in America. This motor sport, prominently European, was already struggling to gain an American fan base. The event is being called “F1’s darkest hour," and is being described as “the most catastrophic public relations disaster in the 56-year history of the official world championship.” F1 owner Ecclestone realizes the fate of his sport in the U.S. as well, stating, “We were just starting to build a great image in America TV and with the fans. All of that has gone out of the window.”

The Michelin teams have since been charged with harming the interest of motor sports along with several acts committed against regulations supplied by the FIA. As for the fans, they are expecting a full refund for their time wasted at the Indy.

--Written by Shannon Galbreath

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