In recent years, Formula 1 has been making a strong push to expand its presence in the United States. With the addition of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas and the highly anticipated Miami Grand Prix, it is clear that F1 is determined to conquer the American market. However, according to former FOX broadcaster Darrell Waltrip, NASCAR has its own version of F1 in the form of the IMSA Series.
The IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) Series is a sports car racing championship that has been gaining popularity in the US. The series, which is owned by NASCAR’s parent company, the France family, has been making waves in the motorsports world with its recent successful Rolex 24 campaign. This has led Waltrip to label the France family as F1’s new “rivals” in the US market.
The IMSA Series has been around since 1969, but it wasn’t until the France family took over in 2012 that it started to gain significant attention. With their expertise in running a successful racing organization, the France family has been able to elevate the IMSA Series to new heights. The recent Rolex 24 event, which is the season opener for the series, saw a record-breaking attendance and TV viewership, proving that the France family’s efforts are paying off.
One of the main reasons for the IMSA Series’ success is its unique format. Unlike other racing championships, the IMSA Series combines different classes of cars on the same track, creating an exciting and unpredictable race. This format also allows for a diverse range of manufacturers to compete, making it more appealing to fans and sponsors. The series also features some of the most iconic and prestigious races in the US, such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Petit Le Mans, which attract top teams and drivers from around the world.
The France family’s involvement in the IMSA Series has also brought in some big names from the world of NASCAR. Drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Austin Cindric have all competed in the series, bringing their fan base and media attention with them. This crossover between NASCAR and the IMSA Series has helped to bridge the gap between the two racing disciplines and attract a wider audience.
The success of the IMSA Series has not gone unnoticed by F1. With their eyes set on the US market, F1 has been closely monitoring the series and its growth. In fact, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed his admiration for the IMSA Series, stating that it is a “fantastic championship” and that F1 can learn from it.
While F1 and the IMSA Series may seem like competitors, they actually complement each other. The IMSA Series provides a different type of racing experience for fans, and its success only helps to grow the overall motorsports industry in the US. As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats,” and the IMSA Series’ rise in popularity can only benefit F1 in the long run.
In conclusion, the IMSA Series has emerged as a strong contender in the US motorsports market, thanks to the efforts of the France family. Their success has caught the attention of F1 and has even been labeled as their “rivals” by former FOX broadcaster Darrell Waltrip. However, instead of seeing this as a negative, we should view it as a positive for the motorsports industry as a whole. With both F1 and the IMSA Series thriving, it is an exciting time for racing fans in the US.
