With
the Detroit Grand Prix back on the Izod IndyCar schedule for the first time in
four years, I was curious how the event would be received by local media and
fans.
Both
the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News have had quite a few stories over
the past few days – the Free Press (the paper I get) devoting a full page in
Thursday’s paper and nearly two full pages in Friday’s edition, which is a
pretty large chunk of newshole these days.
Additionally,
the local ABC affiliate had a one-hour preview show on Friday night and will
have additional programming on Sunday, as well as the race telecast.
The
“Valenti and Foster Show” on 97.1 FM, on the other hand, could not care less
about the Detroit Grand Prix or IndyCar.
Valenti
is Mike Valenti, who gained notoriety some years ago for going apoplectic on
the air after his beloved Michigan State Spartans choked away a certain blowout
victory against Notre Dame. (If you’re interested, I think his rant still lives
on YouTube.) Foster is Terry Foster, a Detroit News sports writer who
ostensibly was at Belle Isle writing stories.
During
my drive home, I tuned in because I was curious if the Detroit Grand Prix would
be discussed.
It was.
Sort of.
The
gist of the conversation I heard was that despite its return, nobody cared
about the event. The only open-wheel drivers Valenti and his cohort for the
day, Matt Dery, could name were Helio Castroneves (possibly because he’s in a
banner ad on their station’s website), Alex Zanardi (at first they thought he
was dead, then remembered he lost his legs in a crash), Dan Wheldon (because he
was killed) and Greg Biffle (I have no idea why they thought he drove an
IndyCar).
Mind you,
this is ONE WEEK after what was considered one of the best Indianapolis 500s in
recent years, and no one could come up with Dario Franchitti’s name.
Also,
neither knew the name of the series, invoking the names CART and IRL at various
points.
My
first reaction was to chalk this up to the usual buffoonery that sports talk
radio – especially big-market sports talk radio – is known for, which basically
is if it’s not played with a ball or stick, it’s not worth talking about.
My
second reaction was shame on the PR people for the various teams, the series
and the event itself if no one reached out to this program to arrange
interviews, either pre-recorded, remote or in the studio. Like it or not,
“Valenti and Foster” is one of the key sports-talk shows in Detroit and helps
set the agenda for what’s important in the Motor City.
The
lesson is this: If left to their own devices, media outlets are likely to bash
and ignore rather than dig up a story. The shame is that several Michigan-based
stories were there for the taking. Roger Penske, of course, basically revived
the race. Bryan Herta and Robbie Buhl, each of whom could add unique
perspective as drivers and owners, have Michigan connections as well.
Frankly,
just about every driver in the series is approachable and willing. But, again,
if no one is coordinating efforts to open doors, they’re going to remain shut.
Boarded up, even.
I hope
to attend the Detroit Grand Prix in the future. The timing of the race – one week
after attending the Indianapolis 500 – isn’t convenient for me (my wallet needs
a break as much as anything), but my son is itching to go, so we’ll probably
figure a way to make it happen.
And on
my drive home Monday, maybe I’ll just keep the radio turned off.
Photo credit: Bret Kelley /
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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