Last night, the XXX Olympics came to a close after a majestic 17 days in which records were smashed and more viewers than ever tuned in to see Americans collect 104 medals in 21 events. But it could be more in four years with new sports global citizens are aching to see. Part of what makes the Olympics so unique is the spectacle of watching often obscure sports, (curling, fencing or synchronized diving come to mind) while not watching a second of such games during the regular season of sports viewing. Why, then, does the International Olympic Committee eschew one of the world's most popular sports, auto racing, for ones that few people normally care about?
Every so often, the IOC does, to its credit, adjust what sports should be added to the Olympic slate as international interest levels change. In four years, for example, golf and rugby will be added to the competition for the Rio summer games. Others rumored for inclusion are surfing, various roller sports and auto racing, the latter of which should be made a priority for 2016.
Why auto racing? The sport currently boasts a massive international fan base and is a global ratings magnet. Much like USA Basketball, a team whose bench players are world renown, USA Auto Racing would attract high wattage stars and drive ratings through the roof. What's more, auto racers have gone on record saying they would do whatever it takes to represent their countries.
Of course, there are obstacles. There's no denying that the world of auto racing can be expensive, which is why I would suggest a format similar to the hybridzation gymnastics and cycling employ during the Games. In gymnastics, teams compete, as well as individuals in all-around events and certain discipline events, such as the uneven bars, the vault and the pommel horse.
In Olympic auto racing, I would include:
1. The Team Endurance Challenge in which racers compete as a nation as a team over a 12-hour period to race the furthest, and;
2. All Around Individual Event in which the best racers compete on an individual level in a combination of disciplines on an oval course, a road circuit and a rally track, otherwise known as a time trial.
Imagine watching racers speed around the English (or Brazilian) countryside in events no one else has ever seen before. Now add stars like Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Marco Andretti to the mix, competing against a British Team of Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Dario Frachitti, or an Australian Team of Mark Weber, Marcos Ambrose and Will Power.
Imagine now Audi R8s or Porsches careening around the city in events both thrilling and unique. Not only would adding racing to the Olympic slate be unique, but it would be historic. Last weekend, Andy Murray won gold for the United Kingdom at the iconic All-England Club at Wimbeldon. Imagine in 1984 during the Los Angeles Olympics, if Dale Eanrhardt or Mario Andretti won the gold at Long Beach in front of hundreds of thousand adoring American fans. Or one of the all time greats, like Ayrton Senna, winning a gold for Brazil at the one of the iconic tracks like Monaco or Le Mans. These moments would be fascinating and the story lines compelling.
Another obstacle is the Olympic charter, which states, "sports, disciplines or events in which performance depends essentially on mechanical propulsion are not acceptable." That seems concrete, but the charter has been amended multiple times to allow for events now featured, such as shooting, sailing, bobsled and equestrian. Plus, in 1900, auto racing was an unofficial event at the Paris Olympics, during which 14 medals were awarded in 14 different discipline. By adding auto racing, the IOC would transform a sport that already overwhelms the senses that much better while allowing home fans to root for a driver not based on what team they drive for, but from what nation they hail.
Yesterday, we watched a thrilling gold medal men's basketball game. During the final minutes and after the outcome was set, grizzled NBA players were overcome with emotion; normally staid Coach K lept in the air and Kobe shed a tear. This, of course, is what sets the Olympics apart and solidifies its quadrennial importance. Auto racing would only add to that in a way the world would surely appreciate.
No comments:
Post a Comment