MIS President Roger Curtis

Revman

Revman

Toyota Gazoo Racing North America
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"Pursuing other opportunities effectively immediately." Sounds too me like he got axed by ISC. WTF? Went to that track last year because of the experience he creates, and it was awesome. Scratching my head on this one....
 
Wondering if he had anything to do with the stands only being half full last Sunday.
 
MRM said:
Wondering if he had anything to do with the stands only being half full last Sunday.
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Hmm, could be... BTW, wasn't the Brickyard half full too?

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MRM said:
Wondering if he had anything to do with the stands only being half full last Sunday.
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This has to be a major factor. I really do feel bad for some of these tracks. Attendance has fallen off the cliff and I honestly don't see it rebounding anytime soon.
 
29-4 said:
All track Presidents are in trouble if attendance is the metric.
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I wouldn't say they are in trouble. I think it's more of trying to move into a position where there is growth or at least not a sharp decline. If I worked at a track not named Daytona or Indianapolis I'd be constantly aware of the current climate. A lot of these guys could find similar positions working for a pro sports franchise, major college or entrainment/concert facility.
 
Revman said:
"Pursuing other opportunities effectively immediately." Sounds too me like he got axed by ISC. WTF? Went to that track last year because of the experience he creates, and it was awesome. Scratching my head on this one....
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It is obvious Curtis was shown door but instances like this happen in corporate America happen each day so in the grand scheme of things it is not surprising. Maybe there was malfeasance involved or maybe ISC just felt that it was time for some new blood but whatever the case I doubt any of the fans will notice any difference.
 
Javier said:
Hmm, could be... BTW, wasn't the Brickyard half full too?

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The Brickyard wishes they were half full at this years race as I don't think they were 1/4 full.
 
KodiakRusty89 said:
I wouldn't say they are in trouble. I think it's more of trying to move into a position where there is growth or at least not a sharp decline. If I worked at a track not named Daytona or Indianapolis I'd be constantly aware of the current climate. A lot of these guys could find similar positions working for a pro sports franchise, major college or entrainment/concert facility.
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MIS is about 300-350 miles from the Greater Toronto Area with 7 million people and is about 200-250 miles from Chicagoland with 10 million people. Metro Detroit has 4 Million people and is in the backyard of MIS plus there are many other areas in reasonable proximity that the track could draw fans from. It is crazy to think that MIS can't put 60K in the stands twice a year considering what other nearby sports facilities do. The University of Michigan Wolverines put over 110K in the stands 7 times last year and The Michigan State Spartans averaged 75K over 7 games in 2015. The Detroit Red Wings average over 20K per game 41 regular season games a year and even the up and down Lions put over 60K bums in the stands 8 times a year. 60K twice a year for MIS is not much to ask.
 
I remember he was asked about the possibility of IndyCar returning and he said the track was looking at adding more non-racing events like concerts and music festivals. Which was a very weird and disappointing answer. I don't think it had any reason to do with why he was fired (and all tracks are adding these weird non-motorsports events) but he rubbed me the wrong way because of that.
 
From Jayski:

Brenner named President at Michigan: International Speedway Corporation announced that it has named Rick Brenner as President of Michigan International Speedway effective Monday, September 19 . Brenner accepts the role, making a move from Minor League Baseball (MiLB ) to motorsports. Brenner most recently served as President of DSF Sports and Entertainment for over 10 years, the company that owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. In that role, Brenner managed all facets of the multi-unit business as well as leading the design and construction of the Bowling Green Ballpark. Prior to DSF, Brenner spent six of his 11 years with the Trenton Thunder as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Brenner earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.(MIS)(9-8-2016)

Interesting choice. Minor League baseball teams are often experts at fun promotions to bring in the fans.
 
29-4 said:
From Jayski:

Brenner named President at Michigan: International Speedway Corporation announced that it has named Rick Brenner as President of Michigan International Speedway effective Monday, September 19 . Brenner accepts the role, making a move from Minor League Baseball (MiLB ) to motorsports. Brenner most recently served as President of DSF Sports and Entertainment for over 10 years, the company that owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. In that role, Brenner managed all facets of the multi-unit business as well as leading the design and construction of the Bowling Green Ballpark. Prior to DSF, Brenner spent six of his 11 years with the Trenton Thunder as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. Brenner earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.(MIS)(9-8-2016)

Interesting choice. Minor League baseball teams are often experts at fun promotions to bring in the fans.
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I hope this individual can succeed in his mission and with marketing and promotions he could easily start to fill some of those many empty seats.
 
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