Hulman & Co. CEO Mark Miles thinks that Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso driving in this year's Indianapolis 500 could produce a host of positive results for the event. Miles, who oversees Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Verizon IndyCar Series, said that the move by McLaren F1 to have Alonso race for Honda-backed Andretti Autosport in the 500 will “have an effect on all kinds of levels." Miles also noted it was "busy" on Wednesday at IMS’ ticket-sales office after the announcement, which trended worldwide on Twitter and was splashed on the back pages of Spanish newspapers. Miles: "One (effect) is ticket sales: I think there will be more Formula 1 fans in the States who want to come to the 500; I think there will be more international journalists here to cover it; I think there will be opportunities even for some streaming deals outside of our normal linear arrangements around the world to provide extra access to it; I’m sitting here right now thinking about whether we want to go over there and do a PR tour in some European countries." Miles added that this move could re-start a trend of F1 drivers participating in the race. Miles: "I heard from somebody (in Europe) that Alonso had heard from another F1 star who said, 'Hey, really cool -- big balls; maybe I'll do it.' So it causes drivers -- whether it's other guys in NASCAR or in Formula 1 -- to think (about it) and that can only be good."
F1 BACK TO INDY?: AUTOWEEK reported almost "lost in all the Fernando Alonso news" was a comment by Miles "hinting about a possible return of F1 to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway one day." Miles said that he is interested in F1 "returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway one day if financial considerations are agreeable." Miles: "Formula 1 is very big, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the home to epic motorsports events, so we would welcome a return if we can come up with a deal that works for all parties involved" (AUTOWEEK, 4/12).
