Comments on: American Formula One Team – USF1, who cares?

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:09:33 +0000

I suppose having it on Speed (Channel 9,345 on your Direct TV) is better than nothing, but your average viewer isn’t likely to run across it. F1 would be better off providing the races to ESPN or one of the networks for free (if they would take it) in order to try and grow a fan base.

By: The Flying Scotsman

The Flying Scotsman — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:32:50 +0000

Craig – you’re a mind reader, this coming week’s blog is going to be all about refuelling. Thanks for your comment, and if you have Speed in the US, you can indeed watch F1 over your cornflakes and I agree there is nothing quite like it.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:40:56 +0000

I have become a F1 since living here in the UK, and I think you have a good point, but the racing is quite different from the ‘American’ brand of racing. For instance, this year’s rules mean that there won’t be any fuel stops in F1. Who ever heard of a race without any fuel stops? I have learned to appreciate the different sorts of strategy in F1, but how many passes for the lead do you see in a race? One? None?

I used to enjoy watching the F1 races in the mornings on ESPN back in the 1980s. If ESPN were to pickup the coverage again it could help. There is nothing like tuning into a race at 8AM over your corn flakes.

By: katie

katie — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:35:27 +0000

First of all, Koodos for watching the Superbowl all night. We lived in England for 3 years and did a number of all nighters to get the live feed.
As far as the F1 goes, I got into it when I was oversees mainly because of the drama between the drivers. Hamilton vs. Alonzo. As a woman I need to have that over just enjoying the sport itself. Would I be as into the Saints if Bush wasn’t dating Kim Kardashian? Not sure.

F1 could make it here if there was a bit more coverage and dedication by the press.

By: Robbie

Robbie — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:31:14 +0000

Some interesting points, and I too have wondered why this never works.

Consider the flip side though, with American Football. Last night I sat and watched the Superbowl, it started at 11pm and ran until 4am! Utter madness.

Of course I could have recorded it, and had my own “Superbowl Monday” with friends round, a few beers and snacks. On a school night though, a little tricky to really enjoy it the proper way. The difficulty here too, is by the time you sit down to it – you know the score, and the element of surprise is lost. Additionally, the Superbowl had great coverage, but the lead up games were hidden in amongst internet TV and 4am slots on ESPN.

For the moment, American racing fans don’t know what they are missing.

By: The Financer

The Financer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:57:06 +0000

But see that’s kind of my point, 4 races on a major network out of what 16 (?) total F1 races this year.

I just think the consitency is part of the issue, maybe if they covered all the races (and they were on at a reasonable time) then maybe it would work

By: The Flying Scotsman

The Flying Scotsman — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:23:55 +0000

So fella you missed the 4 races that were shown on Fox channel 2 (that included Monaco) this year that were pre-recorded and aired at 2pm on a Sunday afternoon then?

By: The Financer

The Financer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:42:20 +0000

I’m an American and I like F1.

I am not totally sure why F1 hasn’t caught on in the US, but I don’t think it has to do with it not being made by Americans.

Like I previously mentioned I really do like F1, but here in the US it is a bit hard to follow. Sure every race is on the speed channel, but on my TV Speed is like #725 (or something). Some races will be on the networks, but there isn’t really any consistent coverage and the sports update programs don’t cover it (i.e. as I write this I am watching 24/7 Superbowl coverage….but there will be no/little F1 coverage). Additionally, the fact that a lot of races start a 3 or 4 in the morning might be a problem as well.

When I lived in Europe I watched every race, and kept up on the coverage. But here in the US I only partially keep up….It’s not that I don’t want to….I will start out with every intention of watching every race, but I know that will trail off as it takes extra effort to keep up on all the happenins.

Maybe if US TV coverage was increased Americans would care more…..but maybe that is a chicken vs egg question.