Race organizer Roger Penske cited the deteriorating economic conditions as the main reason. He did not go as far as calling it a cancellation, hoping for a return to his “home race”, but merely referred to it as a postponement. Regardless of what its called, it’s not on the schedule for 2009.

The race, which was to have been run over Labor Day weekend is a prime spot on any racing calendar as the battle for entertainment dollars hits premium levels. Especially during a recession…or worse, the money people are spending on entertainment items has certainly dropped. IndyCar officials are working on a replacing the event.

The Indy Racing League made its debut race in 2007 at the Belle Isle track. From all accounts it was a very successful event and the promises of many future races looked very bright, until the economy woes struck with full force in 2008.

Another contributing factor may be the loss of two marquee teams in the American Le Mans Series. The ALMS and the IndyCar Series made for a full weekend of racing and have been paired together for the past several seasons.

The Audi ALMS team has won each LMP1 championship since 2000 and have said their pullout is due to wanting to focus on European racing. Underneath it all, in the current economic environment, this seems an unlikely reason. Audi, the company that prides it self on selling its cars by winning races, would seem to be putting a big hole in their marketing plan if that were true…at least domestically.

Porsche, the parent company of Audi, is also pulling out of the series. The teams will participate in the 12 hours of Sebring on March 21st.

What was the best city to be a sports fan in 2008?

What was the worst city to be a sports fan in 2008?

I think the best city argument can come down to a few different cities.

1. Boston

Positive: Super Bowl runner up, Return to NBA dominance with their first championship since the 80’s, and another post season run in baseball.

Negatives: The Tom Brady injury, Tom Brady went to Michigan, lost the super bowl in which they were heavily favored and ruined their historical season.

2. New York

Positive: Their improbable super bowl win puts them in contention for the year.

Negative: the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs this year for the first time since the early 90’s, Brett Favre moved there.

3. Philadelphia

Positive: First World Series win in over 20 years.

Negative: Franchise QB doesn’t know the rules of football.

4. Detroit – Positive: NHL championship…which is pretty neat…I guess; finally got rid of Matt Millen; Pistons made another post season run.

Negative: Detroit Lions still winless after 10 games, the Detroit Tigers in general, and it’s in Michigan.

I don’t think you can argue that Seattle was the worst city in which to be a sports fan this year…maybe worst of all time.

Postives: ………coffee?

Negatives: Lost NBA team to Oklahoma City, Kept WNBA team, Mariners were basement dwellers, the Seahawks are horrible and apparently the Space Needle doesn’t actually go to outer space.

What city do you think was the best?

Worst?

Leave your comments below so we can debate them.