Elkhart Lake Champ Car doubt

Road America has been a part of the Champ Car schedule since 1982, but attendance, sponsorships and revenue have declined in recent years. Champ Car principal Paul Gentilozzi told the Associated Press that Champ Car spends $2.5m of its own money to put on a race at Road America, and says the track needs to do more to attract casual fans.

Gentilozzi claimed he saw no advertising on billboards or in newspapers, and neither did he hear about the race on local radio or television. He said: "They own the tent to the circus. If they don't tell people the circus is coming to town, they won't get anyone to come watch it."

Bruggenthies countered that he wants to see a better television contract and business plan from Champ Car before he invests in more promotion. "Champ Car World Series is hurting, too, I know," Bruggenthies said. "It's costing the owners money. We're both losing money this weekend. That can't go on forever. This isn't a charity. And we're a pretty small company."

Bruggenthies spoke with Champ Car president Dick Eidswick over the weekend about next year, but that no conclusions were reached. "It's too soon to say I'm optimistic," Bruggenthies said. "It's good that we're talking and we'll see what happens."