[AlfaEric]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaEric I'm guessing they will end up giving "free" tickets as compensation to this years ticket holders (to try to help fill the stands). The stands weren't full as it was. More money is spent on merchandise, food, drinks, travel, housing, etc... The tickets are cheap compared to the rest. If they simply refunded the money, many people wouldn't attend the next one and I think they know this so it is doubtful they would do this. If they offer a discount off the next one (or free tickets to the next one) I think many people will be insulted. To me it's like saying "Sorry, we screwed you... Here's a coupon to spend your hard earned money and vacation time on us again"... If they refund AND give free tickets to the next event I would *consider* returning. It only costs them $13 million in tickets... Not really that bad when you consider how much they could potentially make if the sport caught on in the US. I might sound greedy but the event really was a huge disappointment. The money from the ticket really isn't important compared to the time wasted. I've always hated when some company screws up then sends me a pathetic coupon/discount to try them again. The US ticket prices seem to be much lower than I've seen elsewhere. If they can get it to catch on, they stand to make a fortune anyway. They got plenty of press from this event (many claim there is no such thing as bad advertising). If they play it right they could increase their profits for next year (even if they gave refunds/free tickets/etc...). Personally I didn't think the testing/qualifying days were that exciting (compared to ones I've watched in the past). They weren't bad but if it weren't for the new rules, I think they would have been running the cars harder (gotta save those tires...). I would definately recommend anyone who plans to attend, to go to the days before. In this case they definately were more interesting but the fact you can walk around and see different views/take photos makes it really worth it. I was surprised how few people came out to watch testing/qualifying. ---Eric