Why we're here

Ok, it's time to pull out the box of kleenex or whatever you want as I am going to reveal some very deep and emotional ties as to why we as broadcasters do what we do.  I am writing this from my perspective, but I can speak from experience that my views are shared by many.  What we have in our crew is a passion for racing.  While most of the fans will keep track of the latest news through online forums, twitter, blogs, and watch the races we put on, please know we are doing the same. And we love it! Race season is really our favorite time of year.  Everyday brings an opportunity to learn something new about racing and bring it to the people of the world. That in and of itself is something that is almost beyond comprehension.  The scope of what we do reaches around the world.  The broadcast that we put together for you, the fan, is our impact, our voice to literally the world.  But for us, it gets even deeper.  For every weekend that you turn on your tv and tune into us bringing you all that we can, you are bringing us into your lives.  To be able to bring you your escape, to be a part of what you look forward to, is something spectacular.  It's why we work as hard as we do.  It's why, even in the off season, we are working and thinking about how to improve it.  Every race weekend, you can guarantee we are going to be there before you get to the track, and we'll be there after you leave.  We'll work long hours.  We'll spend days in airports and hotels all season long.  We'll spend time away from our friends and family.  All the while never losing focus that we can't do any of this without you, the fan.  You are why we do this.  Every race weekend, when you turn on your TV, you are choosing to watch us, because you have come to expect a level of coverage, a level of dedication, and to bottom line it, a level of passion.  We share your passion.  We share your excitement.  The highs and lows of each season, each race, each second we are on air, we share with you.  You have chosen to watch us, and every race weekend we strive to re-affirm this choice that you made.  To us, it's not just another sport on TV.  To us, this is something we are lucky to be a part of, and even luckier to bring it to people around our country and around the world. So thank you.  You do your part, and you can guarantee we're going to do ours.  Thank you.

VersusIndyCar

Less than 10 Questions with Terry Lingner

Thanks to the people over at Delta Wing, this morning and early afternoon have seen a litany of postings as to what the car is going to actually look like.  There is no doubt, that once the red veil is lifted, the scene of American Open Wheel Racing is going to change.  Even if the design is not accepted, it will be out there, and like it or not, it is a form of progress.

That being said, I have the first installment of the hopefully long running, Less than 10 questions series.  Today, I take you inside the mind our race producer, Terry Lingner.  Now for those of you wanting to know how much more drivel you have to read through before you can get to the questions, there isn't much.  I promise.

I would like to give a bit of background on Terry before you read these questions.  Terry has been producing sports and television since before I was born.  He has produced numerous racing events and series including the IZOD IndyCar series, Formula One, ALMS, Grand Am, 24 Hours of Le mans, and so on.  He has also produced the Great Outdoor Games and even some auto auctions such as Barrett Jackson and Mecum.  On top of his producing credentials, he has also driven as a race driver in several events including the 24 Houres du Mans and the Rolex 24 Hours.  And now, the questions.

1. What are three things most people don't know about producing a race?

     1.The producer is the coach, but he calls the plays to the director who serves as the                           quarterback.

     2. The producer listens to as many as 12 to 15 people in his headset.

     3. It's not the announcer's fault...The direction is given to them from the truck.

2. You've actually raced before, what is the most difficult thing about racing to portray to the people at home?

     -Really showing the skill.  If I'm producing hoops and Kobe hangs in mid air and slams from the free throw line, you can clearly see that he is the best.  Trying to convince the viewer that Scott Dixon is "better' than another driver is difficult.  Skill and experience is paramount!  Most times, it was not the cars fault, they were outraced.

3. What is the most difficult part of your job?

     -Going to commercial.  We LOVE our sponsors, but out sport never stops.  Also, sleep is                  generally overrated.

4. What's a story to be looking out for this year?

     -Can Andretti Autosport really jump back in the ring?  Long live IZOD! Let the stars shine!

5. What do you think is the key to a successful future for American Open Wheel Racing?

     -IZOD's help which is stimulating activation, and having Danica as our champion wouldn't                hurt either.

6. If I weren't producing races I would be _________.

     - In advertising or on Broadway.

7. If a fan can take one thing away from my broadcast it would be _________.

     - Wanting them to wish they were at the race.

8. The one thing missing from the IZOD IndyCar Series is _________.

     - A creative all-star event/happening.

9. If I'm not thinking/dreaming/involved in racing, I'm _________.

     - Creating and networking.  Ready, Fire, Aim!

Thanks for reading.  

VersusIndyCar

Hello and Welcome

Hello racing fans and anyone who somehow stumbled upon this page! As my need to give back to the people more than the truncated 140 character status updates on twitter, I have created this blog. Don't worry, I will try to keep everything as brief as possible. With that being said, I shall now commence with this first, and may I say, fantastic post.

The IZOD IndyCar season is a mere 32 days away from roaring into Brasil, and I know most people couldn't be more excited. The only issue is, it's 32 days away. But don't sweat it, I am going to have some more supplemental coverage, and be bringing you a behind the scenes look as we on the Versus crew gear up for the season, and as we go through another season on the circuit. Now at this point, if you have been following a certain VersusIndyCar on twitter, you might notice the same tone and inflection coming across in the writing. And yes, this is because I am doing both. And yes, it's because I love you, the fans.

Now you might be wondering, what kind of supplemental coverage am I in for? Just how behind the scenes are you going to take me? Well, for the first piece I will be posting will be an interview with none other than our race producer Terry Lingner! Now that's been said, I'll let you get back to your activities.

VersusIndycar