25 replies to this topic

[MattFoster]

So WTCC has dropped Macau from their calendar next year.  That is kind of like if Indycar dropped the Indy 500.  What were they thinking????

[OvDrone]

Nothing, apparently.

 

The FIA's calendars for next year, are all a joke.

Edited by OvDrone, 04 December 2014 - 01:06.

[BullHead]

Yeah, I thought the Macau finale was the untouchable fixture for the 2005 onwards WTCC. Presumably the Guia race of Macau for touring cars will continue as it always did before being WTCC. Seems a dumb idea removing a jewel from the championship, like if F1 dropped Monaco. And for Qatar FFS. Money > sport. again.

[OvDrone]

The famous Triple Crown of Motorsport: the Baku 500, the Abu Dhabi Double Grand Prix and the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

[Disgrace]

There's seems to be a complete media blackout as to the reasons, not just for dropping Macau from the finale spot, but from the calendar entirely. TouringCarTimes published these very rumours several months ago, again with no explanation as to why, despite the fact that they've been proven correct.

[BullHead]

The commentary of this years races mentioned a few times that it might be the last. I had heard the rumours, but thought nah, they wouldn't do it. Yeah, I mean why? Ok, not the finale, ok, Qatar in on the calendar, but totally dropping Macau? I wonder what Macau thinks of this.

[ronsingapore]

I am not really surprised by this news, i have been following economic developments in Macau recently; there has been a very significant slowdown in economic activity in Macau; nearly 90% or more of its economy is directly in the mega-casinos there, which have derived most of its earnings from wealthy Mainland Chinese tycoons whom love to gamble baccarat. Unlike Las Vegas, which draws tourists from geographically diversified areas outside continental US and also has tourism and other economic activities other than gambling, Macau's fortunes come from Chinese gambling are directly tied to events in Mainland china. 

 

However, there has been a very serious ant-graft crackdown in mainland China, on both private sector businessmen and officials. Several high-ranking officials in levels and positions that were previously thought to be untouchable have been investigated and removed. Display of wealth and luxury by both businessmen and officials are now taboo and this includes making trips to Macau; plus there are rumours that the current top leadership (that strongly disapprove excess display of wealth) is making a visit to Macau; that is like having a traditional and conservative father crashing and hanging-out at a young people's party. Anybody there of power and influence is trying to stay out of sight.

[MattFoster]

It definitely has been the jewel in the crown of the WTCC, I can't believe that Qatar would be a better finale than racing on the Guia circuit. 

[Peter0Scandlyn]

I am not really surprised by this news, i have been following economic developments in Macau recently; there has been a very significant slowdown in economic activity in Macau; nearly 90% or more of its economy is directly in the mega-casinos there, which have derived most of its earnings from wealthy Mainland Chinese tycoons whom love to gamble baccarat. Unlike Las Vegas, which draws tourists from geographically diversified areas outside continental US and also has tourism and other economic activities other than gambling, Macau's fortunes come from Chinese gambling are directly tied to events in Mainland china. 

 

However, there has been a very serious ant-graft crackdown in mainland China, on both private sector businessmen and officials. Several high-ranking officials in levels and positions that were previously thought to be untouchable have been investigated and removed. Display of wealth and luxury by both businessmen and officials are now taboo and this includes making trips to Macau; plus there are rumours that the current top leadership (that strongly disapprove excess display of wealth) is making a visit to Macau; that is like having a traditional and conservative father crashing and hanging-out at a young people's party. Anybody there of power and influence is trying to stay out of sight.

 

Don't think motor sport raised it's head anywhere in that party political broadcast. 

[ronsingapore]

Don't think motor sport raised it's head anywhere in that party political broadcast. 

 

It's not really about motorsports but about any event that signifies wealth and excess to the mainland Chinese public. B

 

But the biggest problem with my own theory is that F3 is still there!

[August]

I've read a new TC3 series, organized by the former WTCC promoter, was going to replace the WTCC at Macau. So it's not as if the WTCC wanted to get rid of it.

But still unfortunate. I doubt the TC3 series will even be a big thing, would've rather seen Macau in the WTCC. And the WTCC loses a big part of its identity with the Macau race, even though Nordschleife will bring some character to the series.

[MattFoster]

The Nordschleife round will become the new season highlight for WTCC but it is a shame Macau got rid of them as it was always good racing there from the WTCC guys and gals. 

[Myrvold]

I doubt the TC3 series will even be a big thing,

Well, STCC-team WestCoast are going to run 3 Hondas, Engstler will run some VW's, and the budget is supposed to be 1/6 of WTCC, even cheaper than STCC which is supposed to be the cheapest out there. I believe TC3 can do something!

[SB]

Selfishly speaking, as a "local" I am sorry about WTCC not visiting Macau again however not feeling too sad about it.

 

Before the arrival of WTCC, the premier touring car race in the Macau weekend (Guia) was one single race for about 25-30 laps. I prefer the such format which put a bigger test on both cars' and drivers' endurance and skills (like overtaking lapped cars) . So hopefully the dropping of WTCC could bring the old race format back. 

[Jimisgod]

Hmmm why? Why would you lose that world class event? Are they going to race on some more 3rd rate national circuits and one junk off street tracks.

[LuckyStrike1]

Could have quite a lot to do with the new TC3 International series adding Macau to their calendar previously. Took it away so to speak from WTCC. 

[Peat]

I can't see the team members being too happy about this. Macau is the traditional end of season hooker and booze-fest which they all look forward too. 

I can't imagine applying for a liquor-license so that they can have a few extortionate drinks in their Doha Hotel bar has the same panache. 

[TheRacingElf]

What I have heard is that WTCC just lost it's slot on the Macau GP schedule, combined with the reports of the TC3 class taking over it looks to me the organisers weren't that keen on WTCC anymore. Would also explain why we don't hear any explanation why Macau isn't on the calender anymore because that would be just bad publicity.

[KWSN - DSM]

Shame for WTCC and Macau.... for rest of us show that not just F1 powers / decision makers who make stupid decisions.

 

[Fastcake]

There's seems to be a complete media blackout as to the reasons, not just for dropping Macau from the finale spot, but from the calendar entirely. TouringCarTimes published these very rumours several months ago, again with no explanation as to why, despite the fact that they've been proven correct.

Sometimes, there just isn't any logical explanation.

[JHSingo]

To be honest, WTCC has been a bit of a lame duck for several years now.

 

This TC3 thing could be quite interesting if it works. If it is anywhere near as successful as GT3 has been for GT racing, then I personally would say it's a good move. But unfortunately, details on TC3 have been very scarce so far, and a time is a ticking...

[BRG]

I for one won't miss Macau.  If I wanted to see a destruction derby, there are plenty held here in the UK.

 

Bring on the Nordschliefe - a proper challenge, not a joke track.

[KWSN - DSM]

I for one won't miss Macau.  If I wanted to see a destruction derby, there are plenty held here in the UK.

 

Bring on the Nordschliefe - a proper challenge, not a joke track.

 

And Quatar?

 

[BRG]

And Quatar?

 

They have to go somewhere else apart from the Nordschliefe.  Better Qatar than some other daft street circuit like Baku or Marrakech.  And it will be educational for the Qataris to see small FWD hatchbacks - after all, they are all under the impression that the only cars are £100k+ 200mph hypercars.

Edited by BRG, 04 December 2014 - 19:14.

[KWSN - DSM]

They have to go somewhere else apart from the Nordschliefe.  Better Qatar than some other daft street circuit like Baku or Marrakech.  And it will be educational for the Qataris to see small FWD hatchbacks - after all, they are all under the impression that the only cars are £100k+ 200mph hypercars.

 

I doubt there will be a lot of Quataris spectating.

 

[BRG]

I doubt there will be a lot of Quataris spectating.

 

It seems there are only 278,000 Qatari citizens, which is not much more than a good Silverstone crowd.  So if a few thousands do pitch up, it will be 'a lot of Qataris' statistically!