INDIANAPOLIS, June 20 (UPI) -- The safety debacle at the U.S. Grand Prix that led to 14 of the 20 contenders dropping out has clouded the future of Formula One racing at Indianapolis.
The French tire manufacturer Michelin and Formula One's governing body blamed each other for the rump race, the Indianapolis Star reported. The drivers using Michelin tires all dropped out of the race after two drivers had tires come apart during preliminary heats, and Formula One refused to install a speed barrier.
The race, with only six cars, angered fans, drivers and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials. The Speedway posted a notice on its Web site urging race goers to contact Formula One and Michelin, and Speedway CEO Tony George refused to end the race by waving the checkered flag.
Michael Schumacher's 84th Formula One and fourth U.S. Grand Prix victory appeared hollow. He simply put the trophy down and did not open a bottle of champagne to spray bystanders.
Formula One has been losing ground in the United States to NASCAR. Attendance has dropped, and many of the fans at Sunday's race have pledged not to return.
