Long Beach and 'e' letdown
by RaceCarTraveler on 4/5/16Long Beach ePrix - Long BeachIt takes two to disappoint. Formula e still has a long way to go to generate a solid wow factor. It is well positioned to sort through the good and bad of other race series and make itself accessible. A one day event seems to be a less than optimal compromise. I traveled to Long Beach both years and took my older kids and their spouses. Then I would fly back out for the Long Beach Grand Prix. I seriously doubt I will be doing that anymore. A one day event is TV and then productive things to do at home with the thousands of dollars saved. Purchasing a Paddock walk access for everyone was again anticlimactic. These seems to be no soul or graspable identity established as yet. So in the interim you become a fan because it's an obligation to the future and less for the package itself. While it is held in a very visitor friendly location within the city, it still isn't a twice a year choice. A note to the track facility providers... These events are a partnership.. The race organizers are supposed to provide a high level, high energy international reach product... the track should be capable of showcasing that.. It seemed there were fewer in track screens than previously, and sitting across from the pits watching pixelation and a blue "no signal" through the majority of the race was complete unacceptable. The announcers calling for people to watch the replay on screen was comical until it became a groundswell frustration from chafed attendees. Please do not let this happen to the Grand Prix April 15-17 (a 3 day event with something for everyone). I want Formula E to succeed, and I doubt that Long Beach did much damage, but realistically it did do some, and that should be a concern.