INDIANAPOLIS — If you've been watching ESPN lately, you might have noticed promos for the upcoming Formula 1 season set to begin March 2.
What you also may have noticed in those promos is the use of the phrase "greatest spectacle in motorsports."
If you're familiar with the Indianapolis 500, then you probably know the race is considered the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," and IMS has been using that phrase for decades to describe the race.
F1's use of the phrase has drawn the ire of Indianapolis Motor Speedway management, as well as fans. Hulman and Company first trademarked the phrase back in 1986 and has continued to renew the trademark ever since.
Last year during the Miami and Las Vegas Grands Prix, Formula 1 used different wordings of the phrase during marketing promotions. The promos called the then upcoming grands prix as "the greatest racing spectacle" or "the greatest spectacle in motorsports."
IMS management appeared to address the issue with Liberty Media, the owners of Formula 1, and it looked like the two sides had come to agreement that would see F1 avoid using similar phrases.
However, users on social media have pointed out that Formula 1 still appears to be using variations of the phrase in its promotions. While IMS management has not yet taken legal action, many fans seem to believe F1 is pushing the envelope with their phrasing.
IMS has not spoken publicly on the situation.
