I think it is time to bring back chariot racing.
No politics, no political statements: just chariot racing. I’m sure we can get a TV deal, and not just on ESPN 8, “The Ocho”. Given a choice between televised chariot racing and televised cornhole, what do you think people are going to watch?
Would you be able to put spikes and blades on the wheels?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frE9rXnaHpE
I feel like it is chariot racing, not gladiatorial combat, so my preliminary answer is “no”.
But if the ratings aren’t good, I could be talked into reconsidering my position.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_chariot_racing
Even defeats the “THINK OF THE HORSIES!” naysayers.
EXXXTREEEME sports version would have vehicular and rider weapons, and optional team events (2-on-2 sidecar matches, Road Warrior board’n’storm/defense missions, and so on…)
Could also reference the George Romero flick Knightriders, for a more refined and civilised brutailityooops I meant honorable combat. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082622/
(Why yes, I did play Car Wars for years, why do you ask?)
The Circus Maximus still exists. Looks like they use it for outdoor concerts.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.8859,12.4857&q=41.8859,12.4857&hl=en&t=h&z=15
Oooooooh, this gives me an idea.
They haven’t torn down the Astrodome yet, have they?
Mmmm. Motorcycles. It’s probably easier to put sponsorships on a motorcycle than a horse, too. I don’t think stickers stick very well to horses.
I remember “Knightriders” when it came out, and thinking at the time it was my jam, but I haven’t actually seen it to this day. Apparently there’s a blu-ray of it, even.
Lawrence?
Speaking of Lawrence, I never played “Car Wars” but I was passingly familiar with it and with SJ Games. Pretty much all of my gaming was with him, but Lawrence was an “Ogre” fan, and not so much a “Car Wars” one. (Though I do think I picked up a few “Car Wars” books at some point.)
Never really played Car Wars. There a fancy Kickstarter-backed edition of it coming out soon.
Personally, skip the chariot races and go straight to Rollerball.
Sidecarcross.