USGP Going Green for ‘07
Written by Allan Brewer · August 17, 2006
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Photo: Allan Brewer
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Formula 1 Returns to Indianapolis in 2007
June 17th renewal of sole U.S. stop confirmed
Overcoming the dismal result of 2005, the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis looks set to continue…for now.
Tony George, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone have come to an agreement on a one-year contract to bring Formula One racing back to the Brickyard next June 17th.
“It was important for us to reach an agreement quickly so we can begin notifying fans that Formula One will again be racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007,” said Joie Chitwood, IMS President and over-seer of everyday operations at the facility.
Fans of the sleek, hyper-speedy open-wheel racers will receive ticket-buying information for next year’s race soon, according to Chitwood, who went on to elaborate on the Speedway’s desire to continue its relationship with F1. “Though this contract is for only one year, it is still our goal to make the Speedway the longtime home of the United States Grand Prix.”
He also allayed anxiety among fans whose ticket priority is linked to past purchases by adding “Our immediate focus, however, is making sure IMS sets the stage for creating a world-class sporting event. The first step in doing that is beginning the process to sell tickets. We will announce that process soon, making sure that our ticket account holders get the opportunity to renew their seats first.”
The Speedway did not include a ticket-renewal form in the mailing earlier this year to subscribers of paid reserved seats to the event, sparking debate about whether another USGP would be run at the legendary track just a mile or two west of downtown Indianapolis.
Controversy swirled around the race fourteen months ago when Michelin tire failures caused all but three teams to retire from the race on the parade lap. The incident left the Speedway and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone at odds over the event’s future despite its tremendous positive impact on the local economy.
Earlier, in an article in the Indianapolis Star, George cited the impending expiration of the Concorde Agreement as the reason for the short term of renewal with F1.
The 2007 race date is subject to final approval by the FIA, which is the sanctioning body for Formula One.
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Allan? what’s your read on a one year contract. I smell something, but exactly what, I am not sure.
Hi Peter!
I smell the lame-duck Concorde Agreement, same as Tony George.
I also get a whiff of some of Bernie’s flesh–in particular, not wanting to handcuff themselves to Ecclestone going into the “new CA” negotiations. There’s no leverage for IMS if Bernie finds himself seriously on the outs with the teams and the Speedway has signed a long-term contract with him.
Sorry, Bernie. It’s business. Surely YOU would understand!
LOL!