Ecclestone blamed for U.S. doubts

[Dare]

 

 
 

 
 

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's financial demands are being blamed for putting the future of the United States Grand Prix at risk.

Ecclestone and Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief Tony George twice met during the recent event to discuss a new contract to continue the race at the legendary venue.
The original deal that brought the grand prix back to America in 2000 expired in 2006, when a one-year extension was signed.

With that contract now up, IMS CEO George wants a long-term deal, with a deadline looming of July 12 by which time all parties have to agree.

Veteran racer Al Unser Snr, one of only three men to have won the Indy 500 four times, believes Formula One has a future at the track.

But the two-time CART champion fears money is an issue, telling PA Sport: "Basically, that's what it comes down to.

"The purses asked for are pretty high, so how do you find sponsors to capture that kind of money?

"It is the reason why Formula One moved from Long Beach, Watkins Glen and Detroit, among others. They all talked about the money. They couldn't afford it.

"Other than that, I feel the US loves it. I don't think in any way they feel it is bad racing. It's good racing.

"But if the organisers can't afford it then it makes it difficult to host."


The 68-year-old is a Formula One fan, and is hoping America has not seen the last of the sport for some time to come.

"I think it has a future at Indy," assessed Unser Snr.

"It draws a good crowd, so I hope it stays. The racing fraternity should enjoy all types of racing, whether it is F1, drag, stock cars or IndyCars.

"I hope it comes back to the US and stays. I would like to see it grow, I really would."

 

[johnbull]

Indy in F1 has historically produced good racing - apart from when Ferrari ran on their own, and even that nearly became exciting when they almost self anihilated.

So what's up with Bernie? Simple. Bernie only sees dollars and not what's good for us spectators.  If China gives him more dollars then bugger the States, UK, France or anywhere for that matter.

Never mind the racing, go for the dollars. I hope he takes them all with him.

Visions of Bernie at the pearly gates quibbling with St. Peter about how much they'll pay him to have a Heaven GP.

[cosworth151]

How many events be called a failure because they "only" pulled in 110,000+ people?

[Steven Roy]

It is typical Bernie.  Forget the racing, the history, his previous desperation to get a race in America the only thing that matters to him is the bottom line.  Shame the whole sport is run on what is best for one man's bank account.

I read over the race weekend that Bernie told Tony George that he should put up ticket prices to pay the race fee.  It was always going to be difficult to make a race work at Indy but throw in the poor track layout, the six car nonesense and the lack of a front running American driver and you have to keep the prices down to attract a big crowd.  Surely it would make more sense to do a 3 year deal at the current fee and during that time arrange for Marco Andretti to get into a decent car - definitely not Honda.  One good race from him and then hike the fee.

[johnbull]

Yes Steven I see your point, but you're talking 3 years, and how many "3 years" has Bernie got left.

Like we both agreed, he only sees $$$$. Instant $$$$$$$$$$.

[Number 38]

Bernie negotiating for a "Heaven GP"?????  I think it would be more like St. Pete negotiating Bernie's ticket price !!! Sorry Bernie there's only one seat left in the skybox and MadMax Mosley has it reserved!!!
 

[cosworth151]

St. Peter: "I'm sorry, Mr. Ecclestone. There seems to be some issue with your Paddock Club pass. Would you please wait over here in this handbasket?"

[Chameleon]

Bernie:  "Whaddaya mean, there's a problem with my pass.  I demand to see the big boss immediately!  And, if you don't jump to it, you'll be in deep trouble - he's an old friend of mine."

St Peter:  "Oh yeah?  What's his first name then?"

Bernie:  "Max."

 

[cosworth151]

Tony George has just told Autoweek that the chance of a 2008 USGP at Indy is "a coin toss."
He will wait until the 12th to decide if he wants to sign a new deal.

Bernie the Bad was in Las Vegas over the week-end. He most likely thought he was getting a "two-fer" out of that: a slap at the French Grand Prix and a dig at Indy. He supposedly met with Steve Wynn about an F1 race in Vegas. Wynn recently cut a multi-year deal with Champ Car. I'm sure he doesn't rally care who's cars are running around his casinos. I'll bet Champ Car gave him a better deal.

As for this American F1 fan: If it goes to Vegas, my string of going to every USGP will come to a swift end!

[Steven Roy]

If Bernie is so keen on racing in the states why doesn't he just buy Laguna Seca or Elkhart Lake and upgrade it.  That way he controls everything and F1 has a proper circuit to show itself on.