The problem lies in the fact that the standards change from year to year. It was these changes that killed Argentina, and almost Brazil. So a track that was certified as of 2005 could lapse as soon as the FIA inspectors come to town. The Brazillians and Argentinians complained about this to no end.
Lolaman: After F1 snubbed him, he approached CART and then after that, formed ALMS, probably to build equity into his race track holdings (Sebring, Road Atlanta and Mosport) <very big grin> why do you say "very big grin"?
A couple years ago I would have agreed. But Vegas has essentially admitted that its attempt at becoming a family destination didn't work out so well. That's why every other commercial on TV is some stupid version of "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...".
I think Turkey was around 200M$ to build. With union labor and village inspectors US track will be about half-billion $. With Bernie's fees eating almost all profits from the race, there is no economical sense to build a track. Unless you want a landmark and tourist attraction - there you need government to pick a tab. Whats more important for government - tourism or closing borders to be safe from terrorist ?
I AGREE WITH THAT! I can see this happening. It has been talked about for a couple of years now. If Vegas can hold a large convention like SEMA, I'm sure they are looking @ the possibility of bringing F1 to the Strip. Maybe they can set it up to be around the same time as SEMA. Men Love Cars. Men Love Vegas. Bring It On Baby!
They should just go nuts and have "Super-Gonzo Race Weekend" where they host SEMA, NASCAR and F1 at the same time! I'd go.
Monaco is a far more interesting race than the new sanatised circuits popping up on the F1 calender. Another street circuit ? Vegas ? bring it on !
Vegas & F1 seem a perfect fit to me. They are both about $$$, competition, glamour, parties, etc Vegas has its own track now so they can do it there. Better be careful which month though so the drivers dont die of overheating
I like the idea of Vegas for a lot of the same reasons as the rest of you. I don't like Indy but it is close to Nashville.
Same here. I can drive to Indy, which makes it easy, conveniant and cheap. I have to fly to Vegas and Indy has a real automotive heritage. BUT: A Vegas GP would be so much more fun with all the stuff one can do in town there. It'd be a total different ballgame, a fun vacation as opposed to a petrolhead weekend.
I kinda like this idea, actually, I LOVE this idea! This makes LV so much cooler and it gives me an excuse to go back. You have to admit, it would be really cool i fthey did it right, just think of the sound bouncing of those BILLION-$ hotels/casinos.
If done properly it would be immensely cool. Also I can imagine being in my hotel room looking straight down onto the track. Visions of Monaco come to mind.
They would definately have to move it to an earier or a later date. The middle of the summer in Lost Wages would be hell on everything. I wouldn't be able to enjoy it in 120 degree heat and I used to live in the desert wasteland (2.5 hours from Vegas). If they move it up, atleast it would be in the 80's and easier to manage. It is only a 1 hour flight. I would drive the 8 hours to go to Vegas.
Which brings me a question, how would you sell tickets exactly? Who do you charge for the race? Also, I think the idea of racing in Vegas would be a huge win for the view of sponsors and automakers of the cars, series and all that stuff.
Thinking of Monaco and Vegas, I would what other cities would be amazing experiences for a street race (not that would happen, but just to think about). Hong Kong would look awesome, but I'm not sure the streets would be good enough.
I have heard it said that 2/3 of the U.S. population lives within 500 miles of Indy. You can fly into Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Cincy, or Indy. How can Vegas compete with that for a showcase location? IMO, Bernie should be offering big subsidies and kissing Tony's butt big time to get the race back to Indy, if anyone cares. We will see in a few months.
If a street circuit is desired, then Vegas may be the only city without a NIMBY. DC tried for a 4 day event with Le Mans style cars a few years ago and terminated the contract after one weekend because of a handful of noise complaints from the residents. Most urban centers would likely suffer the same fate. If Indy isn't good enough with several million open wheel fans near the facility, then it will be a rough road to convince othes that a new investment of a couple of hundred million will be raised from private funds unless the event could become it's own happining apart from an F! race.
IF the race were to be on a street course, then I would expect it to be on and in the vicinity of the Strip. Since that road already has musical fountains, cannon-firing pirate battles, and exploding volcanoes, not to mention a fireworks show whenever there is an excuse, I don't imagine there are many noise restrictions there. But IMO, if the race were to come to Vegas, I believe it's more likely to be at the Motor Speedway. I understand that the massive re-construction project starting there this spring will include a vastly upgraded and lengthened (inner) road course. And present seating is 141K (not sure if any is to be added), so it could surely accomodate.
In all fairness to Indy, it's not a bad host city, really. Sure, the track sucks. But there are quite a few nice bars and restaurants in town, plus a couple of fun areas to go out and party outside of the immediate downtown area. Being a smaller big city, Indy always wraps its collective self around whatever major event happens to be in town. What makes Vegas such a fun prospect is all the elements of the city that are non F1-related. All the stuff you can do on any other weekend out there. It would be nice to have another excuse to go to Vegas. But is that really necessary?
An F1 race in Vegas is a perfect idea from an American's stand point. I say this because F1 isn't that popular in the US. Vegas can give those who are curious about F1 an excuse to go have fun for a weekend. Some of you may totally disagree with me but I dont think Indy could reach 10% of the possible fun Vegas could offer. Indy has tradition and thats it IMO. Indy cant compete with the restaurants, hotels, transportation, shows and it the list goes on and on. Its like comparing city of Indianapolis to Las Vegas, oops we are!
IMO one street circuit in the F1 calendar is more than enough for me. Monaco along with Spa and Suzuka are the best tracks to evaluate a driver's skill. But Monaco race day is one of the most boring race days in the entire season - all the passing happens in the pits - there is nowhere to overtake. By contrast, Monaco qualifying is perhaps the best to watch. Watching the races on other street circuits like Surfer's Paradise, etc bores me to tears. So I give the prospect of racing at Vegas a solid thumbs down. Unfortunately the F1 cars are too fast - otherwise Laguna Seca or Watkins Glen or so many other tracks would have been a good alternative to this.
I think at least 50% of the fans at Indy are local fans (within 500 mile radius), and the turnout this year will be pathetic. Nobody I know has expressed any interest in the race this year. I think very few took up Michelin's generous offer for free crappy tickets if they renewed their subscribed seating. Everyone is making other plans, so the powers that be might as well be looking for another site. They crapped all over this one. The race is a real stinker now. Here is what the local FCA chapter is saying.... "The Gathering on the Circle We had an excellent turnout last year! [bold]Because of the F-1 situation this may be our last.[bold] ..." I am just gonna go race my own car somewhere that weekend.
