How far off were the two sides on negotiations, and was the city of Indianapolis willing to offer assistance to bring it back here.
GEORGE: There was no discussion to what financial contributions the city of Indianapolis might bring to the relationship. Clearly it’s a business decision, one that we have to consider as an event, and one Bernie has to consider as part of their business and opportunity. Money is a factor. It’s not the only factor, and it has some bearing on the decision. There are a number of things that I believe need to happen for it to be viable. It’s a business opportunity. One, the promoter, in this case Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Formula One, has to provide leadership and a working relationship that includes a national broadcast partner, a title sponsor that will actively embrace and support the event, along with a number of other things. Those are important things that really have been lacking. It’s not to say our relationship with Formula One hasn’t been good, because it has. Bernie, personally, has been good to work with. In fact, I’m sure it will be a surprise to many, based on the reputation many consider him to have, he’s a good guy to work with. I believe he’s always been straight-forward and honest with me. I respect him and his decision to do what he has to do for Formula One as a whole.
The manufacturers, Honda, Mercedes, Toyota, they really value being in the United States. It seems like – (Autosport Formula One writer) Nigel Roebuck and the boys were hopeful he (Ecclestone) would want to be your partner in this race. Was there any kind of discussion that maybe he would partner with you in this?
GEORGE: There was some discussion about that, yes, in the end it’s not what he was wanting to do and not the way we’d prefer to do this, but there was discussion about that. I think the manufacturers are another key element to achieving success. There are, I think, six engine manufacturers, five of which the United States is fairly important to their business. It’s just a matter of all the elements coming together and being able to support and sustain an event here. In the United States, Formula One is not perceived the same way it is around the world, in central Europe, eastern Europe and Asia, and its just a tough dynamic. But I think the future will depend on recognizing the fact that the United States is a bit different, and we’re going to have to figure out how to make it work.
Tony, you have worked so hard and invested so much in this facility to bring Formula One here. How disappointed are you personally?
GEORGE: Obviously, I am personally disappointed. Eight years ago, it was our intent to host this event on an annual basis. While I still hold hope for the future that we’ll be able to bring it back, its tough to have a hiatus like this, and I view it as such. I’m going to continue to work on this to try to bring it back to the best of my ability as soon as possible.
