Do you have a timetable for when you will sit down to talk about future events here?
GEORGE: No, no timetable at all. We have some time to give it the proper reflection, and I hope to be able to go to another event this year and continue the dialogue between now and the end of the season. Not having the pressure and letting everyone know what the status is now will probably, if anything, help the process along.
Any chance this could be back by 2009, or is that too early to expect?
GEORGE: As I sit here today announcing it won’t be back in 2008, that would be my hope. But I think it would be premature to say that, having not had the conversations that need to be take place that it would even be possible in 2009.
Would there ever be a scenario where you’d go to the city to talk to them about paying part of the sanctioning fee?
GEORGE: I don’t think so. I think the city is willing to consider how they can help the Motor Speedway continue to attract events like Formula One to Indianapolis, and again that may be part of the due diligence as we pursue, as a necessary step in bringing Formula One back. But direct financial contributions, I don’t see that at all. It was interesting, having been involved in the Super Bowl bid process a little bit to see that dynamic, and while it’s not all about money, money is a factor. Right now, there are a lot of countries and organizers that want Formula One in a bad way, and as bad as I want it, it has to be a prudent business decision. And as it does, it has to be a business consideration for Formula One. There is no animosity, and certainly I believe a willingness on both sides to begin a dialogue to see if and when we can bring it back.
Just to clarify, has the city ever approached you about assisting financially, or have you approached the city?
GEORGE: No. To clarify, no.
The motorcycle GP race, is that something that can economically offset the loss of economic impact not having Formula One here?
GEORGE: I don’t know. I know, as much as having Formula One has meant to the economic success of this city, I think if we have a motorcycle race, it will substantially be perceived as an international event that bring a diverse audience to this city that it has never seen before. They’re considered separately by us; internally, I never considered that a motorcycle race would take the place of Formula One in the event Formula One never came back to the Speedway. Obviously, if we have a motorcycle race, it’s because we considered it independently and as a fourth event, not a replacement event. Should that come to be, it will be a great opportunity for the city, a city that can pride itself on world-class motor sports events.
