Molson Indy's Bob
Singleton's letter to Canadian fans
March 24, 2004
Bob Singleton is the Vice President and General
Manager of the Molson Indy events in Toronto and Vancouver.
A letter from Bob Singleton to Molson Indy race fans
Dear Molson Indy Fans –
It's been a challenging year for open wheel racing... from the OWRS buy-out at
the end of last year, to the Indianapolis courtroom in January, to the massive
task of compiling teams and drivers, in a very short period of time I might add,
to put together a competitive field of quality drivers for the 2004 race season…
well let’s just say it’s been quite a ride!
I feel it’s important for our fans to know that the Molson Indy is in full
support of Champ Car. I have been working very closely with Paul Gentilozzi and
Kevin Kalkhoven and I am confident that these guys have developed a smart
business plan for the future of the Champ Car World Series.
I will also tell you that my team here at the Molson Indy, including myself,
have been “ear to the ground” with not only the Champ Car staff, but with the
race teams and drivers themselves, regarding the driver and team line-up for the
2004 season. We hear that as of today, there is a full grid for the Long Beach
race event on April 18 – which includes our three Canadian drivers - and this is
terrific news.
I spoke with Paul Tracy a few days ago, and he told me that he feels like he'll
have the best on-track competition that he's had in Champ Car in years... so
stay tuned over the next few days for exciting driver announcements!
We want to get back to competitive on-track racing again. We want the best
drivers on the best tracks to wow our fans. We have always said that the Molson
Indy events in Canada are ‘more than a race’ because we have such an amazing
festival atmosphere at the track over the three days – in fact all week long in
Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. We create events that really put our cities on
the world map – and we’re proud of that.
I realize that there have been concerns from our fans regarding the IRL, and
whether we would ever look at running that series in our cities. Again, I will
tell you that at this time, we are committed to the Champ Car World Series.
I will be attending the Grand Prix of Long Beach in April, not only to show my
continued support to Champ Car, but because I want to see first-hand the field
of drivers and monitor how the on-track action unfolds. I want see how the
international and Canadian media reports back on the event - and I want to see
the fan reaction to the new Champ Car. I promise to report back to you upon my
return.
As I mentioned above, there will be several announcements regarding drivers and
teams over the next few days. My team will get that information out to you hot
off the press. So I ask you to stay positive. Watch the first race of the season
on April 18 – it will be on TSN in Canada. Check your TV guide for the correct
time.
We are lucky in Canada to have truly dedicated race fans and it just amazes me
every year when I look up into the stands just as the green flag is dropping to
see 170,000 of you standing on your feet cheering at the top of your lungs!
For our fans in 2004, we have a new event – something for the whole family!
We’ll announce it officially soon – but I’ll tell you a bit about it now. We’re
calling it the ‘Molson Indy Fan Festival’ and we are quite exited by this! It’s
a free event which takes place race week, where fans will have access to their
favourite drivers. We need to grow new fans so we want you to bring your kids!
It will feature autograph sessions, race car displays, question and answer
sessions with the drivers, music and great prizes - plus a wide variety of
exhibits, vendors, new product displays, interactive games, and merchandise.
(The Molson Indy Fan Festival will take place in Toronto, in MotorFest at the
National Trade Centre on Thursday, July 8 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and in
Vancouver at the Plaza of Nations on Thursday, July 22 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
More details to follow soon.)
As you know by now, we have held ticket prices for 2004 at the 2003 retail price
– and in order to get ideal seats I would encourage you to call in soon.
Remember that a grandstand ticket is good for all three days at the Molson Indy
and there will be lots to see and do both on and off the track from 8:00 am
right through to sunset! Be sure to keep an eye on www.molsonindy.com for
updates on race week events plus the three-day schedule of events at the track.
Again, a big thank you to our dedicated fans for hanging in there! As I said, I
will follow up with you regarding the Long Beach race – and with any luck, Paul
Tracy will kick-start the season with a win for Canada! My fingers will be
crossed in his direction anyhow!
Sincerely,
Bob Singleton
Vice President and General Manager
Molson Indy Racing / Molson Sports & Entertainment
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