First Vegas GP a Home Run

A press conference was held after today's inaugural GP where Champ Car President Steve Johnson, Vegas GP owners Dale Jensen and Brad Yonover, Vegas GP President Jim Freudenberg and circuit manager Chris Kneifel assembled to discuss the outcome of the race. To a man each of them said they were thoroughly pleased.

Dale Jensen said "The race was over the top. It exceeded my expectations in every way." He added, "This is the worst Vegas GP there will ever be," meaning it will only get better from here.

Jim Freudenberg said that when he was first presented with the idea we were told by people in the city that "you will never get it done (approved). That's the wrong thing to say to the three of us."

He had many complimentary things to say about Chris Kneifel. "Chris Kneifel did a phenomenal job making this the great track it turned out to be. We took notes every minute this weekend on what we can do to make this event better next year."

Although he would not be pinned down on attendance figures, he did say they were very happy.

"We had to close the General Admission grandstand sales at 10:15 this morning because they were full. We were nervous about doing it on Easter, and it was a challenge, but it turned out OK. We plan to build more grandstands for next year. Attendance was far more than we expected."

As for the railroad being a barrier between the paddock and the downtown, they knew that early on. "We had plans to build a double bridge over the railroad but their insurance people got nervous and nixed the plan this first year. Even if we have to fly to Omaha (where the insurance company is) we will meet with the city and them to make sure those bridges are up next year." Mark C.