IRL eyes race around LA’s Dodger Stadium
In searching for a location to return to Southern California, IRL officials met with the Dodgers about a race in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers evaluated the possibility and decided it did not make financial sense, spokeswoman Camille Johnston said Thursday.
Without the infrastructure of California Speedway and the tradition of the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Dodgers would have been challenged to break even on the event. Johnston would not comment on financial figures, but one industry source estimated it would cost the Dodgers about $3 million to stage the race, including costs for a temporary track, restraining walls and temporary seats. More at LA Times
04/11/06 Some readers write, I think I just broke a rib from laughing. And I am a big Dodgers fan too. I cannot think of any place I would rather NOT go to watch a race than around the parking lot and tenement homes of Chavez Ravine. Already a tough place to get to, who is going to spend a day there? And boy walking around during the breaks to enjoy the local businesses will be a treat too.
Talk about grasping at straws to try to play hardball with Champ Car about the LBGP market. Does Mr. George and his latest PR person actually see this event attracting even 1% of the fans, both race fans and just people who like to start their spring partying by the ocean, that Long Beach has built up over 32 years. So much for friendly discord during the alleged merger talks also. John Costello, Long Beach, CA
This would not be the first race conducted at Dodger Stadium parking lot. Not positive about exact date but I believe 1963 SCCA held a large event. I attended and watched a sterling battle between Ronnie Bucknum (MGB) and Lew Spencer (Morgan) that had everyone standing. Well I guess we had to stand as I don't remember many stands, if any. The course was marked by a few hay bales.
Ronnie Bucknum was plucked from this MGB ride the following year to be Honda's first ever Formula One driver. His very first open wheel race was 1964 on the long course at Nurburgring on the long course in Formula One. He went on to be a three time Indy 500 entrant, clinched the TransAm title for Penske in 1969, won the first ever Michigan IndyCar event (1968), and had a podium for Ford at LeMans during their sweep year (1966).
I am confident nobody before or since ever went from D production sportscars in SCCA to Formula One. Ronnie's son is Jeff Bucknum who should make his second Indy 500 appearance this year. Paul Grosjean, Portland, Oregon
A race in the parking lot around Dodger stadium will never happen. That is because if the race is in the parking lot where is everyone going to park? (If anyone shows up) They would need to bus people in from downtown. Nobody is going to want to walk up the hill from Chinatown and everyone knows how much So Cal people love public transportation. Chalk this one up to the IRL trying to get some free press around Long Beach weekend. Doug Beaver
04/11/06 According to this Orange County Register article, Indy Racing League and Dodger Stadium officials are exploring the possibility of holding a road-course race in the area surrounding the stadium.
Dodgers senior vice president of communications Camille Johnston confirmed Monday that IRL officials are proposing a race that would use the parking lot and access roads on the streets in Elysian Park.
IRL vice president of public relations John Griffin said the race likely would be held in March, with a 2007 event being a remote possibility.
"The Los Angeles market is very important to the Indy Racing League," Griffin said. "We are exploring several opportunities for us to return."