OKC Grand Prix Deal Killed by City Council, 6-2
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Comments
As I commented on the Newsok site, I completely understand both sides. Mayor Mick needed to support it because he had worked hard for many years to get the proposal this far – and in 2005 I have no doubt that this would have passed. But it’s not 2005, its 2010 and the timing is just all wrong for the city to lay out this much with no guarantees. If the promoters would have been willing to split the startup costs, 3 mil – OKC, 3 mil – LLC, that might have warranted a closer look but probably still would have failed. Oh well. I have no doubt that if things turn around in a few years that Trent will be back trying to get this going again. Lets revisit this in 5 years.
I agree Jeffery. The timing seemed to be off among other things. Who wants to “showcase” the City when its streets are torn up because pf Project 180 etc? Wait until Project 180 is complete, the MAPS 3 Park and Boulevard are open, the relocated I-40 is finished etc. Then you have something to show for all the national exposure this would supposedly bring. I had nothing against the Grand Prix event coming here, it sounded pretty cool. But the proposal was lacking in too many areas. Bring back a concrete proposal, if expecting a loan from the City, put up collateral to guarantee the payback (w/interest) etc.
Steve, not that the OKCGP discussion is over. Please ask your Sports Dept., or do the story yourself, about the success of the annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa. This is an indoor race, involving mini sprint cars (midgets) racing over a weekend in mid-January at the QT Expo Center (where the big Driller stands).
Racers from all over the Nation attend and drive in this race, even some NASCAR Superstars. Even Tony Stewart, a 2-time NASCAR champion, has run in this event.
It sells out each year, and generates positive revenue for T-Town. It attracts real racing fans, the likes we saw every Friday night at the State Fair Grandstand.
My spidey sense tells me, if Tulsa can make the Chili Bowl work, then perhaps OKC could do the same with the MAPS-3 Expo Center at the State Fairgrounds. No streets would have to be put at risk. It should cost much less to produce than a Grand Prix, and could generate positive revenue. I wonder why Brad Lund didn’t propose this first?
Ball – dropped.