Google+ Jack Leslie F1: Second US grand prix secures long-term future

12 June 2013

Second US grand prix secures long-term future

Two years ago the United States didn't host a Formula One race weekend, however that's all set to change as the country goes from hosting zero races 24 months ago to hosting two rounds of the Formula One World Championship in 2014.
(c) Octane Photographic
This is thanks to Bernie Ecclestone and FOM signing a long-term contract for the Grand Prix of America - a street circuit in New Jersey.

The plan may sound familiar to you; the race was originally planned to take place right about now - a week after the Canadian Grand Prix. Organisers ran into financial trouble and the initial deal was terminated as organisers had not "complied with the terms and conditions of the contract."

However the race is back on track and set for a June 2014 debut thanks to financial help from Bernie Ecclestone to clear the substantial debts that organisers had racked up. The race now has a 15-year contract that secures the races long-term future.

The race will certainly be an impressive spectacle. Running alongside the Hudson River and with the Manhattan skyline proving the perfect backdrop, the Port Imperial Street Circuit will last 3.2 miles and provide 19 challenging corners for drivers to negotiate.

Speaking to Press Association Sport about the new long term contract, GPA executive chairman and race promoter Leo Hindery Jnr said: "The Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial has been a dream of many in the sport for over a decade.


"We had hoped to be ready to race in June 2013, but by late last fall (autumn) it was clear we would not have in place in time the long-term capital structure needed to satisfy Formula One of our readiness."

However thanks to a few helpers, the race is back on track: "Thanks to the patient, invaluable support of Bernie Ecclestone and FOM (Formula One Management) we now have a long-term sanctioning agreement needed to go racing for years to come, starting in June 2014.

Next season looks to be tightly packed with the addition of New Jersey alongside Russia's Formula One debut.

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