JUNE 16, 2007

The future of the United States GP

Bernie Ecclestone and Tony George have spent much of the United States Grand Prix weekend discussing whether or not there will be a race in 2008.

"Tony has stressed to Bernie in these meetings that we want to continue the event," said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Joie Chitwood. "We believe he feels the same. With eight years experience with the USGP, both Tony and Bernie know what the challenges are. They are exploring ways to get to a long-term agreement, and we expect to make an announcement no later than July 12. If we are going to have a USGP in 2008, we know that we need to make the announcement and start working on the event by the second week of July.

"With the Indianapolis 500, we annually present the world­s largest sporting event and also play host to the largest-attended NASCAR race with the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. We just need to continue to work with the Formula 1 community and find the right business model to make this event successful for all involved. That is our goal."