Octane Management Inc. -- the Montreal-based promoters of the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix -- is ready to take over the organization of the Edmonton IndyCar event.
"Yes, it's true, we have expressed a level of interest," said Normand Prieur, manager of communications at Octane Management Inc. of Montreal to Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal.
"As you know, we are specialized in organizing motorsport events with the Canadian Grand Prix F1 race in Montreal and the Nationwide (NASCAR) race on the same track. It's true. We have expressed a level of interest, but as we are speaking now, the proposal has been sent but nothing is firmed up."
The Indy Racing League sanctioning deal with Northlands expires after this year's race and city council has wisely reached out to private promoters in an effort to take the financial burden of the event -- $9.2 million in losses over two years and a smaller deficit to come this summer -- off the taxpayers.
Prieur told Auto123.com that three parties have shown interest in running the Edmonton Indy here beyond this July. “Octane Management, Green Savoree Promotions of Indianapolis and Mike Lanigan, the former IndyCar team owner who will organize the Baltimore race starting next year have all submitted a detailled proposal to the city of Edmonton.”
The civic politicians have indeed been charged with deciding Indy's future, and it's obvious that private promotion is a key component of their go-forward plan. Kim Krushell said recently she would not support a contract extension with the IRL if the taxpayers were left on the hook.
Barnes also indicated in his article that a permanent road-race facility must also form part of a new foundation for the race, since the current venue at the City Centre Airport cannot be viewed as a long-term solution. One runway is set for closure in August and the entire property is scheduled for major redevelopment over the next two decades.
"Yes, it's true, we have expressed a level of interest," said Normand Prieur, manager of communications at Octane Management Inc. of Montreal to Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal.
"As you know, we are specialized in organizing motorsport events with the Canadian Grand Prix F1 race in Montreal and the Nationwide (NASCAR) race on the same track. It's true. We have expressed a level of interest, but as we are speaking now, the proposal has been sent but nothing is firmed up."
The Indy Racing League sanctioning deal with Northlands expires after this year's race and city council has wisely reached out to private promoters in an effort to take the financial burden of the event -- $9.2 million in losses over two years and a smaller deficit to come this summer -- off the taxpayers.
Prieur told Auto123.com that three parties have shown interest in running the Edmonton Indy here beyond this July. “Octane Management, Green Savoree Promotions of Indianapolis and Mike Lanigan, the former IndyCar team owner who will organize the Baltimore race starting next year have all submitted a detailled proposal to the city of Edmonton.”
The civic politicians have indeed been charged with deciding Indy's future, and it's obvious that private promotion is a key component of their go-forward plan. Kim Krushell said recently she would not support a contract extension with the IRL if the taxpayers were left on the hook.
Barnes also indicated in his article that a permanent road-race facility must also form part of a new foundation for the race, since the current venue at the City Centre Airport cannot be viewed as a long-term solution. One runway is set for closure in August and the entire property is scheduled for major redevelopment over the next two decades.