USGP in NYC
We reported last weekend that the 50-year-old former boss of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was spotted in Shanghai for the Chinese grand prix.
George met with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and also Zak Brown, founder and CEO of motor sport marketing firm Just Marketing who represents several high level sponsors according to the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ).
"Would Tony George love to broker a deal to bring back a US grand prix? Sure," said Brown.
IBJ said sources confirmed that George was in China to discuss F1's return to America and meet with potential sponsors for a race that would not necessary take place at Indianapolis.
Indeed, new Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss Jeff Belskus said George was not in China to represent the fabled Indy 500 venue, while Ecclestone has been pushing for a street race with the New York skyline.
Brown said: "Tony has a lot of contacts in motor sports, and he knows how to put on a US grand prix.
"I think if there's a role for Tony in trying to bring formula one back to the US, he'd be willing to help. Tony and Bernie have a very good relationship, and Tony has a lot of interest in seeing F1 return to the US," he added.
Tony George, who still has an ownership stake in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, could not be reached for comment.
04/03/10 The possibility of a United States Grand Prix returning to the Formula One schedule could be a reality within the next few years. But rather than returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, F1 honcho Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly speaking with organizers who would conduct a street race in and around New York. The IndyCar Series has also explored holding an event in The Big Apple. CBS Sports
03/25/10 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone on Thursday said he is pushing to organize a grand prix on the streets of New York.
The F1 chief executive told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport that he hopes the race will be held for the first time in 2012.
"I'm trying for 2012, opposite Manhattan in New Jersey with skyscrapers in the background," said the 79-year-old.
"Fifteen minutes from the centre of New York to the circuit. (It would be) a wonder."
The last US grand prix was held at Indianapolis in 2007.
Ecclestone also mentioned to the sports newspaper his friend and business partner Flavio Briatore, who recently ruled out returning to F1 despite overturning his FIA ban for involvement in the crash-gate scandal.
"I think he could take up a role in the promotion of formula one," said the Briton.
03/25/10 Rumor is that Ecclestone is working on F1 in NYC for 2012, with a street circuit, with "skyscrapers in the background…" and less than 15 minutes from city center. That would be great, but we will believe it when we see it. If anyone knows politics and how to get what they want though, it's got to be Bernie. Our bet is that with the high profile this event would have, Trump will be looking to throw his hat in the ring.