IRL signs letter of intent for a new race

UPDATE #2 An IRL spokesperson told AutoRacing1.com, "We have a letter of intent only. And we will NOT have a championship points events there. The proposed event would be a test mixed in with a festival all positioned as a kick-off event to the new season. Turks and Caicos is searching for a marquee event to highlight/showcase their island."

Mr. George said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for us to come to the Turks and Caicos and have the opportunity to really use this as a springboard to launch our season every year."

Moreover, "I think that the timing of a February event could be a great way to start off our season on an annual basis."

George added that the TCI is very a hospitable country. “The Government and the Premier has been very gracious as our host; and we are very excited to work with them in developing this opportunity, that I'm sure will be good for everyone concerned."

The CEO and President of the IRL further stated that there has been some history of racing in Nassau, Bahamas, and he sees no reason why this alliance could not work. "We have used our energies and creative ideas to come up with activities to make an entire week of events around what would be in our first event of the season".

02/13/08 AutoRacing1.com has learned that our informant was indeed correct and hence this rumor has been upgraded to 'fact.'

Turks and Caicos is not far from Miami and the Bahamas

02/13/08 According to AutoRacing1.com sources, the Turks and Caicos Government has signed a letter of intent with the Indy Racing League (IRL) to launch Indy Turks and Caicos Grand Prix, slated for February 2009.

The Grand Prix will kick start the year of events for the IRL; and for this momentous world class event, a racing track will be constructed in Blue Hills, Providenciales, with work to commence in short order.

The event is to be broadcast live on ESPN, NBC and ABC. The exposure along with the potential injection of large sums of revenue into the TCI's economy will be a tremendous boost to the tourism product; as there will be four to five hours of non-stop racing related activities and events to be aired.

The promoters for the event will be Andretti Green Racing, which is a leading promoter of racing events, and owned by Michael Andretti, the former race-car driver.