A1GP cancels USA race? No

UPDATE #3 Our sources tell us that the circuit had not received the payment due under the terms of their contract for the track usage and rental. The circuit rightly so, was not going to spend any money on the track and there was a hint of legal action, so the circuit forced the payment to be made by the A1GP organizers. A1GP paid up this week so the race is on.

03/05/06 Organizers of the A1 Grand Prix series have confirmed the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, California, USA, scheduled to run at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on 10-12 March 2006 will go ahead as planned.

An initial inspection of the track by A1 Grand Prix officials raised concerns over the volume of rain that has fallen over recent weeks, hindering the ongoing preparation of the facility for the penultimate round of the World Cup of Motorsport. Following substantial discussions with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, A1 Grand Prix have been assured that Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca officials will do everything within their control to prepare the track for the A1 Grand Prix of Nations.

'Despite challenges brought on by the prevailing weather conditions, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is confident that the track will be presented to the necessary standard required to host an A1 Grand Prix event,' stated A1GP chief operating officer, David Clare. 'We will now continue to work with the circuit to ensure the US race meets the impeccable standards dictated by A1GP.'

03/05/06 Some rumors are suggesting that heavy rains in California have left the soil adjacent to the Laguna Seca track unsuitable for a race. However, our sources say they are just using that as an excuse to cancel the race because interest in the event by Americans is near zero. It's all sand around the track, which drains well and can be easily fixed with a grader.

03/05/06 Rumor has it that A1GP has cancelled the next race at Laguna Seca in California. Long ago AutoRacing1.com questioned the viability of that race but it was denied by race officials. If true, this is the 2nd race to be cancelled as the Brazil round was previously cancelled. Speculation is that the cancellation is due to financial reasons. Stay tuned for updates.