While the Indianapolis GP has been renewed for another season, talk continues to swell regarding the Brickyard, and whether it will remain on the MotoGP calendar. While a notably historic track in the United States, and a venue capable of easily handling an event like GP racing, track conditions at Indianapolis weighed heavily on riders’ minds while contending with the midwest circuit this past season.
With members of the GP safety commission audibly displeased with the track’s layout and and changing tarmac patches, and a new GP-quality track in Austin, Texas currently being built, the writing appears to be on the wall for Indy. Playing host to Formula One US GP (which ironically used to be held at Indianapolis) from 2012 to 2021, the new track in Austin has however denied talks with MotoGP, and having the series race at its venue. But don’t believe everything you hear.
Dorna boss man Carmelo Ezpeleta has confirmed that he has been in talks with the Texan track, and is eying perhaps a 2013 date with the circuit. Willing to let Formula One take the lead on that locale, Carmelo has simply stated that “it’s a very nice project,” and something he is watching closely. To date, the biggest bargaining chip that Indy has been able to play is the lack of circuits in the United States for GP racing.
Not only must a track meet FIM requirements for safety, distance, and accommodations in order to be in MotoGP’s consideration, but geography plays an integral role as to whether a venue can profitably host such an event. With the only other possibility right now virtually being Miller Motorsports Park, home to the American World Superbike round, MotoGP’s choice with Indy is to either run there, or at an entirely different country (India seems to be high on the list, with another Formula One venue to take place there as well).
While it looks like Indianapolis will be secure in renewing its one-year contract with Dorna this season, expect to see another one-year commitment, and some very tense track officials at the Brickyard this August.
Source: AutoWeek & Sport Rider
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