Latest on Toronto

[indycool]

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/419875

[mikiec]

A partnership including retired driver Michael Andretti is seeking to purchase the rights to the Toronto race. However, the group is said to be concerned about a $2 million loss the event is said to have suffered in each of the past three or four years.


While Singleton declined to provide numbers, it is generally believed that Molson paid between $1 million and $2 million a year to be the title sponsor of the race from its inception until pulling out after the 2004 event.

Do the maths...... It's pretty obvious that without that major sponsorship money or city subsidies, the race is unfeasible.

[IWUTitan90]

Do the maths...... It's pretty obvious that without that major sponsorship money or city subsidies, the race is unfeasible.

Which to me at least, further underscores the amount of money KK and Co. were spending trying to keep the street festival schedule afloat. Maybe in a few years, if momentum is sustained, the economy improves and MAJOR companies are willing to get on board to back them, we can explore 1 or 2. Until then I hope we stick with and improve what we have, and utilize existing natural road courses. Build this thing up, get in a position to where cities are willing to do whatever it takes to get a race, and choose the best.

Baby steps guys, baby steps. ;)

[DBell]

Which to me at least, further underscores the amount of money KK and Co. were spending trying to keep the street festival schedule afloat. Maybe in a few years, if momentum is sustained, the economy improves and MAJOR companies are willing to get on board to back them, we can explore 1 or 2. Until then I hope we stick with and improve what we have, and utilize existing natural road courses. Build this thing up, get in a position to where cities are willing to do whatever it takes to get a race, and choose the best.

Baby steps guys, baby steps. ;)

Good post. That said, it wouldn't surprise me to see the city of Toronto pony up the money to keep this going until major sponsorship returns. Even with the decline of value in AOW, the race reportedly generates 50 mil in revenue to the local economy.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Good post. That said, it wouldn't surprise me to see the city of Toronto pony up the money to keep this going until major sponsorship returns. Even with the decline of value in AOW, the race reportedly generates 50 mil in revenue to the local economy.

You would be correct in your assumptions except for you don't live in the Greater Toronto region. The problem is the Mayor and his socialist lap dogs hate cars, have given little interest in supporting the race in the past, and there is no sponsor who has come forward at this point. Plus, Andretti Green want to make money on this deal, and unless they get concessions from the cash strapped City Hall ( they wouldn't be cash strapped if they didn't waste so much on stupid stuff...but that is another story), they are not really interested.

Logic would dictate the City would bend over backwards, but the race isn't "politically correct" with the crowd that keeps Mayor Miller in power. All bets are off, and like most street races, it requires a lot of sponsorship money and co-operation from the city involved. Right now Toronto has no sponsor on the horizon and an anti-car Mayor. If Andretti has a sponsor they think they have ready to go, then the Mayor might have to sweeten the deal, but right now, I am not hopeful. Damned shame, I have gotten very used to having that race on my social calender......

[Chaparral66]

You would be correct in your assumptions except for you don't live in the Greater Toronto region. The problem is the Mayor and his socialist lap dogs hate cars, have given little interest in supporting the race in the past, and there is no sponsor who has come forward at this point. Plus, Andretti Green want to make money on this deal, and unless they get concessions from the cash strapped City Hall ( they wouldn't be cash strapped if they didn't waste so much on stupid stuff...but that is another story), they are not really interested.

Logic would dictate the City would bend over backwards, but the race isn't "politically correct" with the crowd that keeps Mayor Miller in power. All bets are off, and like most street races, it requires a lot of sponsorship money and co-operation from the city involved. Right now Toronto has no sponsor on the horizon and an anti-car Mayor. If Andretti has a sponsor they think they have ready to go, then the Mayor might have to sweeten the deal, but right now, I am not hopeful. Damned shame, I have gotten very used to having that race on my social calender......

What does the local media in Toronto have to say about it?

[scooterboy1949]

Particularly in our current economic situation I think we need to look at new ways to operate. I'm from Wisconsin and aside from racing my only other sports interest is the Green Bay Packers. I'm wondering if we couldn't borrow a page from their operations book? Why not a non-profit company to operate races? Especially for street races like Toronto where there's no track owner who's right and expectation of profit is not necessarily a condideration. These street races bring lots of money into their cities it's in their interest to see them continue. But that said, local governments everywhere are having their own financial troubles and it may not be reasonable to expect them to put up tax money to support a promoters profit making venture.

[JasonD]

What does the local media in Toronto have to say about it?

Minimal reporting on it. An article here or there but not much on the morning circuit I do at least.

Toronto is cash-strapped but continues to spend money on stupid stuff, (nearly $100.000 on a report to call one area of the city the Beach or the Beaches), so its going to be a hard sell to the city council and its residents to fork over more cahs.

I think the city has resigned itself to letting the race go. My bet is some charity run/walk will be given that weekend date for 2009.

I want it to happen, and I'd buy a ticket right now if it was announced.

[pits4me]

Which to me at least, further underscores the amount of money KK and Co. were spending trying to keep the street festival schedule afloat. Maybe in a few years, if momentum is sustained, the economy improves and MAJOR companies are willing to get on board to back them, we can explore 1 or 2. Until then I hope we stick with and improve what we have, and utilize existing natural road courses. Build this thing up, get in a position to where cities are willing to do whatever it takes to get a race, and choose the best.

Baby steps guys, baby steps. ;)

Given the history behind the Toronto race there was nothing wrong with the bridge financing provided by the CC principals. Or the triple crown concept to foster Canadian sponsors. Its unfortunate Toronto presented more obstacles to contend with than Edmonton. Who are those big Canadian Oil producers again?

Maybe a year off will have the local politicians studying what the true fiscal impact was to the Toronto economy. Those revenues from hotel taxes, meals, retail sales, etc. add up quickly when you have 125,000 + showing up for a race weekend.

Take a lesson from Bernie here, you want the show, start here: http://www.bot.com/sub/HomePages/PublicHomePage.asp

[pitwall3]

Given the history behind the Toronto race there was nothing wrong with the bridge financing provided by the CC principals. Or the triple crown concept to foster Canadian sponsors. Its unfortunate Toronto presented more obstacles to contend with than Edmonton. Who are those big Canadian Oil producers again?

Maybe a year off will have the local politicians studying what the true fiscal impact was to the Toronto economy. Those revenues from hotel taxes, meals, retail sales, etc. add up quickly when you have 125,000 + showing up for a race weekend.

Take a lesson from Bernie here, you want the show, start here: http://www.bot.com/sub/HomePages/PublicHomePage.asp

Get it out of Hog Town. Get a race going in Calgary. They've got the bucks and know how to host a big event.

[!!WALDO!!]

Given the history behind the Toronto race there was nothing wrong with the bridge financing provided by the CC principals. Or the triple crown concept to foster Canadian sponsors. Its unfortunate Toronto presented more obstacles to contend with than Edmonton. Who are those big Canadian Oil producers again?

Maybe a year off will have the local politicians studying what the true fiscal impact was to the Toronto economy. Those revenues from hotel taxes, meals, retail sales, etc. add up quickly when you have 125,000 + showing up for a race weekend.

Take a lesson from Bernie here, you want the show, start here: http://www.bot.com/sub/HomePages/PublicHomePage.asp

You're right but San Jose found the race running fourth behind a gem show the race weekend. That is why the dropping of the race. You must assume that the numbers are good, but those in charge know the real numbers.

[garyshell]

You're right but San Jose found the race running fourth behind a gem show the race weekend. That is why the dropping of the race. You must assume that the numbers are good, but those in charge know the real numbers.


So do you have REAL numbers to share with us, or just more pontificating?

Gary

[!!WALDO!!]

So do you have REAL numbers to share with us, or just more pontificating?

Gary

No, John Oreovicz, the Champ Car writer for ESPN and NSSN put out that in the story of why San Jose was off the schedule for this year.
It came from the City of San Jose. Maybe a little research like call the City of San Jose and you can get those numbers as they obviously made the public and used in the discussion phase of the vote not to continue to the support of the event.

If I gave you REAL NUMBERS you would not believe them so go find them yourself. I PMed you asking you to keep me on your ignore list, did you not receive my PM?

(NO REFERENCE, IMPLIED OR REAL TO ANY POSTER, LIVING, DEAD, or NOT YET BORN.)

[garyshell]

If I gave you REAL NUMBERS you would not believe them so go find them yourself. I PMed you asking you to keep me on your ignore list, did you not receive my PM?


I did get it and I replied to it. Did you not receive my PM reply? I explained in it why I was not going to give you the satisfaction of being on my ignore list.

Gary

[!!WALDO!!]

I did get it and I replied to it. Did you not receive my PM reply? I explained in it why I was not going to give you the satisfaction of being on my ignore list.

Gary

No I did not because you are on my ignore list so good bye.

Hopefully something good can come from this Toronto deal. Maybe in the future a sponsor can be found to eat up much of the cost.


(NO REFERENCE, IMPLIED OR REAL TO ANY POSTER, LIVING, DEAD, or NOT YET BORN.)

[garyshell]

No I did not because you are on my ignore list so good bye.


Really???? Hmmm, if I am on the your ignore list I wonder how it is that you knew to respond to my message? :dozey:

So you DID receive my PM and just choose to ignore it then, don't pretend you didn't get it. Obviously I was NOT on your ignore list.

Gary

[bblocker68]

I dont think the ignore list includes PM's.

[ZzZzZz]

Anyway, there is more demand by venues for races than there are dates. There are several considerations for what should be on the schedule. Growth is a crucial factor. Why work with a reluctant partner when there is no need? You want enthusiastic partners who want to be on board and grow with the series. Toronto needs Indy Car more than the series needs them. They certainly have the potential to be a great partner, but if they don't step up and compete for a date, they are merely deadwood.

[the bro]

Good news Andretti Green buys the Toronto Grand Prix

http://www.andrettigreenracing.com//uploadimages/File/Toronto_Purchase_051508_FINAL_2.pdf

[garyshell]

Good news Andretti Green buys the Toronto Grand Prix

http://www.andrettigreenracing.com//uploadimages/File/Toronto_Purchase_051508_FINAL_2.pdf


Good news indeed!

Gary

[nigelred5]

I see they are being very optomistic saying they WILL be holding an Indycar event in 09

[garyshell]

I see they are being very optomistic saying they WILL be holding an Indycar event in 09


Somehow, I doubt if Michael would have gone through with the purchase if assurances had not been made that a race date would be forthcoming.

Gary

[indycool]

I would think that all those deals would be made back and forth at the same time enough for assurances that something would be made to happen if the package got itself right for everybody.

[BenRoethig]

Get it out of Hog Town. Get a race going in Calgary. They've got the bucks and know how to host a big event.

There's already a race in Alberta.