Could it be true? It scarcely seems possible, after the shambles that thoroughbred racing in upstate New York has become, not to mention the years of fruitless efforts to bring casino gambling to the Catskills. But auto racing trade pubs and local papers are reporting that the Monticello Motor Club could host Formula 1's US Grand Prix at its 4.1-mile-long racetrack by 2012.
Last week, AutoWeek got a hold of a leaked letter from Ari Straus, the president of the Monticello Motor Club. In it, Straus tells MMC members that he met recently with top F1 exec Bernie Ecclestone:
A few months ago, [MMC chairman] Bill McMichael and I met with Bernie Ecclestone, President/CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), and discussed the terms for an exclusive 10-year United States Grand Prix to be hosted at MMC. Shortly thereafter, Hermann Tilke, the chief engineer and circuit designer for F1, spent time at MMC and confirmed that our track and surrounding properties, with some expansion and minor track modifications, is an excellent location for a Grand Prix. Since receiving a letter of understanding from FOM confirming their hope to bring the U.S. Grand Prix to Monticello, Bill and I have continued to secure the backing and support of local, state, and federal politicians and organizations.
