New York’s Grand Prix postponed until 2014

Given the ongoing rumblings, it’s no surprise to read confirmation that the Grand Prix of America has been officially postponed until 2014. Construction delays have been blamed for the decision.

For now, at least, Leo Hindery Jr, race promoter, and Bernie Ecclestone, F1 supremo, are finally signing off the same tune.

Leo Hindery Jr: “We are going to be racing at Port Imperial, unfortunately just not as soon as we hoped and expected. We promised Governor Christie, the Towns, the sport and its international fans the best possible experience, and unfortunately we need additional time to ensure that happens.”

Bernie Ecclestone: “I remain totally committed to the Port Imperial race and its unique location and attributes, and we will continue to work closely together to realize our dream in 2014. As Leo says, we are still going to be racing at Port Imperial, now however in 2014.”

The advanced state of the 2013 F1 calendar means that a replacement race for next year may not be found. The New Jersey race was scheduled for the weekend after the Canadian GP, another factor making a replacement race unlikely.

So, expect 19 races in 2013.

Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial and Formula One Announce Inaugural Race Moved to 2014 Due to Construction Issues

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. (October 19, 2012) Formula One (F1) and the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial (GPA) announced today that the inaugural race has been moved from June 2013 to 2014 due to ongoing construction issues on the unique riverfront street course. Both F1 and GPA expr
essed confidence that the race will occur in 2014.

“We are going to be racing at Port Imperial, unfortunately just not as soon as we hoped and expected,” said Leo Hindery, Jr., promoter of the annual event. “We promised Governor Christie, the Towns, the sport and its international fans the best possible experience, and unfortunately we need additional time to ensure that happens,” he continued.

“We remain 100% committed to the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial and the race could have no better partner and friend than the CEO of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone,” said Mr. Hindery. “We benefit greatly from his experience and counsel and from his support.”

“I remain totally committed to the Port Imperial race and its unique location and attributes, and we will continue to work closely together to realize our dream in 2014,” said Formula One president and chief executive officer, Bernie Ecclestone. “As Leo says, we are still going to be racing at Port Imperial, now however in 2014.”

The construction issues cited today include the additional time needed for the development of complex Hudson Riverfront facilities and for finishing the second pits and paddock garage on the site.

GPA and F1 pointed out that significant progress has been made toward developing the race, including substantial construction of the first garage and other permanent facilities, extensive track engineering and operations planning, hiring of senior staff and partnering with key vendors to manage hospitality, security, ticket sales, transportation planning and operations.

The Grand Prix of America will run on a 3.2-mile street circuit at Port Imperial along the Hudson River and the Palisades in the towns of Weehawken and West New York, N.J., with the New York City skyline as a backdrop. Fans will be treated to three days of action, including Formula One practice and qualifying sessions, support series races and Sunday’s Formula One race.

Fans can get information about Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial race activities and special events by signing up for the GPAmerica mail list at www.gpamerica.com.