ALMS to race on the streets of D.C.
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
A race around the streets of US capitol Washington DC has finally been given the green light for 2002.
Promoter National Grand Prix Holdings has inked a 10-year deal with city authorities to host a race, while the deal with the ALMS is similarly long term.
"Professional racing showcases some of the world’s greatest cities: Melbourne, Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Montreal. I’m proud that Washington, D.C. is a member of that group," commented Mayor Anthony A. Williams. "With our world-class hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping, entertainment and cultural attractions, we’re the ideal city for racing enthusiasts - and their families - to spend the weekend."
The 1.7-mile temporary street track will be laid out on a parking lot adjacent to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, once home to the Washington Redskins and now the ground used by the city's Major League Soccer team.
A race in a car park conjures up images of Formula I's disastrous Caesar's Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas in the early 1980's. However, nothing could be further from the truth, promise the race organisers. The Washington track will be laid out on a 55-acre site, with changes in gradient and wooded areas.
The weekend will include a three-hour race for the American Le Mans Series on Sunday, July 21, 2002, as well as an event for the popular Trans-Am Series, a celebrity race and other support services. Other aspects of the festival will be announced later.
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