Chicago Motor Speedway closes
Chicago: closed for racing?
Picture: John Thawley/CMS
CART and NASCAR officials have been left with key gaps to fill in their schedules after the announcement this week of the shut down of Chicago Motor Speedway.
All racing activities at the three-year-old oval circuit were suspended with immediate effect, although racing is set to continue at the adjacent horse track.
CART team owner Chip Ganassi originally teamed up with the Bidwell family to convert a disused horse track into a 1.029-mile oval that was supposed to be a modernized version of the famous Milwaukee Mile.
But while the CMS facilities were top notch, numbers through the turnstiles proved disappointing, with the track unable to build a fansbase. This was despite a sell-out in the inaugral event in 1999 and heavy promotion from the Target chain of superstores. The stands were barely half-full for the 2001 Champ Car race.
Chicago Motor Speedway Chairman Charles Bidwell and President Chip Ganassi say the races are not financially feasible at the current time due to business and economic conditions in the motorsports industry.
With the entire industry in a period of widespread change, we know it's the appropriate decision.
Charles Bidwell
"The people of Chicago and our sponsors have supported auto racing and other events at the Speedway, and we look forward to providing this region with continued entertainment and sporting events in the future," Bidwell said. "With the entire industry in a period of widespread change, we know it's the appropriate decision.
"However, we remain excited about the upcoming horse racing season at Sportsman's Park, the 70th year of thoroughbred racing here. Our energies are fully focused on Sportsman's," he added.
"Since the inaugural Target Grand Prix in 1999, the outstanding professionals at CART racing have provided many thrills and our fans have shown their appreciation," added Ganassi.
The track will continue to host a variety of events, including concerts, and Sportsman's Park remains an integral part of horse racing in Illinois. The traditional spring season at Sportsman's begins March 1st and concludes on Kentucky Derby day, May 4.
Discuss this news story in the e-Tracks forums.
