Tony George to buy Lauzitsring?
Could EuroSpeedway Lausitz come under the same ownership as Indianapolis?
Picture: ITR
The future of the EuroSpeedway Lausitz could be American, with the news that Indy Racing League boss Tony George is among contenders to buy the troubled circuit.
George, who is also boss of the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is known to have visited the complex near Dresden in the east of Germany only days after administrators were appointed.
The eastern German circuit cost over £100 million to build, with nearly £80 million in government grants. Despite the prodigious investment,however, it has racked up losses since it was completed in 2000. The circuit has applied to its local court for insolvency, although its immediate future is not thought to be in jeopardy.
However, George himself insists that he was on a fact-finding mission in Europe and says he has no plans to buy the circuit.
"There is going to be no purchase," he said. "I did visit EuroSpeedway Lausitz while I was in Europe. Interestingly, it coincided with the time of their announcement that they have experienced some financial problems."
He did concede that the circuit, which he described as "a very, very nice facility", could be in line to host an IRL race in the future.
CART, which had previously headlined racing activities at the EuroSpeedway, is said to be considering alternative tracks, including the Sachsenring. This year's Memorial 500 was cancelled earlier this month.
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