Super Prix set for 2006 revival?
Birmingham's 'floozie in the jacuzzi' could be watching over a decision to revive the Super Prix.
Street racing could return to Britain after an absense of 16 years, if dramatic plans to revive Birmingham's Super Prix come to fruition.
Birmingham City Council says that a race around its streets could breathe life into the region's motoring industry and help promote tourism to Britain's second city.
Under the new plans the race would take place on the May bank holiday weekend in 2006, to coincide with the Birmingham International Motor Show at the NEC.
It would see two days of racing from touring cars and could bring up to £5.6m of revenue to the city.
Councillor John Alden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: “I am extremely excited by the plans to re-launch the Birmingham Super Prix.
“It will be a fantastic event that will entertain people of all ages and ensure that Birmingham once again makes its mark in the national and international sporting arena.
“The event will also be a huge boost to the Midlands motor manufacturing and engineering industries and will generate millions of pounds for city businesses.”
He added: “We are investigating the possibility of getting big names in the motoring trade to sponsor the event and, although the council would be organising and staging the event, it would be at no cost to the tax-payer.”
Martin Hone, who organised the original demonstration events and conceived the first Super Prix, gave his backing for a revived race.
"In essence it would bring a certain amount of pride into the area based on our history of motoring and motor manufacturing through to the present day," he told the BBC Midlands Today programme.
A Bill passed by Parliament in 1985 gives Birmingham permission to stage street motor racing. The previous race saw more than 20 cars reach speeds of up to 200mph on a 2.47 mile circuit, which included Belgrave Middleway, Sherlock Street, Pershore Street, Bromsgrove Street and Bristol Street.
It was scrapped following political rows, which mainly centred on the the funding of the event.
The FIA also added to the Super Prix's downfall by ruling the two-day event had to be extended by a day.
However, it is thought that a change from Formula 3000 to touring car racing could overcome this hurdle as the event could be staged over two days. It is also hoped the event could ease fears that the Motor Show might move from the NEC.
Detailed negotiations are thought to have taken place with Warwickshire-based events management firm Quintus Showplace about running the event.
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