Formula One, the world's richest and most glamorous racing circuit, may be headed to New Jersey for an event that would see its drivers race in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline.

The mayors of Weehawken and West New York, N.J., announced Tuesday that they are in early stages of talks with a group of investors led by Leo Hindery Jr., the former chief executive of the YES Network, to bring an F1 event to the area as soon as 2013. The race would run on existing streets in these cities, with New York in the backdrop.

The event that would put the region in the company of Monaco, Montreal, Singapore and Shanghai, all of which host annual F1 events. Bernie Ecclestone, the head of F1, could not be reached for comment.

If approved, the proposed race would be a second U.S. event for F1, which has announced an annual race in Austin, Texas, starting next year.
Weehawken mayor Richard Turner and West New York mayor Felix Roque suggested in a joint statement that the race could prove to be a lucrative source of annual income for the area. They also made clear that no tax dollars would be used. "In these uncertain economic times when every direct and indirect revenue source is vital, our own Formula One race could be a very positive boost to our citizens," the mayors said. "This said, we need to ensure that the financial benefits from the privilege of having these races in our towns are equitably shared and that no tax dollars are used. The investor group has already told us that our towns would be substantially compensated annually."

F1, considered the world's premier racing circuit, holds races on a combination of permanent courses and city streets across the globe. Its open-wheel cars reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour and achieve high-speed cornering through advanced aerodynamics. This season's 19-race F1 calendar includes events in Australia, Asia, Europe and South and North America.

The one place F1 historically has not had a steady foothold is the U.S. Numerous localities across the country have held F1 races over the past half century, including Watkins Glen, N.Y., Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix. Most succumbed to attendance problems or track difficulties. The last U.S. F1 race took place in Indianapolis in 2007.

Source: Formula One: New York Area Race Deal Almost Done - WSJ.com

By DARREN EVERSON

 

NY would be cool but that would seriously infringe on Montreal. I like the idea of a road circuit in that area.

 

I'd love to see a street race in NYC but I'm nearly certain it won't happen in the next 10 years. I'd love to be proven wrong however.

 

If it happens it will replace Montreal

 

Never happen been talked about many times.

 

NO WAY not happening.

 

The U.S. will not host 2 races

I don't see how this is going to happen

 

^ I agree. It's hard to imagine the US hosting 2 races. I just merely shared the article. It would be pretty awesome though. :-)

 

Unlikely, but interesting if they do it. The proposed circuit is actually pretty good.

 

I have a love/hate for this plan.