Plans to hold a Verizon IndyCar Series race in Providence "have stalled" in recent months, causing an exec in charge of the proposed event to say the organizing group has "moved on," according to Kim Kalunian of WPRO-AM. New England Grand Prix President Mark Perrone said the group "made every effort" to hold the race in Providence next August, but was "delayed a year." He added that the "economics of a deal with the city just didn't work." Perrone: "We thought that we would have a great event down there." Kalunian reported a race in New England now is "set to happen in Boston" in '16. Providence Dept. of Economic Development Dir of Communications Ann Gooding said that the city and race promoters "could not come to an agreement on 'safety and infrastructure' measures, including routes, and pedestrian and vehicle safety." However, Kalunian cited sources as saying that one factor for failing to land the race was that as "negotiations were underway, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras was in the thick of campaign season" for his run at the Rhode Island governorship. Taveras denied that the election "put the brakes on IndyCar." He did say that it would be up to Mayor-elect Jorge Elorza "to pursue another potential race in the future" (630WPRO.com, 12/2).
