The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is "not anywhere close" to approving the Verizon IndyCar Series race scheduled for south Boston next year, according to Joe Battenfeld of the BOSTON HERALD. MCCA Dir of Facilities Operations Fred Peterson said, "Believe me, we have a long ways to go. Not to say it can’t happen, but there’s a lot of work to be done." Boston Grand Prix execs and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh "have sought to downplay any roadblocks to the Labor Day event, and organizers have lined up sponsors and plan to sell tickets next month." However, Battenfeld notes Peterson's comments raise "more questions about whether the much-hyped event will get off the starting line." Peterson described the race promotion efforts as “pretty far out there.” He cited a "number of permits and other potential detours organizers have yet to resolve, including parking, environmental issues and improvements to roads." Massachusetts Port Authority CEO Thomas Glynn earlier this month said that he "would not pay for at least $500,000 in road and other improvements he said race organizers had requested." In another potential conflict, Peterson said that he is "only negotiating an agreement for 2016 -- not the five-year deal that the Walsh administration and race organizers signed" (BOSTON HERALD, 10/21).
