League Notes
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IRL To Entertain Talks About Staging Race
In Place Of F1 Canadian Grand Prix |
In Montreal, Randy Phillips reported in the "wake of a failed collective effort by city, provincial and federal government officials to secure the future" of the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, the IRL is "ready to entertain talks of it possibly staging a race to fill the void" at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. IRL VP/PR John Griffin: "It's something we would be open to discussing." Griffin also revealed that the IRL "might already be in Montreal had not what at the time was described as a 'handshake agreement' between the series and [Canadian Grand Prix President & CEO Normand] Legault, who holds the rights to the track, been honoured" (Montreal GAZETTE, 11/18).
WORLD RULES: In Toronto, Gareth Wheeler wrote MLS in the coming years "should get rid of its divisions and unify the Supporters' Shield with the MLS Cup to crown the regular-season points leader as champion," as the regular season "is where the true battle is waged: The fight for consistency, the fight against slipping up, where each game is a war; where points shall not be sacrificed." Until the competition structure is changed, MLS will "continue to stand as an outsider in international soccer." Wheeler: "It's time MLS got on board with the rest of the world. If MLS is looking for acceptance among the world's best players to convince them it is an legit stage on which to ply their trade, then it must get rid of this foreign playoff system" (TORONTO SUN, 11/17).
FIGHT FOR FANS: In Greensboro, Dustin Long writes under the header, "What's Next? NASCAR Should Reach Out To Fans." Long says that NASCAR "should be on the phone with officials in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Roanoke or Richmond to hold a fan fest" this off-season. NASCAR "should consider these cities because of the large and varied population base within a three hours drive of each." Long: "Bring the drivers together for a one-day event that could benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp and other NASCAR charities. Have drivers sign autographs. Maybe have a few do a Q&A session. But most importantly, allow the fans to see their favorite driver up close. ... This is a time for NASCAR to stretch its reach, and not back away as fans leave" (Greensboro NEWS & RECORD, 11/18).
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