Jeff Gordon Involved In Talks For Motorsports Facility In Canada
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New Track Could House One
Of Gordon's Driving Schools |
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon is "one of the parties involved in negotiations to build" a $200M, 65,000-seat race track in Ft. Erie, Ontario, according to a source cited by Tom Jensen of SPEEDTV.com. The source yesterday said that while there is no formal agreement, there is a "letter of understanding among the parties involved with the track, which would house one of Gordon's driving schools." The source noted that the deal "could be in place by next month" (SPEEDTV.com, 4/8). Jeff Gordon Inc. VP & GM John Bickford, Gordon's stepfather, also confirmed that Gordon is involved with the project, but added that while "there is a letter of understanding between the parties, there is no signed agreement at this time" (BUFFALO NEWS, 4/9). However, Gordon's rep Jon Edwards cautioned that it "doesn't mean that Gordon has agreed to make any investment in the project at this time, but he has expressed interest in further discussion with the partners about the venture" (TORONTO SUN, 4/9).
WHAT'S THE PLAN? Ft. Erie Mayor Doug Martin Tuesday said that the city has held talks with Gordon's reps. Martin and Ft. Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corp. GM Jim Thibert have "been involved in private meetings with the proponents for months now, as well as trying to sell the plan to the provincial government." Thibert said, "I shouldn't be necessarily talking about (the proposal) too much because there is an application in front of (Fort Erie) council now for zoning." Martin said the planned '11 completion date for the facility is realistic, "as long as we get the approvals going" (NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW, 4/8). The current track proposal includes the 65,000-seat Jeff Gordon Signature Speedway, which can expand to 100,000 seats, and will be designed for open-wheel, stock car, mixed configuration and motorcycle racing (PROFESSIONAL MOTORSPORT CIRCUIT, 3/ '09 issue).
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