Wisconsin Motorsports Out As Promoter At Milwaukee Mile
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IRL Willing To Hold Open Date For Racing
At Milwaukee Mile If New Promoter Found |
The Wisconsin State Fair Park (SFP) BOD and Wisconsin Motorsports (WM) President & CEO Claude Napier last night mutually agreed to formally end WM's contract to promote races at the Milwaukee Mile. The SFP BOD now will accelerate its search for a new track promoter with the hopes of securing IRL and NASCAR races in '10 (SFP). SFP interim Exec Dir Craig Barkelar indicated that last night's meeting between the two sides came about after Napier was "unable to make his June rental payment of $15,000." In Milwaukee, Don Walker notes Napier, who took over at the Mile in February after the SFP BOD voted to end its contract with Milwaukee Mile Holdings, reportedly owes IRL and NASCAR more than $2M. SFP officials know that both IRL and NASCAR are "setting dates for next year," and the IRL has indicated that it will be "willing to hold an open date for racing at the Mile if a new promoter can be found." Barkelar said that "at least six groups had inquired about the racing promotions contract," including previous promoters Frank and Dominic Giuffre, who attended last night's meeting. The brothers said that their group, which includes home improvement retailer Menards Owner John Menard, is "interested in talking to fair negotiators." Walker notes any new promoter will "not only have to come up with a business plan to stay profitable, but will need assurances that both the IRL and NASCAR will return" to the track (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/21). Also in Milwaukee, Dave Kallmann noted the decision to end the partnership is "hardly a surprise." Aside from the Giuffres, "no serious contenders" have publicly expressed interest in the vacancy (JSONLINE.com, 7/20).
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