Miami is "considering a 10-year deal" with F1 to host its Grand Prix there, according to a front-page piece by Joey Flechas of the MIAMI HERALD. If the City Commission "gives its blessing next week, Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez would have until July 1 to negotiate a contract," with organizers hoping to hold the inaugural three-day event in October '19. A final contract would still "need commission approval in the coming months," and next week's vote signals the city's openness to hosting what would be the "largest race downtown has ever seen." If the commission gives the green light, under initial contract terms a new company belonging to Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross would "be the Miami Grand Prix's promoter, the entity that would stage and advertise the event." A vote to authorize negotiations is "set for May 10." Boosters "might hit one speed bump" from local residents. Downtown Miami is "more densely populated with tower dwellers who will have something to say about another huge event creating noise and congestion, bringing thousands to the urban core." F1 has "not been shy about its desire to expand" in the U.S., with Miami "on its radar since last year" (MIAMI HERALD, 5/3). In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis writes it "remains to be seen how the community will react to the proposal." There was "some objection from residents to the one-and-done Formula E race, and the electric cars created a whisper compared to the blaring whine" F1 will bring to the neighborhood. But the downtown setting and "cosmopolitan feel of Miami appeals" to F1, particularly the "proximity and influence of Latin American, where the circuit enjoys widespread popularity" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 5/3).
COMPETITIVE DRIVE: In Austin, Kevin Lyttle notes management at Circuit of the Americas has "known for years" that a second U.S. F1 race was coming. COTA Chair Bobby Epstein said on multiple occasions that while his track "might take a short-term hit in attendance, the long-term outlook would be positive with two annual F1 events raising the sport's profile" in the U.S. (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 5/3).
