motorsport travel news - 2003

Here's some motorsport venue news that I've collected in my research for grand prix cities over the years. From here you can go back in the history of this fine website and you'll find tidbits of travel information, exciting changes to motorsport schedules especially venues and other website news that might be of interest for the sports traveler, a kind of blog of thoughts and ambitions. Of interest might be if some of my predictions are true. Not many consultants want their chrystal balls out in the open, but here goes. Knock yourself out. If you've got some news that you'd like me to add to the current news page, let me know via the contact link in the left column.
As always, Godspeed on your motorsport adventures! Cvetko Ostroznik.

This is an Archive News page: Find current Motorsport Travel News

2003 Menu: News appears in reverse chronological order - last news first.
January-June 2003
July-August 2003
September-October 2003 (this page)
October 2003-December 2003

2003 motorsport travel news


October 2007 (continued)

> * 102103: HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY grandprixcities™

> * 102103: A CART Champ Car race for Seoul, South Korea, on October 17, 2004? Also in South Korea, Motorsport reported this week that South Kyongsang had signed the preliminary contract to hold an Formula 1 in Chinhae (also spelled Jinhae) from 2009. Chinhae is located around 2 hours flying time from Seoeul, in the pretty port area of Pusan on the South East Coast. Might we expect a Hyundai or Daiwoo F1 racing team to compliment the entrance of the country into list of international racing destinations? Find Hotels in Korea

> * 102103: Added WSBK datespage. Knock yourself out!

> * 102103: Story on the logistics of moving CART Champ Car from Miami to Mexico City to Surfers Paradise, Australia and back to Fontana, California. Luckily, I travel much lighter than they do!
Read about all the interesting planning and shipping complications at cart.com

> * 102103: Added pics of the 2003 ALMS Petite Le Mans event at Road Atlanta, as well as, Talladega Superspeedway and the International Motorsports Hall of fame during the 2003 EA Sports 500 in Talladega, Alabama and pics of the Mercedes M-Class Manufacturing Plant & Museum in Tuscalusa County, Alabama to my Racing Pics section. Check em out!

> * 101803: NASCAR Trucks announce 2004 schedule. A first time destination for the series will be Mansfield, Ohio on May 16, 2004. Source: Mansfield News Journal

> * 101803: NASCAR in New York City???? Source: XM144

> * 101803: Moscow (Nagatino Island) still wants a Formula One race in 2005. Source: BBC

> * 101803: Chinese Grand Prix Circuit at Shanghai is almost complete. Ralf Schumacher and some folk from B.A.R. paid the place a visit, played on a simulator. Source: Home of F1

> * 101603: Montreal, Canada reinstated on 2004 F1GP calendar. June 13, 2004, a week ahead of USGP at Indianapolis.

> * 101603: Don't forget to check out the IRL/Firestone Display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada November 3-7, 2003.

> * 101603: Improvements planned for Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Virginia as it prepares for it's 2004 season, which features IRL IndyCar and NASCAR racing.

> * 101503: Officials in Indianapolis, Indiana released information about their 2004 Indy 500 Festival, which will be held with the famous road race in May. The theme is to be movies, the concept; "Lights! Camera! Traction!"> . Source: Official Press Release

> * 101503: I added a full guide to Sears Point Sonoma California for those considering a visit to the Infineon Raceway next year.

> * 101003: Interesting article about the economic impact to Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Iredell counties in Charlotte, NC during their Lowe's Motor Speedway NASCAR event weekends. Source: Independent Tribune

> * 101003: Race fans in Milwaukee, Wisconsin are invited to "drive the Milwaukee Mile" tomorrow, Saturday 101103. Proceeds from the event will aid charity ... Source: Milwaukee Mile Official website.

> * 100303: Save money with cheap tickets to the Texas Motor Speedway October IRL IndyCar / NASCAR Craftsman Trucks weekend. While you're there check out the Firestone Heroes of Indy activities. The Speedway also announced recently that it will host Modifieds and Late Model SUPR racing on it's dirt track in March 2004.

> * 100303: Sepang Circuit is so desperate to fill empty stands that its offering free admission to a Qualifying session for the Mayasian MotoGP Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2 weeks time. Maybe word got out that they ran out of cold drinks at noon during last year's event? Source: Malaysia Star. . Empty stands don't look good for tourism. New comers to big race hosting take note. Rent-a-crowd can be expensive in a 100,000+ venue. Check out some other World Racing Event Attendances Figures

> * 100203: Indianapolis Motor Speedway and American Motorcyclist Association officials conducted a feasibility test Oct. 1 on the Speedway's 2.605-mile road course. Will Indy host an AMA Superbike Championship event in the near future?

> * 100103: Pop sensation Sting plays a special outdoor concert in Chicago on Tuesday 7th October, 2003 to promote the U.S. release of his new album "Sacred Love". Find best Hotels in Chicago and Chicago Tickets . I'll be popping in there on my way to the IRL finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway the following weekend.

> * 100103: 2003 USGP at Indianaplolis attendances down to below 150,000. Source: Hindustani Times. Which is still the biggest F1 crowd number of the year. Note too that tickets for the USGP are now avaialble via my Indianapolis Tickets page and it is planned that the pit walk will again be offered. Find Indianapolis Hotels

> * 100103: The Monaco Tourist office is giving away a free trip for 2 (with ritzy accommodation) to the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo if you sign up for something.

> * 100103: Daytona Beach voted best beach in Florida for second year straight by Florida Monthly. Now in a state like Florida (with the Keys and all) that's saying something...

> * 100103: UIM World F1 Powerboats play the Mines Resort Lake Kuala Lumpur this weekend. Some parties planned. Story: UTUSAN.com.my



SEPTEMBER 2003
> * 093003: Will Magny-Cours lose it's Formula1 Event? The 2005 (or perhaps even the 2004) French Grand Prix may be held at the Bugati course at Le Mans. So say the rumors. ... Source: F1-racing live

> * 092903: Champ Car CART revealed today that there will be 16 races in it's 2004 schedule. Included definately will be an event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Complete details are not yet released. Still possible are events in Germany and the UK, and one at an as yet undisclosed venue in Asia (Motegi Japan?). Most of the usual series destinations remain, however Mid-Ohio is still in doubt. Source: sportsbusinessnews.com. Watch my motorsport dates page for a listing of the schedule the moment it is fully revealed, which should be soon.

> * 092903: More on the CART front. The supposed, "new face of Motorsport" MOTOROCK venture in Miami was said to be an unmittigated failure with only 1,000 people turning up to watch KID ROCK play at the Miami American Airlines Arena. Sad. Last year's free concert was a blast. Source: Miami Herald. Find Hotels near American Airlines Arena

> * 092403: Suzuka loses it's 2004 MotoGP Event due to dangerousness of circuit. Japanese GP will be held at Twin Ring Motegi Circuitin September. Pacific GP title dropped. Source: grandprix.com

> * 092403: Those of you chomping at the bit for news of the 2004 Champ Car Season will be pleased to note that today the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach today announced that tickets are on sale for next year's event, provisionally scheduled for April 18, 2004. Does this mean that the Champ Car folks are back in business?

> * 092203: Italians desert F1™! Where is the world headed? Attendances at last week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza were as much as 35,000 down on 2002, says grandprix.com. The 2002 figure was was significantly (read almost 33%) down on 2000, when I couldn't breath in the Parko. Are there sorry times ahead for the new destinations persuaded to spend big money on bringing the over hyped (and under exciting) Titanic to their shores? Is it time to renegotiate contracts so that they don't spend up front on the unverifiable promise of recouping on "expected attendees"? I'd hate to be spending all that money just so that tobacc0 could keep being advertized. Time will tell. As will, finally, the question be answered if F1™ really brings tourism or just national debt? Some people in India seem convinced it does and it will, but maybe they should ask people in Melbourne, who have a long 2 years of expenses left on their current contract, or Sepang, which gives away tickets to fill stands so as not to look lame on international TV. The issue is dealt with in reasoned and rational essay, including, in a refreshing change, a look at the experiences of other towns that welcomed the circus, by Anand Philar, motorsport writer at India's Sify.com.

> * 092203: Just added, Miami Grand Prix Americas Champ Car Fan Guide for this coming weekend

> Also added an index to my collection of Circuit Track Maps / Seating Charts. If you are an official source and would like to add yours to the index for handy reference of race travelers, please contact me via the link in the left column.

> * 092203: Currently under construction, Shanghai International Circuit, in Anting "Autotown" is actively seeking a MotoGP event. This should help to make ends meet. Source: EastDay.com

> * 092103: TICKETS: for the (still provisional) April 4, 2004, F1™ Bahrain GP event in Sakhir, Bahrain, go on sale September 21, 2003. For the full story on ticket prices and availability outside of the Middle East. Source: Gulf Daily. I presume, if this race is anything like others, the best value tickets will be available at the official circuit website. In Other news the small arabic kingdom (around 3 times the size of Washington, D.C) is facing a major room shortage for it's 2004 GP and is considering erecting tent cities to deal with the expected influx of international tourists headed for it's Bahrain Racing Circuit. Source: itp.com<. Psst... if you buy your ticket from the right place, you go into a draw to win a Ferrari 350 Modena - that ought to sell some tickets! Find Hotels in Bahrain via the link in this news item.

> * 091903: Driver & Celebrity appearances announced for Fontana, California IRL IndyCar event this coming weekend.

> * 091903: Sonoma, California, home of the Infineon Raceway hosts Challenge Bibendum Community Day Set at Sonoma Plaza next week. (092303) Bibendum is the real name of the Michelin man. Over 100 high-tech energy conserving vehicles will feature.

> * 091803: SEMA announces that Atlantic City will be the location of it's expanding series of after-market parts shows. The SEMA AUTO SALON EAST is scheduled for May 21-23, 2004, in the boardwalk city of conventions: Find Atlantic City New Jersey Hotels.

> * 091703: NASCAR cancels Friday and changes Saturday Practice and qualifying schedule at this weekend's Dover, Delaware event because of impending Hurricane Isabel. God Bless all in it's path. The race, as it stands currently will go on as scheduled. For full details see Dover International Speedway Official Website for more

> * 091703: 2 weeks in Japan in April 2004 ???? IRL IndyCar™ Series Twin Ring Motegi 2004 event announced. The event will be held Saturday April 17. Then on May 2 you can visit Sugo for the World SBK race! See my full racing schedules a wonderful place to start planning your 2004 international vacation race travel. Note: Calendars are still mostly provisional.

> * 091703: NOTE: USGP™ Formula One™ free practice sessions at Indianapolis will take place on Saturday from 8-8:45 a.m. and 9:15-10 a.m. (EST, -5 hours GMT), one hour earlier than previously scheduled. The qualifying warm-up will take place from 12:30-12:45 p.m., with the second, single-lap qualifying session from 1-2 p.m., both sessions one hour earlier than previously scheduled & advertised. International television waits for no one. SOURCE: USGP Press Office.

> * 091703: Some news/information about Anting, "Autotown", the location of Shanghai International Circuit, which will host the first F1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai Circuit in September, 2003. The circuit seeks a motorcycle Grand Prix as well. Source: eastday.com

> * 091603: Ducati to launch limited edition Ducati 998 Matrix and the Monster Matrix 620i.e (based on the successful Matrix and Matrix Reloaded movies) at the Milano trade show, EICMA (September 16-21): see my Milano (& Monza) Travel Guide

> * 091503: Motocross Star Travis Pastrana will race in the Porsche Supercup event in Indianapolis as part ot fht 2003 USGP.

> * 091503: Those considering travel to the innauguaral f1 grand prix at Sakhir, Bahrain on April 4, 2004 should note the announcement that usual visa restrictions on entering the small Arabic island kingdom will be lifted for the weekend of the race. Anyone holding a formula one™ ticket will be allowed to enter the country (subject to a small visa fee, for a specified period of time), and stay in neighbouring countries, without a problem. The required special visa form should be available on your inbound flight. Source: Trade Arabia News Release

> * 091203: Champ Car Star and championship favorite Bruno Junqueira will make an appearance at a Bridgestone Tire and Service Center in Miami, Florida this Sunday (091403) ahead of the Grand Prix of America's weekend.

> * 091203: Sterling Marlin will make an appearance in the Atlanta Motor Speedway Speed Zone hospitality tent ahead of NASCAR's 2003 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 (102603) at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Find Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Tickets

> * 091203: Will there ever be another Champ Car race at Portland Oregon? The Oregonian Newspaper isn't sure. Find Portland Oregon Hotels

> * 091203: After the pretty tame 2002 weekend (read my USGP review), the city of Indianapolis has opted upgraded its events and activities for this year's USGP. Find Indianapolis Indiana Hotels

> * 091103: IRL Indy Racing League Series has started developing road racing vehicles (that turn right). Rumor is that the series wants to get some road racing cred. Rumored first destination for the series may be the hardest working racetrack in the country, Infineon Raceway at Sears Point, Sonoma, California, and maybe even Watkins Glen International . Source: Press Democrat, Santa Rosa California

> * 091103: Ground breaking began yesterday on the tobacc0-free Kurtkoy circuit in Turkey(just outside Istanbul) First Turkish Formula One Grand Prix rumoured for August 2005. Source: People talk.

> * 091103: FIA announces 2004 provisional F1 Schedule. Great news is that Sao Paulo's Interlagos Circuit is to host season Finale. I love Brazil.

> * 091103: CART Champ Car #8482 may survive. Conglomorate of Teams buys out ailing series for pennies in the dollar. The only way is up!

> * 091003: The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows Presented By Toyota Trucks Announces 2003/2004 Schedule

> * 091003: WRC (World Rally Championship) 2004 dates ratified. Some changes to usual order of events. Mexico is to host an event that will will run through the cities of Guanajuato, Leon and Silao and be called the Corona Rally. Source: Rally Sports News. Find Hotels in Mexico

> * 090503: Atlanta Braves Baseball Club will host a NASCAR night on Monday September 8th, at their Turner Filed as part of their match against Philadelphia Phillies. The cars scheduled to be on hand are #50 NASCAR on TNT, #20 The Home Depot car, #15 NAPA Auto Parts car, #31 Cingular Wireless car, #8 Budweiser car, #45 Georgia-Pacific car, and the Richard Petty Driving Experience show car. Winston Cup driver Kyle Petty will be the Braves’ honorary team captain for the evening. The Braves are planning a special in-game feature with field drive-arounds during designated innings. See Atlanta travel guide Source: atlanta.braves.mlb.com. Find Hotels near Turner Field Atlanta

> * 090503: Rumors are circulating that ALMS American Le Mans Series would like to race in Detroit. Where is still a question, but they'd like to be closer to the big three auto manufacturers' headquarters. The Belle Isle circuit sits lifeless and waiting but a better facility is sorely needed in the "motor city". Source: Larry Henry's Pit Pass. Find Hotels in Detroit and Detroit Airport Hotels

> * 090403: Gateway Speedway St.Louis seeks second NASCAR Craftsman Truck race to make up for its loss of an IRL IndyCar event. Source: St. Louis Today. Find St. Louis Missouri Hotels

> * 090303: Elton John will play the first CART Champ Car Motorock event in Miami, Florida Saturday before the race. You'll need to buy a seperate ticket for the concert. Source : Cart-Racing

> * 090303: CART Champ Car will stay in Denver, Colorado on Labor Day for 2004, and continue on that date for the next 10 years, even if it does (re) merge with Indy Racing League in 2005. Source : Sports Business News . Find Hotels near the Pepsi Center Denver Grand Prix Circuit.

> * 090303: Rap Star JEN, will appear at the Tuned by Matrix GR Motorsports NHRA Sport Compact Nationals drag racing event at Infineon Raceway, Sept. 6-7. :

> * 090303: Newswire reports that Atlanta Motor Speedway it will hold it's first NASCAR Craftsman Truck race on March 13, 2004. Find Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Tickets

> * 090203: NOTE: Traffic direction & management changes for the RIR NASCAR Chevy Rock'n'Roll 400 this weekend. Source: Richmond.com

> * 090103: In the United States NFL® is the favorite sport body, NASCAR® comes second. Source : Palm Beach Post - Florida

> * 090103: Check out the results of Minardi F1's Thunder at the Rock 2 Seater event.

If you spot an error, omission or inaccuracy, either while visiting this site, or that you find after visiting these cities, Contact me so that I can immediately amend any incorrect, or questionable, info.

Also
> Current Motor Sport Travel News
> world sports dates calendar - Sports Travel made easy with events schedule, tickets and hotels near venues !
> World International Auto Show Listings Dates and locations
> Current Cycle World International Motorcycle Show Dates (US)

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