Indy Racing League and MJ Promotions Statement Regarding the Grand Prix of Cleveland
CLEVELAND – July 30, 2008: The IndyCar Series will announce its 2009 schedule today but due to previous contractual obligations, the IndyCar Series will not be able to include the Grand Prix of Cleveland for next year. MJ Promotions, owner of the Grand Prix of Cleveland, had organized a proposal for the IndyCar Series with the help of local government and community leaders, and series officials traveled to Cleveland in June for a presentation and site visit. Although scheduling the event for 2009 was not possible, IndyCar Series and MJ Promotions officials confirmed today that discussions are ongoing about bringing the racing series to Cleveland in 2010.
“We were very impressed by the presentation and we recognize that there is a rich history of open-wheel racing in Cleveland,” said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division, Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. “However, due to contractual obligations and our desire to grow the schedule in a way that will work for all involved it was impossible to add all of the races we would have liked for 2009. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Mike Lanigan and MJ Promotions on the possibly of racing at Burke Lakefront Airport in the future.”
Mike Lanigan, CEO of MJ Promotions, added, “We are disappointed that the IRL was not able to include us for next year, but Cleveland is a great city with a proud racing tradition so we are very optimistic for 2010. We are grateful for the continued support of Mayor Jackson and the entire Cleveland community, and our company remains committed to the future of racing on the shores of Lake Erie.”
Fans who have previously purchased tickets for the 2008 Grand Prix of Cleveland will receive a full refund on the ticket price. Fans who paid by credit card will receive their refund automatically, and fans who paid by check will receive a refund in the mail (please allow several weeks for all checks to be processed). Fans who purchased tickets in person at a Ticketmaster location must return to that location in person with their tickets to receive a refund.