Hopes of a race in Miami received a boost tonight with news that county commissioners have upheld Miami-Dade county mayor, Carlos Gimenez' veto to overturn opposition to a planned Grand Prix in the Hard Rock Stadium area of the city.

"We need more time to work out a compromise with the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Gardens community, and racing fans that's a win-win for everyone to bring Formula 1 to our county," said Gimenez in the wake of the commissioners' 7-5 vote. "That's why I'm happy that the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners sustained my veto. This allows us to work towards a solution.

"The Formula 1 race isn't until 2021," he continued. "Sustaining my veto buys three to six months so that the parties involved can continue to work towards a solution for Miami Gardens, Stephen Ross and the Miami Dolphins, as well as racing fans.

"Let me be clear," he added, "if the veto had been overridden today then the resolution that says street racing is prohibited as currently configured in Miami Gardens would have been upheld.

"I support all parties coming to a solution that brings Formula 1 racing to Miami-Dade. Formula 1 is a huge international event. Like the Super Bowl, it puts Miami-Dade on the world stage.

"We need to continue to study the issues raised and get the correct information, instead of just killing this idea outright. I've had three meetings so far with Miami Gardens residents about Formula 1. I've met with Commissioner Jordan, as well as Miami Dolphins and racing executives. It was productive. Dolphins agreed to respond within two weeks on community concerns and how to mitigate potential issues."

In reaction to the vote, Formula One Management issued a brief statement, vowing to address residents concerns.

"Along with Miami Dolphins, we are encouraged the County Commission sustained the Mayor's Veto," it read. "As Miami Dolphins has done for all its events at Hard Rock Stadium, and as we have done in every city that hosts a race, we will continue to work with the Mayor and the community to make a Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix a huge success for all of Miami-Dade County; including the residents of Miami Gardens.

"We will work very hard to address community concerns in a meaningful way, mitigate any inconveniences or disruptions to local residents, and create an event we can all be proud of."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Spindoctor, 21/11/2019 11:11

"Surely there are better places in USA to hold an F1 race?"

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2. Posted by alvarezh3, 20/11/2019 0:33

"Ups! not in 1918.....should be 2018. Apologies."

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3. Posted by alvarezh3, 19/11/2019 23:30

"A few days ago, I was watching the evening news on one of Miami's TV channels (channel 10 If I recall correctly). They were reporting on a picket line with some signs objecting to the race just outside the Hard Rock Stadium. They were about a dozen people, at least that was what the camera showed.

According to Wikipedia, Miami Gardens was expected to have 103,000 plus residents in 1918. I guess the commissioners deducted that the amount of people protesting was not representative of the total population and that they could spare a few dozen votes and get reelected.

Perhaps free tickets to the race awarded to those living across the street from the track will hopefully appease them. Others could maybe be satisfied by being bussed to the Hard Rock Casino a few miles up the road with US$100 worth of free chips and lunch so they can try their luck at the roulette.

I would guess the execs at FOM will be toasting tonight!

Next they have to accept the invitation from Penske and go back to Indy."

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4. Posted by Lakota, 19/11/2019 22:28

"Let's get F1 back to Indy. Go talk to Roger"

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Hopes of an F1 race in Miami receive a boost from county commissioners

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