25/10/2011
NEWS STORY
Ahead of the New Jersey governor's official announcement many of those involved in the proposed New Jersey F1 race are very, very excited.
"This is going to be an economic boom for this whole region," West New York mayor Felix Roque told Reuters. "While political and public servants talk about creating jobs, the governor has put the pedal to the metal and delivered. This is the top of the line in motor racing, it's incredible."
Bernie Ecclestone has made no secret of his desire to see F1 cars racing in New York - just as he would dearly love to see them in London and Paris - and the Grand Prix of America, which will be run on a four-lane highway alongside the Hudson River in Weehawken, West New York, is as close as he's likely to get.
"It will provide a very challenging course, they compare it to Spa in Belgium, but it will have the feel of Monaco," said Joe DeMarco, an attorney with West New York who also revealed that the organisers are seeking a long-term deal. "It has been contemplated to at least run for ten years," he said, "but there are options and so on depending on the success of it. Hopefully it will be a long term event, embraced by residents and the community."
New Jersey governor Chris Christie will officially announce the deal at a press conference in Weehawken later today.