Officials said there was not enough time to overcome legal and logistical obstacles.
A vintage Stutz that was expected to race in the Springfield Vintage Grand Prix this July.SPRINGFIELD – The Vintage Car Grand Prix Race planned for July was canceled Tuesday by agreement of the city and race organizers.
Planning is underway for the three-day event in the summer of 2012.
Citing legal and logistical complications, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced the cancellation at a Monday afternoon press conference.
“We want to make sure we get this right,” Sarno said at a press conference with Peter Roberts, national steward of the Sports Car Club of America, which was sponsoring the race.
The press conference followed a noon meeting that included city solicitor Edward M. Pikula, members of the business community and other city officials.
Pikula said there was not enough time to overcome several obstacles, including passing legislation needed to hold a race on downtown streets.
The city had raised earlier concerns about liability and safety.
Promoters said that city officials had place roadblocks and unrealistic expectations on the organizers.