Readers weigh in on the cancellation of the July Springfield Vintage Grand Prix Race.
Logo for the Springfield vintage grand prixThe much anticipated Springfield Vintage Grand Prix Race set to be held in downtown Springfield from July 22-24 was canceled by both city officials and race organizers on Monday. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the race was called off due to concerns regarding safety and liability.
How did our readers respond?
scarypicture says:
Kudo's to the city and entrepreneur Mike Hall for a tough decision. An event like this is complicated, huge and certainly unchartered territory for all parties involved. Thank you for not giving up on a great concept that can be further explored, patiently tweaked and eventually wind up as a winner for the city in 2012.
deli9 says:
What a shame! I know it was planned for a long time but egos got in the way of fun for all ages. If they really wanted to they could have worked it out like adults but instead this is the way of the bad politics we have in this city. People had rented equipment and hotel rooms in advance and a big black mark on us. Would you trust this city next year? I doubt it!
scotiacat20 says:
I'm actually curious about this whole situation. But SCCA and vintage racing? Umm, hello, the road courses at Lime Rock Park and New Hampshire Motor Speedway? Both tracks already host SCCA and Vintage racing, so I have to ask, why is this needed in Springfield? Maybe this particular vintage group doesn't attend either facility, but SCCA does.
Also, what was the overall cost to the city and its taxpayers? What was the cost for adding the event to an existing SCCA weekend at the above mentioned race tracks or renting the track out for the day to hold an event of this type? All it takes is for one "accident" and it will be a fiasco will be brought upon the city in terms of a lawsuit. With road blocks, I can't believe the businesses (that are open) will welcome the lack of customer availability to their business.
Anyone remember the speedboat races that were held on the Connecticut River in the late '70's and early '80's at the old Riverfront? Two or three appearances and it was done. Not much money was needed to host that, but this is a different story. Lots of labor (jersey barriers, fencing, extra police, etc) is needed for this to work. It's just not feasible in the city.
Ram9296 says:
Yes, in place more receptive to it than Springfield. The politic-speak of the Mayor and the city officials turn my stomach. Blaming it on the organizers rather than owning up...business as usual...
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