United States Grand Prix Story (June 28, 2006)
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by user Alex Holowczak
Indianapolis is getting closr, and in a bid to increase interest in the race, I will continue with the next part of the United States Grand Prix story.
From Boom to Bust
After the 1975 race at Watkins Glen, F1 wanted to bring another race to the USA. This was prohibited, as there was only going to be one Grand Prix per country per year. The FIA got around this problem, by calling future Grand Prix the United States (West) Grand Prix and the United States (East) Grand Prix. They were still called the United States Grand Prix colloquially. Officially, the East Grand Prix was called the United States Grand Prix. It was confusing - the same happened until the European Grand Prix was formed in Europe as it's own race. Any race in Europe was given the title European Grand Prix. Similarly, the race at Watkins Glen was called the United States Grand Prix. Watkins Glen hosted the race in the East, but the version in the West went to Long Beach.
Long Beach was a generally poor track, with little imagination, and although the fans loved it, the drivers thought little of it. A new alternative was needed.
In 1981 however, the East race left the Glen for the last time. A new deal meant that Las Vegas was to host a race, under the title of Las Vegas Grand Prix. (East was hardly appropriate). In 1982, a track in Detroit hosted the US East Grand Prix, and by now, there were three United States Grands Prix in the calendar.
The West race left Las Vegas in 1982, because the track was poor for spectators, and there was nowhere for them to park to watch (the race was held on Caesar's Palace car park). It was a good track that helped overtaking, was smooth, and a good layout. However, the desert heat made it unpopular with drivers. Lack of attendance forced the race to leave.
In 1983, the East race remained in Detroit, but the United States Grand Prix went to a new location in Dallas. Both were affectionately known by their city names however. The races were still popular by this time, and the FIA intended to keep the Grand Prix in Detroit. The track however, was generally uncompetitive, and the street circuit was even slower than Monte Carlo, although similar in appearance.
The Dallas race lasted only one year, and Detroit hosted the United States Grand Prix. The race it hosted was seen as a disaster, because damage to the track left it dangerous to race. Although, it was agreed that it was a decent track. However safety concerns saw the end of the race.
The FIA wanted the race to be held at Belle Isle, but an agreement could not be reached, so the FIA needed another option. In 1989, the race moved to Phoenix. It was to be the beginning of the end.
The track was unpopular both with the spectators and drivers. It was bumpy and the surface was poor. In 1991, only 18,000 turned up to see the race which usually attracted over 100,000 in its heyday in the early 80s. A local ostrich race was attended by more people.
Frustrated at not being able to find a permanent home, the FIA pulled the US race, prefering to go back to South Africa, and see the remodelled Kyalami race track - an old F1 favourite that was always keenly attended.
It was the end of F1 in America, but the FIA kept in contact, desperate to put a race on American soil to attract one of the biggest markets in the world.
Tomorrow: The Indianapolis renaissance
Date
Wed 06/28/06, 1:11 am EST
