The 2011 MotoGP Championship heads to Jerez, Spain this week, as the premier class gets ready for its second race of the season. 2011 so far has been a tough year for motorcycle tracks. First there was concern over whether Donington Park would get FIM homologation in time for World Superbike’s visit (spoiler alert: they did).
Then there was concern over New Jersey Motorsports Park, which filed for Chapter 11 protection, as the east coast venue sorts itself out financially with its creditors. MotoGP hasn’t been immune to this issues as well, as both Brno and Jerez have seen some concern of their future outlook.
While Brno is looking for help from the national government to make the dollars and cents make sense, Jerez was in a similar predicament except that the track has missed its last loan payment, and had its assets frozen my a local magistrate. Concerns over Jerez can now be put to ease though as the Andalusian State Government has announced that it will underwrite the popular Spanish racing venue through 2016.
Backed by the Andalusian Sports and Tourism Council, Jerez de la Frontera Circuit is not yet out of the woods with its debts, but the circuit’s hosting of the Spanish GP is at least cemented on the MotoGP calendar for the next few years. The state government obviously understands the money and prestige hosting the race brings to the area, and in addition to its backing, there will be print and tv advertisements promoting the event.
While full details on the backing haven’t been released, expect to see the Council’s logo on several other GP venues as on-track ads, with the government trying to further entice motorcycle racing fans to the Spanish event.
Source: MotoMatters; Photo: Rizla Suzuki
Comments