PORTLAND Almost Gone ?!

[zerO]

This deserves a thread of its own - this really irks me?!

READ = http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/ore...9808154950.xml - not all promises come true as expected...

Guess TG is going to win this one by default - don't forget: "OWRS is going INTERNATIONAL" next year ?!

zerO

[macdaddy]

I find it interesting that Portland was entertaining the idea of running two races.

[Fogelhund]

Kevin Jeans Gail, Francesconi's chief of staff, on Thursday said the request for proposal -- essentially a questionnaire that outlines what potential benefits a race would bring to the city

This is kind of outrageous. After 20 years the City doesn't konw what the potential benefits are to the city?

Portland's Champ Car race -- formerly sponsored by G.I. Joe's and other area companies -- is the state's largest sporting event, bringing an estimated $8 million to the local economy annually. It is televised in 120 countries.

It would seem they already know the benefits.. so why ask the question. hmmmm

[JohnSSC]

An RFP is a common request in the business world. It states what each entity will be responsible for, what level of services will be provided and the costs associated with those services.

There is more to a statement such as: "the event brings in $8 million." There are also factors to consider such as what is the outlay by the local government entities (OT for police/EMT/Fire,) costs for ancillary services, etc.

There was a study done recently here by Carnegie Mellon University that found that large sports franchises generally do not return a large $$ benefit as the costs associated with luring them (building stadia, etc) outweighs the revenue.

Now the Portland race is not in a venue provided by a local governmental entity so far as I know, but if to hold the event one is asking for services from the local government, it only makes sense to determine if revenue will exceed expenditures.

[AllofaSutton]

I think the two races would be great. Especially since I am moving there next year. But it reads to me that OWRS doesn't want to fill out the paperwork to get it done. Do you think that the International thing takes presidence over the past. It would be a shame to lose Portland, always a good time and decent race.

[racinthestreets]

I like Portland. However, I think that OWRS negotiated in good faith while in Portland, and have decided to possibly let this financial drain become TG's albatross. It appears that they are going to have to focus and "sale" OWRS very diligently to Molson. That is their clear focus at this time. Portland has had their chance and decided to play disguised as politics. BTW, Peter Jacobson could have whatever he wants in that state IMO.

Cheers to the prospect of extending the contract with Molson for five more years.

[jjspierx]

Originally posted by JohnSSC
AThere are also factors to consider such as what is the outlay by the local government entities (OT for police/EMT/Fire,) costs for ancillary services, etc.


Now the Portland race is not in a venue provided by a local governmental entity so far as I know, but if to hold the event one is asking for services from the local government, it only makes sense to determine if revenue will exceed expenditures.

Portland is one of the few race tracks that is not privately owned. It is owned and operated by the City of Portland.

http://www.portlandraceway.com/history.asp

[Flatspot]

I fear OWRS is making a big mistake on this one.

"We love Portland and want to return there," Ramsberger said. "But it seems as though we're being dealt with unfairly. It's disheartening to know that we've developed this tradition and made this investment in Portland over the years, and now we're being asked to compete for a race in a bidding situation.

Technically OWRS is not CART, a succesor in interest yes, but they are not CART. CART is the entity that built the tradition. OWRS should not try to play both sides of the coin. In the case of CART's liabilities they say "we are not CART" it appears that when they see some leftover goodwill they are saying "we are CART".

The City of Portland is only being prudent in asking for a proposal from the competing entities. Its citizens should expect no less. I don't see this as "being dealt with unfairly". OWRS should just put together an RFP and submit it. They should remind the city of the goodwill that is left over from CART and also the additonal they have built with the city by putting up their own money to run this years event. I beleive that would play a significant part of OWRS being awarded the race.

I hope OWRS don't chose to walk away from Portland simply because they are being stubborn as the article suggests.

[JohnSSC]

I did not know that jjspierx! That is interesting. Then indeed I agree with Flatspot - an RFP is even more appropriate and the City getting the best return for the citizens. It means that the officials involved are providing the appropriate level of stewardship.

Past relationships with CART should indeed count for something, but the Amigos keep emphasizing the need to have a business plan. If a business plan is good for the Series than a business plan should also be good for the City.

[f1manoz]

Considering the indecision over whether to even host an event in Portland this year, it's no wonder that this subject has come up again for next year's race.

[codename_47]

But didn't the Three Amigo's state that from now on, they're only taking the show to places where they are wanted...IE, places where they're paid to turn up....:confused:

[macdaddy]

You've hit the nail on the head, codename.

[Amar7605]

Codename is right... I mean, if we wanted a series just based on tradition, then OWRS should be racing at venues like Mid-Ohio and Michigan Speedway. But it's all about money and solidifying the series right now. And if Portland is not a moneymaker, then it's time to part ways.

I hate to say that because I like PIR and always have, but there are some hard choices that have to be made in business, and this is it.

[zerO]

...and that is why Portland, Denver, and "???" will not be on the schedule next year - instead we'll have Argentina, Brazil, and either Dubai,UAE or Doha,Qatar and two races in Europe ?! (I hope)

zerO

[macdaddy]

Refer to the "2005 Schedule" thread, no need to go offtopic here.

[Flatspot]

I'm a little confused as to how we jumped to the conclusion that the City of Portland is not willing or able to pay a sanctioning fee or a reasonable facsimilie. That is what an RFP is for...to lay out the terms under which you are willing to bring your the race come to Portland. Are we all assuming that the IRL will ask for no sanctioning fee. Are we assuming that if a fee is paid by the city to the sanctioning body that there won't be enough revenue generation to pay it and make a profit. Are we assuming that the IRL has given the promotor, peter Jacobson Productions, an unfettered right to negotiate this on their behalf, I don't think so. I think we have also jumed to the conclusion that OWRS lost money racing there this year...maybe or maybe not.

OWRS could put together and RFP based on experience where they can put forth terms which make it an acceptable deal to them. I those parameters don't work for the city well then, OWRS doesn't have to race there but to just turn and walk away???????

[zerO]

Well, looks like all bets are off: Champ Car withdrew their offer ?! = http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/ore...6590142351.xml

IRL goes to Portland next year and we'll go globetrotting instead... hihihaha...

zerO

[Omega99]

I find it difficult to understand why OWRS would have such an ego when it comes to a bidding process. Ego's are what got us into this mess in the first place.

I imagine they were planning to drop it anyway, due to dwindling attendance, and they're just using this as an excuse...

[sr230772]

i don't think it's down to ego more like dollars a bidding war with yhe irl is the last thing owrs needs right now its unfortunte for portland its a shame that the irl can't get its own identy and choose its own unique venues when they go road racing if the crowds are down and there not as fast as cart there going to get shot down

[Omega99]

True enough, but I would still expect OWRS to put in a bid, if they had any intentions of keeping the race. I guess on that basis, ego isn't a factor.

[JohnSSC]

To many of you, the Portland venue was just fine before and during the race. Now somehow it is not and it will actually be better if OWRS abandons one of it's more successful venues (attendance and length of time utilizing it) to go "international."

I watched my first start to finish IRL race (besides the 500) last night. If they put on the same show as far as passing for position goes at Portland then OWRS/CART will soon be for gotten there.

It is just dumb to pass on that venue.

[JohnSSC]

The more I think about it - it is worde than dumb to abandon the inside track to lock that venue for three more years.

If there is a plan at OWRS I would love to hear/see it because if you are trying to rebuild your series this makes no sense.

[Cowboy]

I agree with you JohnSSC, I too would like to know more of their plans. This seems more of a step back rather than a step forward to building the series. It definatly doesn't make a whole bunch of sense.

[Flatspot]

Even though I don't like the strategy I hope they are relying on the fact that they have, in essence, already submitted a proposal in the form of Eidswick's letter which stated that they would renew the existing arrangement for the next three years. Unless the IRL proposal is a really good one the City would be hard pressed to tell its citizens that they are accepting an inferior proposal because Form 4322-9 was not submitted in a proper fashion.

Does anyone really know if Peter Jacobson has been retained by the IRL to make a proposal on there behalf? Has Jacobson promoted any other of their races? I know he does golf events.

I see some wiggle room for OWRS but I don't like the play.

[zerO]

All it comes down to is that OWRS have finally realized that doing another year at Portland would simply be a waste of time, money, and effort - ergo: axe the darn thing and move on to more profitable venues ?! - Das ist Alles ?!

zerO