The Verizon IndyCar Series Labor Day race around the streets of Boston has been cancelled after the promoter pulled the plug on the race.
The race was schedule to be the penultimate race of the 2016 season around a 2.2-mile street course, but IndyCar officials are now seeking an alternative venue to replace the Boston event.
A statement from John Casey, the CEO and President of the Grand Prix of Boston revealed the decision to postpone the inaugural race, which has been under threat from when it was first announced due to protests from Seaport residents as well as the group Coalition Against IndyCar Boston.
“An event of this magnitude requires considerable city and state support and though we did overcome significant obstacles and demands that have been presented to us, the most recent demands regarding the flood zone issues and requirements of additional expenditure on the line of credit with no guarantees of overcoming those issues have left us no options but to cancel the race in Boston and look at other options,” said the statement from Casey.
“At this juncture the demands that have been asked of us make this event in Boston economically unviable and despite robust corporate partnerships and excellent tickets sales, if we have no guarantee of MEPA approval then time was of the essence to make this difficult decision.
“It is very disappointing for everyone who has worked so hard on the event and all of our corporate partners and fans who have supported the Grand Prix of Boston. We have had a team of over 50 people, as well as the city and state agency personnel who have been working tirelessly to find successful and viable solutions and unfortunately we are at an impasse.
“We are exploring all options and will have further information available in the coming days.”
