There have been rumours that NASCAR may consider holding races at the famed Long Beach street track following the most recent Clash at the L.A. Coliseum, which ended the racer’s contract with the venue. However, Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin isn’t a huge advocate of making changes to the status quo.
Racer claims that NASCAR has been investigating the possibility of acquiring a 50% share in the Long Beach race in Southern California. Since 1984, the street race has been a consistent feature of the IndyCar Series programme, and it was put up for sale last year. Though rumours of a possible arrangement have been circulating, neither NASCAR nor Jim Michaelian, the president of the Long Beach Grand Prix, have confirmed anything.
Denny Hamlin stated that he would like to retain things as they are rather than add a new street circuit to the schedule when the same was brought up to him at Richmond on Saturday. “I personally like the balance now,” he remarked. I’m not sure how much it would cost to erect a Chicago-style building here [Street Course]. It was undoubtedly a lot.
It almost seems possible to construct a brief track practically anyplace. Therefore, I would prefer that we stay on course rather than taking too many detours. Hamlin has already won a short track race this season and is headed to Richmond.
With the acquisition of the Long Beach Grand Prix, what does NASCAR stand for?
When Racer asked NASCAR for an explanation on the rumours that it was going to buy a share in the Grand Prix, the promotion was unable to provide specifics. Ben Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Racing Development and Strategy, did, however, clarify that a return to Southern California is the goal for each season.
“The Southern California market is extremely important to NASCAR,” he said. “We have explored several different options in the area and will continue to do so. I won’t speak specifically to any particular racetrack in Southern California, but will say that if we had our druthers, we would have a race in Southern California every year.”
Roger Penske reportedly entered the running to purchase the 50% ownership for himself. The plot may take a couple more turns before ending since drama reigns supreme.
