Montreal's F1 Racing Problem

The following was originally posted at Intersportswire.

There's a debate among Montrealers about whether it's worth saving the F1 race recently canceled by Bernie Eccelstone.

As sports fan, of course people want to see it stay but how feasible is it? It shouldn't come at any price and nor should we have to grovel each time whenever Bernie decides it's time to hold the city hostage.

Eccelstone is simply looking to the highest bidder. It's nothing personal; it's just business.

It was interesting to note our municipal leaders flying to London on a begging expedition. At least, that's how I see it. Sure, for one weekend out of a year the F1 pours in millions (they say 80 million but it's probably less (but by no means less substantial) in terms of new money injected) into the local economy.

It may indeed be a sound investment but at what price? And by this I don't just mean financial.

Give me your money, dignity and whores.

We are being told about, as I mentioned, the economic benefits of having the Grand Prix come to town yet we let the Expos go. There was no better free publicity for seven months out of the year than having a MLB exposing the city to the entire North American continent. But we messed that up; too much of a commitment and way too many excuses.

For me, all this is a harbinger of things to come. France recently decided to not hold the race citing it could no longer afford it. Something tells me as the nanny states become more difficult and expensive to maintain, more European nations may follow suit. France is a G7 nation with a rich racing tradition. Who's next? England? Germany? Racing mad Italy?

At which point, the vacuum will probably be filled by the nouveau rich economies of the East; more productive in some areas and drenched in oil in others. You know, the Malaysia's and UAE's of this world.

Even if we save the F1 race for next year, when our contract runs out in 2011 (I believe) don't expect us to have any more money to meet the demands of Bernie Eccelstone.

Meh.

It was a good, speedy ride while it lasted.