2006 USGP Indy Not A Done Deal...

[JoeBob]

Some have said that Bernie already exercised his option. However, there is some interesting phrasing here:

http://www.usgpindy.com/news/story.php?story_id=5039


If the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis is included on the 2006 Formula One schedule, Michelin will purchase 20,000 tickets for that event. These tickets will be distributed to fans that purchased tickets to this year’s race. Michelin and IMS are coordinating now on the specifics of that distribution. Details will be announced once the 2006 Formula One calendar is released by the FIA.

Sounds like IMS isn't so sure the race will be on the F1 schedule - even though they're already selling tickets to the public!

[Ozarkian]

I read that, too, and took it as a a disclaimer (albeit an interestingly worded one) pending the official schedule announcement in October. Wonder if there's a provision in the contracts between Bernie and the tracks that makes performance contingent on the FIA including the race on its schedule? Also noted that Michelin and the Speedway are currently working out how to distribute the 20,000 2006 freebees.