Runway racing

Cleveland was always one of my favorite races. Like Belle isle in Detroit, it's a race that takes place on the water's edge, and there is something special about the mix of raw machine power against the backdrop of nature.

I always felt Cleveland was a "locals" race, the kind of event that folks in town went to rather than a destination like Road America or Mid-Ohio. My first visit to Cleveland was in 1983, and over the years we've watched the race from a variety of spots, including several years from a boat on the water listening to the race chatter from a scanner. I wasn't pleased that the 2008 combined Indycar/Champ Car calendar did not include Cleveland, but I came across this item from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, so there is hope for Cleveland's return in 2009.

"City officials make their pitch to revive lakefront IRL race for 2009 open-wheel season"

In a quiet, yet high-powered, round of presentations and meetings, Indy Racing League officials heard from Cleveland political and civic leaders Wednesday afternoon about the importance of putting the Grand Prix of Cleveland back on the open wheel racing calendar for 2009.

Since the IRL and Champ Car merged in February, many races -- including Cleveland -- were bumped off the schedule. But the IRL also said 2009 will offer a chance for several events to get back on the slate. Cleveland is among a number of cities trying to make the cut, including Toronto, Portland, Houston and Mexico City.

Cleveland, with its 26-year racing history, has always been a popular venue with the Burke Lakefront Airport circuit being a favorite for fans, drivers, race teams and team sponsors. But Cleveland now must compete with IRL events already on the schedule at the Mid-Ohio course in Lexington, 90 miles south of Cleveland, and at Detroit's Belle Isle, 175 miles northwest.

Combined with the lack of a title sponsor in recent years, and attendance that only recently showed signs of rebounding, getting back on the schedule is not a sure thing. John Lewis, vice president for League Development and Marketing with the IRL said as much.

"We hope there is an opportunity here, but we don't want to give any false expectations, either," he said after lunch. "At first blush, [Cleveland] looks like good people, well supported, and certainly some open-wheel heritage. But the challenge will be finding a slot on a busy calendar. And you certainly have to mention we have a good relationship, and are very happy, with our promoter in Mid-Ohio, Michelle Trueman.

"I guess the key word would be balance. If something works out where everybody wins, that's a good business model. But if it's going to have challenges in respect to this venue, or other venues that we're already at, we'll have to address those and see where that plays out."

With clear hurdles in front of them, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and his cabinet met with Lewis and other IRL officials following a presentation and lunch from Grand Prix Charities, a tour of the Burke facility with airport director Ricky Smith and a surprise visit from current race team owner and former Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal.

"I apologize for crashing this meeting," said Rahal. "But when I heard of this last week I wanted to be here as a team owner, and a former driver. I am a huge, huge fan of this track, and a lot of people other than myself will say that.

"Some of the greatest races in this sport were on this circuit. Cleveland is the race that started the concept of bringing the event to the people [in 1982]. It elevated Indy car racing, suddenly. I hope Cleveland can be on the schedule. My hope is something favorable can be done."

The IRL remains committed to announcing a 2009 schedule by early July, so this may have been Cleveland's best chance at impressing those who will make a final decision.

Mike Lanigan, Cleveland race promoter and CEO for Mi-Jack promotions, believes the possibility of the race returning is realistic. But it's not guaranteed.

"The IRL is very open-minded," he said. "I think they like our history and they like our tradition. They definitely like the city. However, we do have competition. So we hope to do enough to get them to want to come back."

On a more solemn note, it's with sadness that we mark the death of Ove Andersson, who was killed while competing in a vintage rally race in South Africa. Ove was connected with Toyota for much of his career, and headed up the firms' F1 program before retiring. I was saddened to hear of his death and offer my heart-felt condolences to his family.

Here is something from my youtube page, featuring the 1983 Cleveland Grand Prix. I plan on uploading the 1982 race soon. You can check my page out here