Grand Prix racing in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District took another big step forward today as Oklahoma County’s board of commissioners signed off on a unanimous resolution supporting Oklahoma City Motorsports’ plans to host a Grand Prix race in 2012.
In throwing its support behind OKC Motorsports’ efforts, the commission’s resolution cited the impact a premier automobile race would have on the city and county, including:
• 40 percent of an estimated 75,000 spectators coming from outside Oklahoma County.
• an economic impact of $15 million to $20 million in its first year.
• national and international exposure from media coverage.
• special events during race week that will benefit other Adventure District attractions.
• benefit to Oklahoma’s tourism-based economy.
“We fully support (OKC Motorsports CEO) Mike McAuliffe and OKC Motorsports in bringing a world-class sporting event to our county and our city,” said Willa Johnson, Oklahoma County commissioner. “The Adventure District sets up nicely for the race itself, and by incorporating all the attractions through events and activities during race week, and the district’s central location, this race will positively impact citizens and businesses countywide and beyond.”
OKC Motorsports is in the process of securing a sanctioning body and date for the race, signing title and corporate sponsors and putting together a managerial staff.
“We are close to having the deals in place to bring a race to Oklahoma City,” McAuliffe said. “But we want to ensure we have the full support of both the community and the business community before advancing further in our process.”
