BOSTON (AP) – Organizers are scrapping plans for an INDYCAR race on the streets of Boston.
The race was scheduled for the Labor Day weekend in the city’s Seaport District. Organizers had hoped to construct a temporary street course around the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Mayor Martin Walsh and organizers signed an agreement last May calling for annual races for up to five years.
Opponents argued the race would have negative impacts to the environment and neighborhood safety.
The City of Boston released the following statement:
"The City of Boston will always be open to opportunities that will positively showcase our city, however as we continued to work with Boston Grand Prix they were unwilling or unable to meet the necessary requirements to hold an event of this size. The Mayor feels strongly in protecting the taxpayers and limiting the impact to residents, and we are not shy that we held them to very high standards."
INDYCAR responded to the situation with the following statement:
INDYCAR was made aware of the news involving the Grand Prix of Boston this evening. We are obviously disappointed with these media reports and are in the process of gathering additional details and will respond accordingly at the appropriate time. At this stage it is premature for INDYCAR to comment further on the situation locally in Boston or the prospect of an alternate event.
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