(GMM) An American circuit has vowed to stage the United States grand prix if Indy says no for 2006.
Following last month's six-car fiasco, Bruton Smith said he would chat to Bernie Ecclestone if Indianapolis chief Tony George slams the door.
For the F1 supremo, though, there's a catch -- billionaire Bernie, 74, would have to lever open his wallet.
''Bless his heart,'' Smith, promoter of a NASCAR race at his Californian (Sonoma) road circuit, told the Winston-Salem Journal.
Ecclestone is reportedly worth up to $3.7 billion.
Smith added: ''He'll have to spend it. He ought to be able to make a deal with me. Money talks.''
Mr. E, though, is likely to snigger at the 'offer'. Although desperate to crack the US market, an F1 race costs a promoter around $15m a pop.
Written: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 09:40:08
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