From a press release issued by Dorna:

Following information published about the future of a MotoGP race in the United States, this is a statement regarding the situation:

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta explains: “There have been talks about the possibility of having a Grand Prix in the United States in 2004, more specifically in Birmingham, Alabama. Although the feelings were very positive, unfortunately the present situation makes it impossible for it to be included in the MotoGP World Championship calendar from next year. We will keep the discussions open with Barber Motorsports Park in the near future, and hopefully everything can be ready and tied up for 2005.”

Bruno Event Team, a sports marketing company based in Birmingham, Alabama, has been hired to manage spectator events at Barber Motorsports Park.

According to Gene Hallman, Bruno Event Team president, “We have had discussions with MotoGP regarding a 2004 US Grand Prix. While everyone involved clearly believes that the Barber Motorsports Park is the best circuit for a US Grand Prix, we have concluded that this brand new facility will need to first operate through 2004 before hosting an event of this magnitude.

“This additional time will give the Barber Motorsports Park another year of operational experience and allow us to have the park’s landscaping and museum in world class condition prior to hosting this event. We are continuing discussions with MotoGP regarding a 2005 event and anticipate having these discussions concluded by the fall of 2003.”