Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from track designer Alan Wilson:

A comment on the reports about MotoGP and American circuits.

Ultimately the choice of where a GP goes is not a question of circuit but of the promoter. Hence only ISC circuits are being reviewed as part of the latest round of discussions because they are considered by Dorna to be the only credible promoters who can prove the financial and organizational ability and who have also made an effort to negotiate with them. Obviously any circuit chosen still has to meet FIM specifications but ISC have the resources if they chose to apply them to meet these specs.

Personally, I believe that Las Vegas could easily be brought up to and obviously Barber, already does, meet MotoGP standards but unless the promoters of these facilities chose to start negotiating with Dorna themselves there would be no hope of a GP ending at these tracks. No factors other than money and circuit specs apply. Distance, from Europe, market, etc., have no significant bearing on a decision.

Note on Vegas. Although the AMA used the banking, I specified a 40ft wide track at the base of the banking that can be used equally effectively. Response could then be from the outside of the lower course, with some temporary safety facilities added for the event. In most other respects Vegas already meets FIM standards.

Alan Wilson