I chose to highlight this story from the NY Times not only for its interesting content, but also for its unique angle.
The story tells of a proposal to hold the Formula One Grand Prix of America in New Jersey on the west side of the Hudson. The race will ideally take place in 2013.
Through humor and a bit of sarcasm, the story highlights just how unlikely it is for the race to be held in such an urban area. Corey Kilgannon, the reporter, hopped in his own car (a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu) and rode the route himself.
The story is full of humorous comparisons; it's hard to imagine a road race with cars going 200 m.p.h. when cars are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour.
Kilgannon spotted a 1998 Dodge Viper RT-10 at a light, and although the driver turned down the offer to race, he did pull into a gas station parking lot to show off his car.
"Those hills and turns can be nasty," the driver said of the route. He also guessed that the loop could be finished in a minute by a Formula One driver.
For Kilgannon, however, the trip was not so easy. Construction, traffic and pedestrians all hindered his fantasy of being a race car driver.
Economically, the race could also bring a lot of revenue to the area with hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc.
So the question is, would holding a Grand Prix race overlooking the views of Manhattan be a good idea?
The story is full of humorous comparisons; it's hard to imagine a road race with cars going 200 m.p.h. when cars are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour.
Kilgannon spotted a 1998 Dodge Viper RT-10 at a light, and although the driver turned down the offer to race, he did pull into a gas station parking lot to show off his car.
"Those hills and turns can be nasty," the driver said of the route. He also guessed that the loop could be finished in a minute by a Formula One driver.
For Kilgannon, however, the trip was not so easy. Construction, traffic and pedestrians all hindered his fantasy of being a race car driver.
Economically, the race could also bring a lot of revenue to the area with hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc.
So the question is, would holding a Grand Prix race overlooking the views of Manhattan be a good idea?
Heard about this the other day, and I immediately thought "awesome." I actually can't wait for it. I have never been a big racing fan, but that's probably because there aren't any races here in the NYC metro area. But this could be a good thing. Great idea. CAN'T WAIT!!
ReplyDeleteLove that idea. One year I drove the NYC Marathon course to see if I could beat the winner's time. Couldn't do it. Lost by 25 minutes.
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