Rumors: Watch for news in 7 to 10 days

[les_stockton]

Watch for news in 7 to 10 days regarding Brad Lund (former management in OKC Blazers). Supposedly, there's going to be an announcement. Will fill in with details as I get more. Hopefully, someone else will have more information than I do.

[sgrizzle]

Another team moving out?
Another team moving in?
Brad has had surgery and is now known as Beatrice?

[les_stockton]

I couldn't speculate with any comfort.
OKC already has the Barons, so I can't see that Brad and Co would be moving a CHL team to OKC. 
They could bring a junior hockey team to OKC, but that seems unlikely too because of the proximity to UCO and OU who already have college teams and would be in direct competition with any junior team (although junior hockey is more entertaining to watch; in juniors, fighting is allowed and the checking is harder).

Is it possible that they might be buying the existing team, the Barons?

the only other possibility I could think of is that they would be bringing a hockey team to a community other than OKC.

and I guess there's also the possibility that with the absence of an AFL team in Tulsa, they might choose to put one back in OKC.

[les_stockton]

It could be a Le Mans style racing event.
http://www.autoracing1.com/rumors.asp?tid=9396

[Conan71]

It could be a Le Mans style racing event.
http://www.autoracing1.com/rumors.asp?tid=9396

I thought that already got 86'd.

[les_stockton]

I think there's still an effort.

[dbacks fan]

SERIES EYES SCHEDULE EXPANSION
Potential Oklahoma City race in 2013 the tip of the iceberg, hints Atherton

On the heels of OKC Motorsports' announcement of its plans to host an American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón race in Oklahoma City, Series President and CEO Scott Atherton confirmed that the street race is just a part of the Series' ongoing efforts to expand its schedule.

Targeted for 2013, a race in Oklahoma City's Adventure District would likely take place the third week in May, falling between Mother's Day and Memorial Day. The mid-May date also would give teams competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans ample time to transport their cars to the French classic. OKC Motorsports President and CEO Mike McAuliffe, who has been instrumental in bringing drag boat racing to Oklahoma City's downtown riverfront, has indicated that next steps for the proposed race include a site inspection with ALMS officials, confirmation of the track layout and solidifying local business and political support. The Series' agreement provides for an exclusive planning period for the event with OKC Motorsports.

Even prior to a potential Oklahoma City race in 2013, Atherton hinted of growth in the series' schedule, not only in quantity, but in enhanced diversity of race markets and venues as well.

"IMSA and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón always look for markets that would enhance the objectives of our corporate partners as well as ones that reach out to our ever-growing fan base," Atherton said. "With OKC Motorsports we have an agreement to jointly move forward for a race in 2013.

"We have also been approached by several other parties to host new events as soon as next year, both street courses and traditional road courses. Right now, even in the midst of our 2011 season, we continue to evaluate each proposed venue and are eager to expand our schedule to fans throughout North America."

The Series' last race in the country's "Central Corridor" was the Lone Star Grand Prix on the streets of Houston in 2007. That same year the ALMS held 12 races, the most in a single season during its history and tied with the 2000 season.

[dbacks fan]

And a quote from one of the posters from Columbus OH on the attributes of OKC......

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join Date:Jan 2006
Location:columbus, ohio
Posts:508
I hope this race does go through. #1 despite the problems that alms is having right now I still love to watch it. #2 I was in OKC last year for a big softball tournament and I can tell you that it is a great place to have a race. Sounds like the proposed track is in the softball complex, race track, and museum area. There is a zoo there also so it will not only make for a great race but OKC is a great tourist city also. The Brickyard area downtown is a must. Toby Keith's Bar and Grill is a great place to eat also. The best stakes you will ever get are the the Cattleman's Cafe in the Stockyard area. Oh one last thing, if you go you must see the bombing memorial. You need at least half a day there. Oh well if it sounds like I live in OKC I don't. I live in columbus, ohio.(our motto is " if you ain't lyin, you ain's tryin"). I'm not lying about okc though , fantastic place.

David

[Breadburner]

Okc probably does seem great to someone from Ohio......"Stakes".....

[Hoss]

Okc probably does seem great to someone from Ohio......"Stakes".....

I find the statement 'Oh well if it sounds like I live in OKC I don't.' a dead giveaway.  Dude likely does live in OKC.  'Stakes' likely indicates an OKC public school graduate...or dropout.

[les_stockton]

On a different train of thought, I will say that knowing the area the article mentions, I agree; it has potential for a good location of the race.  And I like the Bricktown area as far as a touristy place to  visit.

[dbacks fan]

My question is, will ABLE get their panties in a knot since the series is sponsored by Patron Tequila?

[Conan71]

Road races are generally money losers for the cities who host them especially first year events, but they consider it a tourism gain.  

[swake]

Road races are generally money losers for the cities who host them especially first year events, but they consider it a tourism gain.  

Not in Oklahoma City, they just get the state to pay for it.

[dbacks fan]

Road races are generally money losers for the cities who host them especially first year events, but they consider it a tourism gain.  

Valid point. The other thing about ALMS is, it is a global sport and gets global coverage since most of the teams also compete at Le Mans, the Nurburg Ring (the whole 17 mile version) and other events throughout Europe, and you have teams from Audi, Pugeot, Ferrari, Porsche, and GM.