Francois Dumontier, president and CEO of race promoter Octane Motorsports Events, said in a statement following Sunday's Edmonton Indy that while he was satisfied with race day attendance at the Canadian IndyCar race, overall he still sees a need for improvement in attendance. Dumontier said he wants to see greater involvement from the Edmonton community in the event, which has been unable to secure a title sponsor.
“Sunday's attendance has been good, but we remain convinced that this event, especially with the quality of the spectacle offered today should attract much more people over its three days,” Dumontier said. “This is a major sporting event of international caliber, coming to Edmonton once a year, and not too many cities have the privilege to host an IZOD IndyCar Series race.
“To build a strong event, maintain the global visibility and the economic fallout for the host city, and ensure its continuity, the attendance is key, as is the business community joining as sponsors or corporate hospitality customers.
“I welcome any local initiative to firm up the relationship between the event and the community. Our role as promoters is to build an event that Edmontonians could be proud of, and create and environment where race fans and corporate customers can enjoy a great spectacle or do good business.”
Octane revived the event on a revised course after negotiations with the city temporarily broke down in late 2010. One year remains on Octane's contract to promote the event, and IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard told IndyCar.com that he will meet with Octane officials shortly to discuss the future of the race.
“I think that Francois is a very good partner,” Bernard said. “He saved this race. That's important to make it clear. This race was going away and he stepped in and took it over when it was seriously struggling financially. I think he has done some great things in the last two years.”