After months of negotiation and much pubic criticism IndyCar and Nikon Indy 300 event staff have stated they have not been able to come to an agreement. The future of Nikon Indy 300 (as we know it today) is dead. The Surfers Paradise event has hosted CART/Champ Car races from 1991 to 2007, but could not be accommodated on the IndyCar championship schedule following the US open-wheel merger. IndyCar was insisting that the event be moved to March, which completely negates the existing Australian Grand Prix, a very successful season opening F1 race. In addition to the schedule changes the Goldcoast.com.au is reporting that IndyCar was also looking for another $3 million (AUS) be added to the existing $11.6 million fee to host the event.

Photo Credit: dafydd359

The ripple effect of this decision has already sparked other sad news. KV Racing sponsor Craig Gore of Aussie Vineyards has indicated that he will consider pulling his sponsorship from the team if IndyCar drops the Australian event.

There is a light at the end of all of this though. First, at least we have a decision and can now focus on other motorsport events in Australia. indyCar dropping the Gold Coast event has opened the door for A1GP to step into the reserved time slot. After brief talks AIGP and the local officials announced that the Gold Coast deal had been completed. Based on the speed these two were able to make a decision it is clear that there are synergies and that these groups are committed.

Back in the US, Indy was allowing the schedule of the NFL season to influence their commitment to the Australian event. It really chokes me that another sport completely separate from motorsport became a point of contention in these negotiations. It shows how uncommitted Indy is to the betterment and growth of racing and because of this they have lost a number of dedicated Indy in the process.

The new AIGP race will take place on October 25, 2009. For any motorsport fans looking to learn a little more about A1GP (the World Cup of Motorsport), check out the A1GP website. Also, have a look at the A1 Team Australia page. This team is made up of many familiar faces including: Nathan Antunes, Ryan Briscoe, Will Davison, Ian Dyk, Christian Jones, Marcus Marshall, John Martin, Will Power, Karl Reindler, and Ashley Walsh.

In the end, hopefully Nikon and Aussie Vineyards can be accommodated in the new event because motorsport doesn’t need to lose another committed sponsor. Actually, the new A1GP commitment might provide better global exposure for both, so let’s hope they stick around and the organizing committees work hard to keep their attention and involvement.

Are you an A1GP fan? Does the decision of IndyCar not to return to Surfers Paradise affect your opinion of IndyCar? Comments are open below.