The Race Of Champions, the traditional end-of-season shootout between racing’s top drivers from various motorsport disciplines (Formula 1, world rally, touring cars, Le Mans and NASCAR) was scheduled for the Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, but after a scheduling conflict arose with the local soccer team, organizers were forced to change their plans and find a different location. The first choise was Düsseldorf where the race was held last year.
The ESPRIT arena’s experience in hosting the event and its relative proximity to the Frankfurt location undoubtedly proved major factors in the decision, as organizers hope to retain existing ticket-holders. The Race Of Champions will be held on 3-4 December, 2011.
Düsseldorf’s ESPRIT arena features a roof and heating system, and the atmosphere is certain to be heated as German F1 superstars Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel again head ROC’s line-up of motorsport legends in front of their home fans.
Until this moment, only Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel – four-time winners of the paired Nations Cup – have confirmed their participation, but with the race scheduled for December, there’s plenty of time to bring in the rest of the talent. Last year’s race featured such names as Alain Prost, Sebastien Loeb, Tanner Fourst and Travis Pastrana, along with Schumacher and Vettel and many others.
Race organiser Fredrik Johnsson said: “We had a successful event at the ESPRIT arena last year and we look forward to working alongside the same people again. While we are happy to be heading back, we want to apologise again to all the race fans who made plans to join us in Frankfurt. After our announcement last week we were contacted by a number of great venues but Düsseldorf is the closest alternative and we hope our special offer will make up for some of the disappointment. With Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and the other great champions, the event is sure to thrill everyone who makes it to Düsseldorf in December.” lo
Patrik Meyer, Managing Director of German promoters TSP, said: “We’re happy that we have been able to sort out this perfect replacement venue at such short notice. We know Düsseldorf’s ESPRIT arena well from last year. It is a spectacular stadium and the crowds will see equally spectacular racing. We’re sorry to inconvenience the fans who already have tickets for Frankfurt but we hope as many as possible will take us up on our special offer to see the greats of motorsport in action.”
Source: RaceOfChampions via Autoblog
