The Grand Prix of Boston race planned for September 4 has apparently been cancelled. The local promoter of the event said the Labor Day weekend race in the city’s Seaport District will not happen, and Mark Miles was informed of the decision this evening. While Miles said they were “very disappointed” by the decision, the Verizon IndyCar Series is working on alternative plans to fill the void left by Boston. Miles told Robin Miller that he does not expect another street race as a viable option.

One possible location that has been rumored already is Providence, which is a place IndyCar considered before looking at Boston. “We have a couple of ideas,” Miles said. “We’re working hard to see if there’s a Plan B.” Miles told USA Today that he plans to speak with city officials this weekend, and while the series would not suffer a financial hit, ”this is less important than was our ambition to be in Boston.” Gateway Motorsports Park in Illinois might also be a solid option, since it’s an oval, and has been approved as a test track. “Gateway obviously wants to have an IndyCar race and I’ll call them but I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize their re-entry into the series,” Miles told Miller. Other options might include Fontana, Watkins Glen, or New Hampshire.

While Miles provided a few details, IndyCar has yet to make an official announcement that the event is indeed cancelled.

The planning of this event has gone through a few rough patches since the first announcement was made. Some local people have questioned the possible negative impact to the environment in the area, and what it would cost the taxpayers to host the event. Fortunately, refunds will be given to those who have already purchased tickets to the event.

https://twitter.com/IndyCarBoston/status/726403237562224641

Races have been cancelled before (China, Brazil, Qingdao) and a potential season-opening race in Mexico City was scrapped for the 2016 season, with concerns over promotion for the international event. If a replacement isn’t found, the 2016 season will now consist of 15 races, with 4 of them already in the books. The next race is the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, May 14 on the road course of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.