Association awaits news on takeover of Sentul circuit

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Motorsports Association (IMI) is still waiting for the state minister of youth affairs and sports to respond to its offer to take over the management of the Sentul circuit near Bogor, West Java.

IMI chairman Bob Nasution told a media conference yesterday that the association had yet to hear from State Minister Agung Laksono since it made the proposal last month.

"We hope we can discuss the fate of the circuit as soon as possible. It badly needs the government's help because we can no longer cope with the costs of running it," Bob said.

The circuit is owned by Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, the youngest son of former president Soeharto. Inaugurated by Soeharto in 1993, it has hosted the world motorcycling championship round and world superbike championship leg annually since 1995.

IMI once bid and subsequently won the right to host the 1997 Formula One auto racing championship. It, however, backed out following strong public opposition.

The financial crisis that has swept the country also forced IMI to cancel the world motorcycling championship scheduled for April this year.

Bob said IMI would consult with the National Sports Council and some leading national drivers and motorcyclists on the planned takeover of the circuit.

Sentul circuit director Tinton Suprapto said the operational costs of the circuit's paddocks contributed most to its financial burdens.

"To run the paddocks alone has cost us millions of rupiah a day, not to mention the maintenance of buildings and other facilities," Tinton said.

When asked about the future of the circuit's management, both Tinton and Bob said the issue would be discussed thoroughly.

"We expect we can still control the circuit," Tinton said.

Tinton said he hoped the organization would be comprised of people familiar with motor racing. "We want those included in the organization to be people who know about motor racing."

Bob also said that IMI would still continue helping the circuit.

"The Sentul circuit is an asset for the country so we must keep the circuit as long as possible," Bob said, adding that the circuit could also become a public multipurpose facility.

He pointed out that the site could be used for arranging driver's licenses, as a training center and for races organized by motor clubs.

"If necessary, we could construct facilities for driver's licenses, a training center and for motor clubs," Bob said.

Meanwhile, about 200 people have registered to participate in the fourth leg of the national drag race in Sentul this Sunday.

Organizer Farid Sungkar said yesterday that the race would be limited to only 275 people and that it was free of charge.

The drag race is divided into Free-for-All, 1,000cc-1,400cc and 1,400cc-1,800cc categories. (lnt)