Residents near the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami used Sunday’s SuperBowl to protest the planned Formula 1 race there in 2021.
The NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers took place inside the venue which it is hoped a temporary circuit will be built around to host a second F1 Grand Prix in the USA.
But it has come up against fierce local opposition who have used every avenue possible to try and block the event despite efforts from organisers and Liberty Media to appease the concerns.
Recently, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez warned residents next year was the last chance to bring F1 and the economic benefits it reaps to the area, as a vote aimed at blocking motorsport events at Hard Rock Stadium was delayed until Tuesday.
“Steve Ross (Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium owner) doesn’t seem to care about this community,” Commissioner Barbara Jordan who joined the protest said via the Miami Herald. “They’re not welcome to race in our community.
Fellow Commissioner Betty Ferguson added: “We really believe it’s environmental racism. It’s totally unacceptable.”
And images from outside appear to suggest they are not interested in any more compromises with dozens holding signs against the race.
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The protest did take an interesting twist when a group lobbying for the end of male circumcision joined those assembled outside the stadium.
Something Commissioner Jordan blamed on Mayor Gimenez and Ross, accusing them of trying to disrupt the anti-F1 movement.
“We had nothing to do with this and any suggestion to the contrary is ludicrous,” a spokesman told the Herald.
As motorsport fans perhaps all we can say is God Bless America.