A Lament for the Canadian Grand Prix

In June 2002, a friend and I went down to Crescent Street in Montreal, which is the hub of Grand Prix activity when the F1 comes to town. 

We sauntered over to Wanda's, a strip club about a block away from the action since we figured a 10-ten spot for the doorman would get us a seat somewhere inside. 

We were led down to the dimly-lit lower level of the club and seated at a small, round table, right in front of the stage. The club was packed tighter than the silicon boobs dancing five feet away, but, surprisingly, there were three empty chairs at our table.  We ordered $10 pints of beer and settled in. 

About 15 minutes later, the doorman led three guys to our table and we nodded to our new companions.  However, running low on the moolah, we decided to pay up and take our leave of Wanda and her dancers. 

"Where are you guys going?" asked one of the new arrivals. 

"The table is yours, gents," I replied, "have a good night!"

"C'mon, sit down!  I just ordered a round for the five of us!"

Who were we to refuse? 

And so began a night filled with champagne and strippers.  As it turned out, the three were wealthy American tourists, in town for the Grand Prix with one also celebrating a birthday. 

They had wads of money, literally wads of cash, and they were not shy to splurge.  At one point, we had four strippers giving lap dances to four of us, the only exception being myself.

That would not do for the man running this party.  He snapped his fingers, the sharp crack prompting the waitress to quickly run over.  He quickly ordered for another girl to come to our table and another bottle of champagne.  Both arrived promptly. 

A true story and an adventure that could only happen during Grand Prix weekend in Montreal.

There will be no more stories like that, however; no wide-eyed 26-year-olds celebrating a crazy night out with rich American tourists.  The Canadian Grand Prix is officially dead for 2009 and perhaps, for years to come.

A valiant effort was made to save the event, but ultimately, the mayor of Montreal as well as officials from both the federal and provincial governments admitted defeat, calling F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone's demands unreasonable.

The Quebec government was willing to fork over $110 million over the next five years, plus a whopping 75 percent of the first $10 million of profits along with 25 percent of remaining profits.  

As well, the three level of governments had turned to the hotel industry in Montreal, which agreed to raise its occupancy fees that would have raised another $5 million for the F1.

It seems Ecclestone was not interested, demanding $175 million, no less.

Private promoters, including Cirque du Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberté and Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett, were consulted but neither was willing to commit to that kind of money, calling Eccelstone's demands unreasonable.  

It was a sentiment echoed by Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay at a news conference Sunday afternoon, adding the F1 business plan doesn't make sense anymore.

It's an unfortunate end to a race that was much loved more by the fans than the drivers but still a favourite on the schedule. 

In recent weeks, a few drivers noted they really enjoyed the city of Montreal but the track (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve) left something to be desired.  A small detail, perhaps, because it's likely the government would have shelled out the money to fix it if necessary.

And so, in tough economic times, the city is without one of the driving forces behind the local economy.  It's estimated the race brought in close to $100 million for city coffers, but the cupboard will be bare next year. 

Perhaps, however, it's for the best.  I never watched a Grand Prix race when they came to town but the high-pitched whine of the engines could be heard cutting through the everyday spring cacophony of a busy metropolis sending a bit of a chill down the spine.

As fun and as full of life as the city is during those three days in June, it seems an exorbitant amount of money to save a sporting event during a time when people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads or even put food on their plates.

Had the city and the government caved to Eccelstone's demands, it would send the wrong message to the people when the politicians are telling us to tighten our belts.  The F1 is all about excess and right now, excess is not what is needed.

Still, we enjoyed it while we had it and who knows, maybe it'll be back someday.

At the very least, I've got a great story to tell.