One other item.
Expansion of the Convention Center is also sparking development around the Center as reported by Tuesday's Indy Star:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090707/BUSINESS/907070364/1003/BUSINESS/Marriott+Place+part+of+dramatic+change+for+Indy


from the article:
ABOUT MARRIOTT PLACE
Hotels: JW Marriott and three smaller hotels: Courtyard, Springhill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites, all by Marriott.
JW Marriott: Will be 34 stories, have 1,005 rooms and 7,300 panels of cobalt glass.
Total project's cost: $450 million.

INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION
Once completed, it will offer:
11 exhibit halls, 71 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, 48 docks.
Completion date: December 2010.
Cost: $275 million.

You made the comment that there is no money for f1 assistance.

Then you post evidence showing how there's almost 10x the amount of money for other businesses, making us ask the government, "Why AREN'T you helping IMS out?"

What?

One, the IMS has never asked for assistance and never will.
Two, the climate for providing tax $$$ for F1 is zero in Indiana.
Three, IMS is not a part of the Capitol Improvements Board.
Lucas Oil and Conseco are.
Four, major improvements by businessses are in the downtown business area not the TOWN of Speedway.

I agree with those who have posted stating that Tony George's departure from IMS will neither help nor hurt the prospects of F-1 returning to Indy. The real concern at this point ought to be whether will be anIndyCar return to Indy.

I think that Bernie wants Americans to beg for Formula One to come back to America.

Sorry Pal,THAT ain't a'happening.