'The Donald' Cites Time, Business Constraints
INDIANAPOLIS -- Outspoken billionaire businessman Donald Trump has withdrawn as the pace car driver for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 amid growing controversy.
In a statement released by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, Trump cited his presidential bid and increasingly busy schedule for the decision to pull out.
“I very much appreciate the honor, but time and business constraints make my appearance there, especially with the necessary practice sessions, impossible to fulfill,” Trump said. “I look forward to watching the race from New York.”
Some fans claimed "the Donald' would tarnish this year's historic centennial celebration with controversial comments he made about President Barack Obama and demands he release his long-form birth certificate.
A Facebook page calling for the IMS to bump Trump has collected more than 17,000 "likes" since last week.
Trump's withdrawal prompted quick criticism on the 6News Facebook page.
"That's good. Most of us didn't want him driving it anyhow," wrote Tammyleigh Callagy-Pitzer.
"Thank God the races won't be ruined!" wrote Suzanne Mariottini-Dias.
Others drew a link between Trump's decision and his potential presidential bid.
"Will he chicken out during a world crisis if he's president?" Karin Mullins asked.
"I'm sure he keeps a calendar. Won't be voting him president; (he) can't even commit," wrote Julie Ray Burdine.
IMS President and CEO Jeff Belskus said Thursday he respects Trump’s position.
“Donald Trump has been very enthusiastic about the 500 from the beginning of our conversations, and I have appreciated the interaction we have had with him and his staff,” he said. “From my first conversation, I was impressed by his deep understanding of the event and history, and I thank him for being a true fan.”
Belskus said a replacement driver for the pace car would be announced later this month. The 2011 Indianapolis 500 is set to run May 29.
Poster Comment:
It's probably because they refused to rename the venue the "Trump Motor Speedway" and plaster 200 point TRUMP stickers on all the cars.
