Flash.(Briefs)

German GP shake-up?

Germany is likely to lose one of its two Formula One races in the near future.

Circuit operators at the Hockenheimring and the Nurburgring, which are both operating at a loss, confirmed they are discussing the possibility of holding the German Grand Prix in alternate years. Hockenheimring chairman Dieter Gummer, who is also the mayor of Hockenheim, confirmed the venue was falling $2 million short of its annual revenue target and was seeking financial assistance from the Baden-Wurttemberg regional government to honor its contract with Formula One Management for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Nurburgring chief executive Walter Kafitz meanwhile, whose venue stages the Grand Prix of Europe, said the discussions were welcomed by Formula One Management boss Bernie Ecclestone, who has often expressed the view Germany and Italy could each lose one of its F1 races to make room for new fixtures.

"Three years ago we had 350,000 spectators [for our F1 race], but those days are gone,'' Kafitz said. "It's well known Bernie wants to organize new races in as many countries as possible.''

Narrowing it down

In a move that caught many NASCAR watchers by surprise, Richmond and Kansas City were dropped as potential sites for the sport's first official Hall of Fame. The Jan. 3 announcement leaves Atlanta, Charlotte and Daytona Beach competing for what is expected to be a $100 million tourist attraction.