Late Racing News.(automobile racing)(Brief Article)

George pleased with USGP

* The crowd for the third U.S. Grand Prix at Indy was down considerably from previous years, increasing speculation that F1 might not be long for the Speedway. Track president Tony George says no. ``I'm confident that [this crowd estimated at 125,000] looks good enough to be profitable,'' he said. ``It will be profitable.'' George isn't willing to say what the break-even point is, but he insists he is committed to the event for the long term. However, it's possible that interest has simply leveled out. ``Each year we have tried to improve the event,'' he said, noting four F1 races on ABC in the States this season. ``I think after the third year, the [race] has settled down to its real level.'' George plans no changes to the course despite pleas from some of the drivers who say the two infield sections are too slow.

Mazda spec racers to get Genesis rotaries

* The next Star Formula Mazda race car will get the same Genesis rotary engine that will power the new RX-8. MazdaSpeed Motorsports Development unveiled the new race car during the American Le Mans Series weekend at Laguna Seca. The new Mazda and Elan Motorsports Technologies-developed car is scheduled for testing in 2003. It will run in the Star Mazda Series North American Championship, a support event to the ALMS, in 2004.

Toyota V8 in first R&S

* Riley & Scott Racing announced ...