Providence wants to host Grand Prix auto race

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The mayor of Providence says he's hopeful Rhode Island's capital city could someday host a Grand Prix race.

WPRI-TV reports (http://bit.ly/QehiXK ) Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VEHR'-us) is working to bring an IndyCar race to Providence as a tourism event. Taveras attended a race Saturday in Baltimore.

Jim Bennett, the city's economic development director and chairman of the state's Convention Center Authority, says the final decision is up to IndyCar, which is the trade name for Indy Racing League LLC. The company runs the Indianapolis 500 car race.

Bennett says a Providence Grand Prix would have a big economic impact on the area and help market Providence as a tourism destination.

There's no word on where the race would be held.

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Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com/