"Long Beach started on the periphery of the city, along the coast, in a very blighted area," Anderson said. "And there has been a lot of development along there in the past 36 years it's been very successful."
In comparison, Anderson sees downtown Oklahoma City as an area already established with no history of racing on its streets.
"Obviously Long Beach has a long history of success," Anderson said. "I suspect they'll be there as long as they want to be. We will have to outperform the track record of street circuit races that, historically, in these other cities, didn't last."
Anderson said Lund and Ward need to be "looking long term" to be financially successful."
"Hopefully they've got their eye on the ball for long-term success of the race which is in line with our objective," Anderson said. "If everyone is looking long-term, then everyone comes out OK."
Ward said he is not worried about the failure rate of past street courses or the prospects for success locally.
"The series is moving in a new direction with street races," Ward said. "It's typically an endurance-based race. So historically, it's difficult to do an endurance race on street courses."
Ward said he is working with the series sponsors to de-emphasize endurance racing for the Oklahoma City race.
Ward added the proposed annual $1.3 million fees paid to the city go beyond any commitment made in other communities with street racing and will ensure the city recaptures its $6.9 million in 10 years.
Ward agreed with Lund the race will be successful the first year — and discounted any chance the event could be discontinued within a few years, leaving the city with an unpaid bill.
"You will have all of your hotels full, you will have people eating in restaurants," Ward said. "There is a risk and reward to any situation anyone enters into. I believe the reward side outweighs the risk side a lot.... Brad and I are both local guys. We want what's best for the city. We want to see the city grow. And we believe this is the next step in becoming a big league city."
Cornett's take
Mayor Mick Cornett said he began envisioning a Grand Prix race for the city five years ago and introduced Ward to Lund after Ward expressed an interest in bringing racing to Oklahoma City.
Cornett acknowledged the investment won't be an easy sell in the current economy but added it represents a less expensive avenue to bring racing to the city in contrast to spending "hundreds of millions" on a permanent stadium.
"The risk needs to be addressed at city council on Tuesday," Cornett said. "The question is, what does it take to get these huge events? I have a lot of confidence in Trent and Brad. And I know the Ward family is as solid as it gets."
