IRL Race Is Out of the Running

The Indy Racing League won’t be racing at Dodger Stadium, at least for now.

In searching for a location to return to Southern California, IRL officials met with the Dodgers about a race in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers evaluated the possibility and decided it did not make financial sense, spokeswoman Camille Johnston said Thursday.

Without the infrastructure of California Speedway and the tradition of the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Dodgers would have been challenged to break even on the event. Johnston would not comment on financial figures, but one industry source estimated it would cost the Dodgers about $3 million to stage the race, including costs for a temporary track, restraining walls and temporary seats.

The IRL condensed its schedule this year, dropping its annual race at California Speedway and all but one stop west of Texas. The circuit plans to return to the Los Angeles market.

“We are exploring all our options in Southern California, including a return to California Speedway,” said John Griffin, IRL vice president of public relations.

AEG has not ruled out staging a race in the downtown area, spokesman Michael Roth said.

City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose district includes Dodger Stadium, said Dodger owner Frank McCourt had discussed the idea with him. Reyes said a race could be “a pretty interesting and exciting idea” but called the discussions preliminary and said McCourt had pledged to return with a plan to mitigate traffic, noise and community impact if the Dodgers decided to proceed.

“They’ve been good neighbors,” Reyes said.

Johnston said IRL officials are welcome to present a new proposal to the Dodgers but said, “Nothing is happening now.”

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McCourt has expressed interest in purchasing a hospital on property adjacent to Dodger Stadium, Reyes said.

Barlow Respiratory Hospital, a 25-acre site, is for sale for a price one Los Angeles property broker put at $25 million. But an actual purchase price could vary wildly, depending on whether a buyer can persuade the City Council to rezone property now designated for agricultural use and open space, a process that would include consultations with civic leaders and community groups.

“Our priorities are open space and mitigating traffic,” Reyes said.

Reyes said McCourt did not explain what use the Dodgers might envision for the property, should they decide to proceed. The main infirmary among 40 buildings dates to 1927, and some buildings on the campus are older.

The site is designated by the city as a historic landmark.

“They’re interested in it because of its natural and physical relationship with Dodger Stadium,” Reyes said.

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Second baseman Jeff Kent, who is hitting .118 with no extra-base hits in 51 at-bats since April 15, got the night off.... Manager Grady Little said he had not heard when pitcher Odalis Perez, who is in the Dominican Republic visiting his ailing mother, might return. Little said Perez might not make his scheduled Sunday start even if he does return; the Dodgers could replace him by promoting Aaron Sele from triple-A Las Vegas.... Little called his postgame team meeting Wednesday “Baseball Chapel by Grady Little.” The meeting followed an 11-5 loss, the Dodgers’ most lopsided defeat this season. Said Little: “I’m not big on these chapel services. When I do call them, they have a reason. The main reason for last night was to let them know we’re good.”