Michelin Pleased that USGP Class Action is Thrown Out

Michelin has admitted that it is pleased a class action case brought against itself, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Formula One was thrown out of court. The case was brought following last June’s now infamous US Grand Prix.

“Michelin is very pleased with [US District Judge Sarah Evans Barker’s] decision dismissing the entire class action lawsuit,” pitpass.com quoted Michael Fanning, vice president, corporate affairs Michelin North America as saying. “Michelin has always felt that our quick action to voluntarily refund all tickets to the 2005 race and to purchase 20,000 tickets to the 2006 race was the right thing to do in the interest of the fans and the sport. We and our partner teams now look forward to a very competitive 2006 US Grand Prix and to continuing Michelin’s winning season in Formula One.”

The action, which involved 10 separate lawsuits, claimed damages in addition to compensation for ticket and travel costs for thousands of race fans. Indianapolis lawyer Henry J Price has said that an appeal will be filed at the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago next week.

In addition to refunds for race fans attending the 2005 event, Michelin has provided 20,000 tickets for this year’s race, which takes place on 2 July Furthermore, the French company has scheduled a number of events for the days leading up to race, including autograph sessions and a fans’ question-and-answer session with World Champion Fernando Alonso.