Thanks, I wondered.
The Mansurs in Germany live in an exclusive areas, are Muslim and regarded as the most dangerous islamofascists in German by one account.
You don't read much about them in Aruba, I even wondered if they had left and if they sort of took over as the public face when the Casa Nostra guys were expelled. But while expelled, they continued to return "because of a mistake".
Proposed Racetrack to bring closed circuit racing to Aruba
Plans are under way to construct a "super modern" racetrack at Seroe Colorado, on the Aruba’s picturesque southern tip. At a press conference held recently, the proposed plan was unveiled as a project that could positively enhance the economic development of Aruba in general and the area of San Nicolas in particular. With financial backing provided jointly through the Government of Aruba – represented at the press conference by Minister of Sports Junior Croes and Glenbert Croes – and the private sector – represented by Mr. Carlo Mansur of the Aruba Motorsports Foundation – Aruba plans to move full speed ahead in creating a venue which would draw major race events, along with thousands of race enthusiasts.
It was Mr. Mansur who had requested the help of Ralph Sanchez in creating for Aruba a racetrack similar to the one found in Homestead Miami, which currently hosts a Grand Prix event. According to Mansur, Aruba will present the world of motorsports, a racetrack that will be considered one of the best in the world, and certainly one of the best in the Caribbean and South American region.
Also present at the press conference was Brazil’s ex-Formula One Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time winner of both F1 events and the Indianapolis 500, who presented a signed racing helmet to Prime Minister Henny Eman.
The racetrack proposal is not free from controversy. In her popular Bati Bleki blurb, columnist Rona Coster blasted the project as a waste of 21 million dollars - the estimated cost for the proposed racetrack and facilities that are projected to be completed in 2000. Furthermore other people have voiced concerns over the possible negative impact on the environment of such a track.
Nonetheless, no time is being wasted before introducing the idea to the international sports media. Around 70 to 100 media reps from the U.S., South America and possibly Eurosport from Europe, will be in Aruba between September 14 and 16 for a presentation of the project.