Grand Slam Track boss Michael Johnson released an official statement on the abrupt conclusion of the 2025 season, promising to build bigger for year 2026.
Following the abrupt cancellation of the Grand Slam Track in Los Angeles, and inevitably the conclusion of the 2025 season, Michael Johnson has released an official statement in this regard.
“The decision to conclude the inaugural Grand Slam Track™ season is not taken lightly, but one rooted in a belief that we have successfully achieved the objectives we set out to in this pilot season, and the importance of looking towards 2026 and beyond,” said Michael Johnson, Founder and Commissioner of Grand Slam Track™.
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Track legend Michael Johnson is the commissioner of Grand Slam Track League
“We launched with a bold vision to reimagine professional track racing and we could not be more excited about what we have accomplished so far, delivering amazing races to a rabid fan base. As we’ve said all along, we were going to have learnings, make adjustments, and continue to improve. Sometimes we have to make moves that aren’t comfortable, but what’s most important is the future and sustainability of the league.”
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Olympic champion Julien Alfred met her idol Usain Bolt for the first time in her life and it was a priceless moment for the Saint Lucian track queen.
The statement also gave details on why the sudden conclusion was due to several factors considered, especially in consideration of its long-term stability as the world’s premier track league, so as to build better for the 2026 season.
“The global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in the past year, and this business decision has been made to ensure our long-term stability as the world’s premier track league. Our attention is now on 2026, with our eyes set on continuing to deliver the best-in-class storytelling, content, and competition that we have become known for in our debut year,” continued Johnson. “We are in conversations with potential host cities – many of whom have already thrown their names in the hat – to build out an exciting calendar of events for our fans across the globe. We are committed to calling Los Angeles home, and look forward to hosting a Slam in LA as part of the 2026 season.”
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Melissa Jefferson-Wooden is the women’s Racer of the Year for the inaugural GST League. Image || Imago
“I want to thank all of the incredible athletes who participated in Grand Slam Track™ this season. They are true trailblazers, and will always be known as history-makers in our sport. Congratulations to Kenny and Melissa for writing their names into history as our first-ever ‘Racers of the Year.’ They have been great ambassadors for our league, and I look forward to seeing them back competing in Grand Slam Track™ in 2026 and beyond,” concluded Johnson.
The inaugural GST league had three successful Slams in Kingston, Jamaica; Miami, Florida; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Los Angeles (June 28-29) slated to be the last city.
Several track stars, including world and Olympic champions signed up for the GST League, with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek winning Racers of the Year, having won three-straight Slam Championships each.
