1 week ago
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“WINNERS ARE defined by how they respond to setbacks,” wrote Grand Slam Track (GST) CEO and Commissioner Michael Johnson in an open letter amid uncertainty surrounding the league following their financial shortfall this year.
GST, the ambitious track league founded by Johnson, held its inaugural season earlier this year with mountainous expectations and a never-before-seen prize pool for its athletes.
The league, which kick-started at the National Stadium in Kingston in April, soon fell into disarray, which Johnson explained was due to the withdrawal of key investors.
As a result, the league was forced to cancel their final meet set for Los Angeles (LA), and face an abrupt and premature end to its 2025 season.
“We were devastated when we learned we would not receive the funding committed to us. We worked tirelessly alongside our investors and board to find a quick solution to the problem. Up until and even after the LA postponement, we were getting positive signs that a solution was close.
“However, we determine the best thing to do would be to conclude our season early to avoid further losses and start the lengthly process of stabilising the company to get back on track.”
One of the key effects of losing funding from their investors, Johnson said, was their inability to pay the athletes and vendors their contracted amounts for participating in the league.
Johnson explained the GST had given their athletes timelines in which they would received their payments, but admitted the league has been unable to fulfil their promises.
“The cruelest paradox in all of this is we promised that athletes would be fairly and quickly compensated. Yet, here we are struggling with our ability to compensate them,” he said.
“Due to our strong desire to make this right as quickly as possible, we offered dated payment timelines and have been unable to meet them. Understandably, this has led to frustration, disappointment and inconvenience to our athletes, agents and vendors.
“That is why we are not just addressing the immediate problem; we are putting systems and partnerships in place to make sure it never happens again.”
While the inaugural season was ended early in order to stabilise the league ahead of its 2026 staging, Johnson said their priority is to pay all monies owed to the athletes, vendors and agents.
“The 2026 season will not happen until these obligations are met and that is my number one priority,” Johnson insisted.
“We are doing the work required to secure the right capital partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of Grand Slam track.”
He continued, “I have spent the last several weeks meeting with excited investors who see the value of Grand Slam Track and believe, just as we do, that track deserves a prominent place in global sports.”
Johnson also took the time to thank both athletes and fans who had supported the league this year, and promises improvement in the years to come.
The league founder promised his dream of bringing innovation and opportunities to the sport has not died despite the financial setbacks.
“It is incredibly difficult to live with the reality that you’ve built something bigger than yourself while simultaneously feeling like you’ve let down the very people you set out to help,” he stated.
“We set out a bold vision for this league, and even through our trials, we set the stage for unforgettable races, records, upsets, and long-awaited matchups. Our Racers and Challengers brought their talent, personalities, and were race ready - constantly giving the fans something to cheer for.
He continued, “They believed in what we were building, even when they didn’t have to, and for that I am deeply grateful. Many have shared just how much fun they’ve had competing with us this season. We were all in the arena together, building this amazing thing.”
English (US) ·