F1 back to the USA??? Whaaaaat???

[Autobahn]

http://jalopnik.com/5547399/breaking-formula-1-coming-to-austin

[Pete Millikin]

Wow, a purpose built track in Texas. I'd love to believe it but you gotta figure there is only some earnest money at stake at this point. Just in case I sent a message to friends in Austin to reserve a room.

[ttweed]

This article says they have secured a 700-acre site and the track designer will be Hermann Tilke, who also designed the Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and the Istanbul circuits. Where is the money coming from? Who are these "Full Throttle Productions" people? All I can find is: "Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, based sports and special event production company that provides event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support." As far as I can find, they have only been running minor-league Nascar events in Texas up to this point, but they must be pretty well connected politically--this article says Texas has pledged $250 million in support to Bernie: http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/05/24/daily39.html The track could still cost a few hundred million more, though! Who's putting up the big $$$???

TT

[mrondeau]

The track could still cost a few hundred million more, though! Who's putting up the big $$$???

TT

I was going to, but I had to get the motor on my 944S fixed.

[martinreinhardt]

More news about the F1 track in the USA

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/18305.html

[martinreinhardt]

Doesn't look too good for a US grand-prix in Austin, TX in 2012 as the construction has been halted. But, for once I have to agree with Bernie. No money no F1.

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/64702.html

[Mmagus]

The last commercial endorsement stuff I saw it seemed like the Red Bull company was getting behind this project pretty strongly. Not that they could fund it on their own but it's a good start .

[martinreinhardt]

Seems they are trying hard, maybe there is still a chance for 2012

Another update from today: http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/65142.html

[Pete Millikin]

I recall there was a 25M fee that was to be paid by the state of Texas that fell through, presumably due to the issues between the partners on the deal. Now it looks like the partners may come up with the money. Until the money changes hands we have nothing other than a development project. There is a Dec deadline with F-1 to firm up the 2012 schedule so we will have an indication soon.

I'm still on the positive side, at least they are still talking.

By the way Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

[Pete Millikin]

Last minute payment keeps the Austin F-1 race on the 2012 calendar. Lots of work to be done with less than a year away but the deal is alive.



http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111207/FREE/111209913

[davidsq]

Try this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WRpB1utQXQ&feature=youtu.be