Texas signs 10-year deal for US Grand Prix

**ems_goof** · 05-25-10, 03:14 PM

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/formula-1-...us-grand-prix/

This is big for motor racing fans, and for the Austin area economy.

The American Grand Prix will be returning to the calendar in 2012 as Austin, Texas hosts what is set to be the country's first race since 2007. The confirmation comes following much speculation regarding a Grand Prix in the country, with races in New York and its surrounding area having been the main topics.

After plans for a New Jersey street circuit were scrapped just a day after they were revealed, the Upper State New York Monticello circuit put forward a proposal last week although it has now been confirmed that a deal has been signed between Texas and sporting commercial rights holder Formula One Management (FOM).

The contract for Austin - nicknamed 'Silicon Hills' due to being one of the most prominent regions in the USA for the technology industry - to serve as host city to the event will begin in 2012 and run through to 2021, with the race taking place at a purpose-built venue.

"We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 commercial rights holder," said Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of race promoter Full Throttle Productions, after confirming the deal with FOM head Bernie Ecclestone.

"We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event."

"For the first time in the history of Formula 1 in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event," Ecclestone explained. "It was thirty years ago that the United States Grand Prix was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit at Watkins Glen, which enjoyed great success."

**Mobi** · 05-25-10, 03:23 PM

so does this mean Austin is getting a track built for F1...
can't wait to see it

**DancingCorpse** · 05-25-10, 03:51 PM

YES!!!!!!

This is freakin' awesome, I've been wanting this for years.

This was my reaction when I heard it:

Originally Posted by Mobiusxg5

so does this mean Austin is getting a track built for F1...
can't wait to see it

Yes, which means (like stated in the article) Austin is going to have a purpose built course for F1 in the United States being used for the first time in 30 years.

I can't wait to find out where. Maybe they will use the old Airfield and do something with the old tarmac like they did with Sebring in Britain.

**Consultant** · 05-25-10, 03:58 PM

Isn't F1 the one where sometimes they drive on adapted local roads: street-courses using existing streets?

**DancingCorpse** · 05-25-10, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Consultant

Isn't F1 the one where sometimes they drive on adapted local roads: street-courses using existing streets?

Almost every single racing league does that besides NASCAR (those cars are like tanks when it comes to road courses).

Formula 1 might not be that big in America, but to rest of the world it is HUGE. Dubai just last year had a Purpose built stadium and course with a hotel integrated into the race course all built in less than 18 months specifically for F1. They almost didn't finish in time.

You know Formula 1 is the second most watched sport world wide next to Soccer (that's football to anyone who doesn't live in America)?

Anyways, this will not be a course through the streets of Austin, this will be a stadium and road course built specifically for Formula 1 (which, BTW, is the first time this has EVER been done in America). That doesn't mean only F1 will race there though. This means the GP racing series will be coming as well since they go to all the same courses F1 does and races those same weekends as F1. This also means CART will most likely be racing there as well (it is just suicide for them if they don't). Then Le Mans will most likely as well.