Goodbye US Grand Prix??

[JustSomeDude]

WTF....


Plans for a new Formula One race next year on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, appear to be in trouble Tuesday.

Construction had started on a $300-million complex called Circuit of the Americas to hold the United States Grand Prix on Nov. 18, 2012.

It would have marked the international racing series' return to the U.S. market after a five-year absence. There also were plans for the track to host a MotoGP motorcycle race.

But the group building the track said Tuesday that it suspended construction because a contract assuring that the race would be held there had not been signed. A statement issued by the group did not say who or what was causing the problem.

"We have spent tremendous resources preparing for the Formula One and MotoGP championship races, but the failure to deliver race contracts gives us great concern," Bobby Epstein, a founding partner of the venue, said in a statement.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/11/formula-one-f1-circuit-americas-austin-new-jersey.html

More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbRfmV6DBhA (video)

And more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111116/FREE/111119900

[salsashark]

Not just GP...

Goodbye Circuit of Americas = goodbye F1, MotoGP, Aussie V8...

:cry:

[spideyrdr]

It sounded like there was some entanglement of funding and payments that may or may not have been legal. I read an article that touched on it, but I can't find the original source. Wikipedia has a little info though:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_of_the_Americas#City_endorsement_and_lawsu it

Basically it seems to be coming down to payment to the race organizers based on the anticipated revenue it would bring it. Money talks.

[The GECCO]

Not just GP...

Goodbye Circuit of Americas = goodbye F1, MotoGP, Aussie V8...

:cry:

Goodbye MotoGP? We've already got two races scheduled next year, I doubt the series will abandon the US if this track isn't built.

[salsashark]

^^ yes... I know.

And F1 is planning a return to the US as well. The whole thing just sucks.

[King Nothing]

glad I already took the time off for next November. aaaaaargh!

[salsashark]

glad I already took the time off for next November. aaaaaargh!

Little late for Alaska...

[ChrisCBX]

I've been looking forward to a road trip to Austin for Moto. Hope it all works out.

[FZjake719]

There are still talks of doing an F1 race in Jersey for 2013 though, for what its worth. Along the shore with Manhattan as a backdrop. From the televised info i saw on it (recorded that, instead of the Moto2 race I was expecting it to record) it's something like 17 turns, 3.2 miles, 100ft overall elevation change, and the front straight is right along the shore(dont quote me on all of that.....Im saying this from memory). I dont know if GP was planning to race there as well, but it'd DEFINITELY be a possibility, i'd think.....

Im sure it'll get ironed out. They'll get it sorted, and everything will still be a-ok. Hopefully sooner than later.

[Sean]

If you build it, they will come...

[spideyrdr]

If you build it, I will come...

Fixed.

[sprtbkbabe]

Bernie's playing his typical games. He's given them one more week:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/17/uk-motor-racing-austin-idUKTRE7AG1RZ20111117

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Bernie's playing his typical games. He's given them one more week:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/11/17/uk-motor-racing-austin-idUKTRE7AG1RZ20111117

Bernie's a greedy, self-centered asshole. F1 will be so much better off when they start their own break-away series, like they almost did several times in the past.

[salsashark]

Track: Moving F1 Race To 2013 Allows Time For Circuit Of The Americas To Be Ready (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=46686)


“We have been excited for and working towards a 2012 USGP race and now understand that Mr. Ecclestone is interested in moving the Austin race to 2013,” stated Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “We know the U.S. market is important to the teams and their sponsors and 2013 certainly allows time for the Circuit of the Americas to be ready.”