US F1 Update

[Don]

Below, might be wishful thinking, Bernie and the new FIA President will make the determination , with political influence. Reports mention there are other Teams desiring the open slots, forgot what the maximum number of Teams is now set at. With the world wide locations of the F1 races, instead of all being in Europe, having a Team primarily based in Charlotte NC , with a smaller presence in Europe , was a possibility, if the funding had been sufficient and committed

" Team co-founder Ken Anderson has responded to reports of the demise of U.S. F1 by claiming that the reports are exaggerated and said that he still thinks he has a chance of deferring entry into Formula One until 2011. "

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100302/F1/100309973

[Don]

A plus from the start of the US F1 Team has been the construction of a 180 MPH wind tunnel in Concord NC

http://www.windshearinc.com/

Reported by AutoWeek Racing this AM, FIA will not hold open the US F1 slot for 2011. The only possibility remaining should the Team be resurrected is to start the application process all over again, with no guarantees that a slot will be awarded.

[Wayne Maybury]

Don, I have to wonder as to how much money has been spent by US F1 on their failed attempt to enter F1.

That is quite the wind tunnel.

Wayne

[Don]

The article, forgot the source, did not mention the cost. But, the wind tunnel was built in 9 months and on budget.

[Don]

AutoWeek.com:

" A report out of Charlotte, N.C., says that Ken Anderson, boss of the beleaguered U.S. F1 team that failed to make this year’s grid, sent an e-mail to the team’s employees to inform them that they have been laid-off permanently.

However, Anderson apparently still refuses to accept that the team has reached the end of the road, leaving the door open for its return.

Several weeks ago, Anderson put the staff on unpaid leave and it has been in a state of limbo. The Charlotte Business Journal reported that Anderson’s message cited “serious economic and funding challenges” as the reason for the layoffs. However, according to the publication, the message also said that U.S. F1 could rehire employees if conditions improve.

It seems doubtful, however, that any of them will wait around for such an opportunity, even if Anderson attempts to enter the 2011 world championship. The FIA has already made it clear that it is investigating the team’s failure to show up this season.

The report also noted that “at least nine employees filed wage complaints in March with the North Carolina Department of Labor because they had not been paid.” "

[Dan40]

$100 million Dollars would hardly field a F1 team. And it certainly would not be competitive at all if it had $100 million. F1 is the BIG, BIG, bucks league where more like $400. million is needed to be at or near the top.
This bunch can't even make payroll.

[Don]

Another chapter.....AutoWeek.com

The Formula One transporter trucks that the defunct U.S. F1 team bought from Brawn GP are now for sale on eBay.

The two trailers were seized by the United Kingdom's High Court. The idea was that the trailers could be sold to generate cash to pay off some of U.S. F1's creditors.

In pictures posted on the eBay auctions, the trailers still carry the Brawn GP logos and driver info for Jenson Button.

You can see the trailers and the auction info by going to http://tinyurl.com/ycpph43. The auctions close in three days. The leading bid on one trailer is about $26,000, while the other trailer had a top bid of about $27,600. The site makes it clear that the auction is for the trailers only, which are being stored in Oxfordshire, England.