US F1 Update

[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.

[Don]

In addition to the above, chances of a return of US F1 in 2011 or later ?

The infamous U.S. F1 debacle of 2009-10, as history will surely remember it, took yet another in a long list of hits on Monday with the news that London's High Court authorized an unnamed U.K. creditor to seize two of the teams transporters, which are now on the eBay auction block. While some outlets reported this as if it might somehow actually matter anymore, the real revelation was that U.S. F1 even had two transporters in the first place.

How much sadder can this ridiculous affair become? Even the comment issued by David Carter, director of the Sheriffs Office responsible for enforcing the High Court writ, was farcical.

“As a keen motorsport fan, it is certainly one of the more interesting seizures we've made,” he said “The trailers were recently bought from Brawn GP by [U.S. F1] and really are something special. We've already had a lot of interest and are now selling them via eBay.”

So now we have a sheriff's official commenting with some glee about this seized property's uniqueness, which seems a bit inappropriate on the surface. However, Carter's point, whether or not he meant to make it, is well taken: In the end, U.S. F1's biggest contribution to the sport appears to be an addition to some wealthy moto

Complete Article


http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...plate=printart

[Don]

AutoWeek.com update:

" Formula One's latest opportunity to return to the United States could feature New York City as a backdrop, according to a report Tuesday in the Jersey Journal.

The plan--submitted by a Jersey City, N.J.-funded tourism agency called Destination Jersey City--calls for F1 to race in Liberty State Park as soon as 2012. The promotional materials include a proposed design for a 3.6-mile road course, and for at least a five-year contract to host a race.

"With the incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline, selecting Jersey City for the 2012 Grand Prix Auto Race Circuit will not only boost ticket sales as the Grand Prix returns to the United States, but will provide striking television footage," the proposal said. It also included the idea to hold the race at night, similar to the Singapore GP.

However, the concept is meeting strong resistance, according to the Jersey Journal.

"People come to [the park] to seek a haven, oasis, refuge and sanctuary, and such a Grand Prix racing event that needs all park roads is contrary to the spirit and essence of an urban open-space park," said the president of the Friends of Liberty State Park in a letter written to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy.

"This was a response to an overture made by Formula One and Jersey City is one of several cities they are pursuing," Healy said in a statement. "There have been a few preliminary conversations, and this is very much in the exploratory phase. However, this may not be something that is in the best interest of Jersey City or Liberty State Park."

The United States has not hosted a Grand Prix since the 2007 event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Interestingly, former IMS boss Tony George was spotted at the most recent F1 race, in China, fueling speculation that he is working to find a way to revive that race. "


AutoWeek | Updated: 05/04/10, 11:55 am et

[Don]

From AutoWeek.com, might still be a future for F1 in the US ?

ARTICLE:

" Formula One's future in the United States is once again on the front burner, and the latest rumblings suggest that a most unlikely venue could become host to the first U.S. Grand Prix since F1 last raced at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007.

According to a letter written by Ari Strauss--president of Monticello Motor Club (MMC) in upstate New York--and leaked Thursday to AutoWeek, the country-club-style racing venue is talking to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone about bringing the Grand Prix circus to the facility at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. Monticello Motor Club is the closest motorsports venue to New York City; it is 90 minutes by car from Manhattan, and there is an international airport 10 minutes away.

According to the letter, Strauss and MMC chairman Bill McMichael met with Ecclestone a few months ago to talk about hosting a Grand Prix, with an eye toward a long-term, 10-year deal. Hermann Tilke, the architect of F1's modern venues, has already visited MMC and apparently determined that the facility is capable of hosting a Grand Prix, although some expansion and modifications would be necessary.

Strauss also said that he and McMichael are working to garner support from local, state and federal politicians and organizations, presumably to secure the financing necessary to make their dream come true.

However, the letter notes that “securing F1 is like winning the Olympics, competition is fierce, and this is not a done deal.”

In its current guise, MMC's fast track is 4.1 miles long and includes 22 unique turns and 12 distinct configurations, with more than 1.5 miles of straights. It was designed by driver Brian Redman and Bruce Hawkins, a track architect and engineer.

The Full Letter:

Dear member,

Within the next day, you may read that Formula One is planning a return to the United States and has their sights on a special location in New York: Monticello Motor Club.

A few months ago, [MMC chairman] Bill McMichael and I met with Bernie Ecclestone, President/CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), and discussed the terms for an exclusive 10-year United States Grand Prix to be hosted at MMC. Shortly thereafter, Hermann Tilke, the chief engineer and circuit designer for F1, spent time at MMC and confirmed that our track and surrounding properties, with some expansion and minor track modifications, is an excellent location for a Grand Prix. Since receiving a letter of understanding from FOM confirming their hope to bring the U.S. Grand Prix to Monticello, Bill and I have continued to secure the backing and support of local, state, and federal politicians and organizations.

If F1 comes to Monticello, our intent is to preserve MMC as, first and foremost, a private country club. Obviously, demand will accelerate as well as the initiation fee for new members. But securing F1 is like winning the Olympics, competition is fierce, and this is not a done deal. While the prospect of F1 at MMC is exciting, we remain focused on our core business: the club and its members.

At this juncture, we are simply honored that F1 is considering our venue as the future, exclusive home for the U.S. Grand Prix. It would transform the region into one of the motorsports capitals of the world, bring thousands of jobs to Sullivan County, inject over $100M each year into the local economy, and place your private club in the company of famous racing circuits like Monza and Spa. "

Warmest regards,

Ari

[Don]

First there was a return to Indy, then New York City, then across the river in NJ within sight of New York City, now Austin Texas, which with the financial backing just might be a return of F1 to the US:

" U.S. Grand Prix heads to Austin in 2012, Ecclestone says: "

" Bernie Ecclestone has used his Web site to announce that a United States Grand Prix will be held in Austin, Texas, from 2012 to 2021. It will be the first F1 event held in the United States since the 2007 U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis. "

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100525/F1/100529836