US F1 Update

[Don]

" U.S. Grand Prix promoter Tavo Hellmund has finally shown the plans for the Tilke-designed track planned for Austin, Texas. Hellmund showed the plans to the city newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman, which has in general been somewhat skeptical. Hellmund told the paper, "It should be nice. I think drivers and fans should like it."

" The track is 3.4 miles long and features an elevation change of 133 feet. "

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2010...#ixzz0yI238765

[Don]

" Most race fans expect to sit in traffic a bit while getting into and out of their favorite race venue--two or three hours is almost normal--but wait times at the proposed Austin Formula One venue in 2011 are expected to be an astounding 12 hours "

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100909/F1/100909880

[Wayne Maybury]

"Most race fans expect to sit in traffic a bit while getting into and out of their favorite race venue--two or three hours is almost normal"

This is one of the features that I really like about the Canadian Grand Prix F1 race in Montreal. The track is on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River just minutes from down town Montreal by the Metro (subway). There is minimal waiting to get in and no more than a half hour or so to get out after the race. The Metro runs in both directions from Montreal and from the South Shore of the river so getting in and out is a breeze. Parking on the island is limited to emergency and service vehicles as well as for some workers and of course VIPs. Virtually all race fans use the Metro.

Wayne

[Don]

First time I had seen an article regarding the Texas F1 track in a business publication: Bloomberg's Business Week

" Formula 1 Racing Speeds to Texas:"

" The state is paying $25 million to bring Formula 1 to Austin—a move that's not sitting well with, for example, laid-off teachers "

" Texas, which is staring at an estimated $15 billion two-year deficit, plans to commit $250 million in state funds to promote Formula 1 auto racing over the next decade. The international racing series showcases the world's fastest cars—low-slung, sophisticated machines designed to rigorous specifications (hence the word "formula") that can clock speeds of more than 200 miles per hour. Although hugely popular across much of the globe, the sport never really caught on in the States, and F1 officials stopped holding races in the U.S. in 2007 "

Complete Article:

Formula 1 Racing Speeds to Texas - BusinessWeek

[Don]

AutoWeek.com


" The new U.S. Formula One Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, has received a preliminary date of June 17, 2012--right near the start of summer and presenting a hot climate for race fans who wish to attend. Temperatures in Austin in June easily hover around the 100-degree mark. "


Formula One: Austin Grand Prix is set for June 17, 2012 - AutoWeek