US F1 Update

Don · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 11:18 AM

From the F1 web site:

Hungry for Success - Exclusive Interview with Peter Windsor

" The US-based operation founded by Peter Windsor and Ken Anderson is one of three new teams due to join the grid for 2010. With their debut season rapidly approaching, more and more pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place for Team US, not least the recent announcement of YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley as a major backer. It brought the Charlotte-based squad to the attention of global media - and Windsor hopes it won’t be the last time…"

http://www.formula1.com/news/intervi...09/9/9875.html

Don · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 11:44 AM

Appears a variety of different news sources are reporting favorable comments regarding US F1 for 2010:

MotorSport.com: 10-10-09

USF1 passes FIA inspection

" American Team Remains On Schedule to Compete in 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship............"

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=348493

USF1 says Charlotte headquarters 'complete'

" The new American team USF1 has moved to dispel persistent doubts about its chances of making its Grand Prix debut as scheduled next March. "

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=348427

Don · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:37 AM

Source: AutoWeek.com

A different approach, NASCAR driver for the US F 1 Team:

" U.S. F1 team principal Peter Windsor says he thinks that NASCAR star Kyle Busch would be a perfect fit for his new Formula One team.
"If he wanted to drive for us in 2011, we'd certainly be keen on that," Windsor told USA Today.

"I think there'll be a lot of speculation about that as time goes on. If I was Kyle, I'd be saying to myself, 'Yeah, those guys all talk the talk, let's see what they do, let's see what the car's like. Let's see what the race shop is like.' Fair enough. We're going to do a good job. I know when Kyle gets to see it, I'm pretty sure it'll get his pulse rate going."

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2009...#ixzz0UmVGFQKJ

Wayne Maybury · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:52 AM

Several years ago there was a lot of speculation that Jeff Gordon was thinking about F1 but it was quickly pointed out that he probably would not want to take the pay cut.

Wayne

Don · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:03 AM

Wayne.....agree. It was also mentioned the politics etc of F1 would not be appealing. But now that there will be a US Team, might open up the opportunity that did not exist before, even though the learning curve would be very high. Kyle sure would be a different personality in F1.

Believe Jeff tested at Indy in a F1 car ( BMW ? ) a few years ago and w/o much practice turned very respectable lap times.

Might also help in returning a F1 race to the US

Dan40 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don

Wayne.....agree. It was also mentioned the politics etc of F1 would not be appealing. But now that there will be a US Team, might open up the opportunity that did not exist before, even though the learning curve would be very high. Kyle sure would be a different personality in F1.

Believe Jeff tested at Indy in a F1 car ( BMW ? ) a few years ago and w/o much practice turned very respectable lap times.

Might also help in returning a F1 race to the US

The only thing needed for a US race is MONEY! I'm old enough and fortunate enough to have attended many F1 races in the US. From Watkins Glen to the last fiasco in Dallas. Did not make the last Detroit race. But my understanding is that the promoter must pick up the tab for driver appearance money, freight for shipping the cars, air, hotel, and expenses for all the team members, 100% of the venue expenses, and the prize money.

Just an aside, I attended a school at the Glen prior to a F1 race. The guest instructors were C Shelby, J Clark and S Moss!! Shelby brought along a Daytona coupe and a Le Mans GT. LIFE is GOOD!

Don · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 12:23 PM

Dan40....

" But my understanding is that the promoter must pick up the tab for driver appearance money, freight for shipping the cars, air, hotel, and expenses for all the team members, 100% of the venue expenses, and the prize money "

Same understanding that you mention, George @ Indy could no longer afford the cost , with no help from Bernie, and had to cancel future races. Especially true since the newer tracks receive Government subsidy, maybe another use for the TARP funds.

Mentioned that the vendors/suppliers are not pleased with not having North America & US races, a big part of their market. Do not recall if Canada was able to get their date for 2010 race

Wayne Maybury · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 12:30 PM

Dan, it looks like the Canadian Grand Prix is returning to Montreal next year. Bernie dropped Montreal in2009 when he thought that he could get lots more money in Turkey which turned out to be a total disaster. A lot of American F1 fans have attended the Montreal race over the years.

The car companies definitly want to have at least one race in North America and preferably 2, one in Canada and one in the US but with Bernie it is $$$$$$$.

Wayne