Formula 1 returns to US in 2012

[glenthompson]

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/ ... 10824.html

Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021.

In case you're wondering, that's about 1,300 miles from Roanoke. Figure on 20+ hours of drive time if you really push it.

[DSPDA3]

Does Allegiant Air fly to Austin?

[wab53]

But, Glen, the most important question -- do they have camping close to the venue??

[glenthompson]

There's no venue yet so who knows what the camping will be. Since it's reported to be an actual track and not a street circuit, I expect to see camping.

[tac911t]

Is there a track in Austin? If not, to have the land, permits, paving, and infastructure in 2 years would be a miracle!!

And this announcement was made days after the Montecello track in NY State made an announcement that they were planning
a multi-year deal with F1. Sounds like Bernie took non-refundable down payments from two groups, and will wait to see who provides the venue first.

[glenthompson]

Only current track in Austin is a short oval.

The NY track only needs some minor track upgrades but a lot of infrastructure. Austin needs it all. With enough money it can be done in that time but it's going to be expensive. They do have the advantage of being able to work on it year-round.

[glenthompson]

Another story: http://jalopnik.com/5548584/how-new-yor ... -formula-1

The key to Hellmund's victory over New York appears to be a mixture of yet-unnamed private backers and total acquiescence from all levels of government, something F1 couldn't get in New Jersey. Texas's governor, the state comptroller, and the mayor of Austin were all enthusiastically on board.

Hard to get them yankees on board with the idea.

[wab53]

So, as I understand Austin has signed on deep pockets for the F1 project, Red McCombs -- check the article, http://www.statesman.com/sports/formula ... 26878.html

I really miss the US Grand Prix -- hope this all comes together as planned.

W

[mrtwo]

Hey - careful with that New York and Yankee stuff!!

After growing up un NY, I think the promotoers could have pushed this through if they found a way to use the track for ice racing and snowmobiles the other 10 months of the year!!!

[fordmax]

Think I heard during the F1 broadcast from Hungary that the Austin folks had withdrawn their bid to host F1 in the US...can't find anything else about it on the web...did anyone else hear that? I was watching it last night at 11:30 and was passing in and out of consciousness...