Formula One race to Austin?

[pied]

It's be cool...


Formula One returns to the United States


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.

“We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event,” stated Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP.

Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group stated: “For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event. It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.”

Mr. Hellmund added: “This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude. Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”

“We are pleased Texas has the opportunity to be involved with Formula 1 and that an event of this magnitude is coming to Austin,” said Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “It has been a pleasure working with Full Throttle Productions, LP and Mr. Hellmund on this project. Their tradition of producing successful major events coupled with a thirty year relationship with Mr. Ecclestone has us looking forward to this worldwide event and the benefits it will bring, including local job creation, increased tourism and a significant economic impact added to our state economy. The visibility and prestige of this event will spotlight our state on an international stage.”

Texas Governor Rick Perry conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, explaining “Texas’ relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State.”

City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell continued the positive sentiments, adding "The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City."

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/5/10824.html

[dada]

What ever happened to the Houston Grand Prix?

[twcpfan1]

What ever happened to the Houston Grand Prix?

Houston is too ugly for an F1 race.

Wow. That's great news for Austin. F1 is humungus internationally. Texas has never hosted something this big. There have been superbowls obviously, but not for 10 years straight and possibly more if it is successful.

[dada]

Houston is too ugly for an F1 race.

Wow. That's great news for Austin. F1 is humungus internationally. Texas has never hosted something this big. There have been superbowls obviously, but not for 10 years straight and possibly more if it is successful.

I remember them having in downtown.....then at Reliant Stadium in the parking lot....lol for real. I was working at El Paso Energy downtown one year and the sound of the cars were crazy.

[SV61]

I remember them having in downtown.....then at Reliant Stadium in the parking lot....lol for real. I was working at El Paso Energy downtown one year and the sound of the cars were crazy.

They had a GP in San Antonio a couple of years, IMSA stuff. Like you say, the sound was crazy. Pretty neat track layout with a REALLY nice paddock. They used the Convention Center!

I was going down the highway on my motorcycle as the Nissan GTP car was turning onto the straight that ran along side the highway, for some practice. He blew by me like I was going backwards!

As for Austin, these F1 cars are pretty delicate animals. I wonder how much road work will be needed if and when a race were to come to Austin.

[- sTp -]

It's be cool...




http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/5/10824.html

:rofl::heli::yes::notworthy

[stevefoxsc]

hell yeah real racing not that lame nascar bs

[CCHS77]

As for Austin, these F1 cars are pretty delicate animals. I wonder how much road work will be needed if and when a race were to come to Austin.

The announcment states that a "purpose-built permanent road course circuit" will be built. No road/street course.

[twcpfan1]

Ok. Excellent Transportation Infrastructure? In Austin? Austinites. What are they referring to? Fine dining? Maybe you can clarify that too?

[- sTp -]

Ok. Excellent Transportation Infrastructure? In Austin? Austinites. What are they referring to?

The only thing I can think of is they are going to plant this thing off the new 130 corridor. Forces traffic onto the tollway. Ingenious. :rolleyes:

Fine dining? Maybe you can clarify that too?

We have a few nice spots for dining, though I doubt we could rival some of the larger cities in Texas. That said, it will be interesting to see the city cope with an extra 100,000 if not more mouths to feed. Gonna be interesting to watch.. the race I mean..

[lonny23]

Houston is too ugly for an F1 race.

Wow. That's great news for Austin. F1 is humungus internationally. Texas has never hosted something this big. There have been superbowls obviously, but not for 10 years straight and possibly more if it is successful.
Dallas had a Formula 1 race in 1984. I'll go to the race if I'm not deployed.

[SV61]

The announcment states that a "purpose-built permanent road course circuit" will be built. No road/street course.

Talk about expenditure.

There are already FIA sanctioned tracks in the US, that F1 DOESN'T come to. Why in the world, would Austin want to build such a place, to be used one profitable weekend a year (maybe two if IRL or Nascar comes calling)? Now, throw in the noise police, and depending on track location, usage would be severly limited.

Barber Motorsports, in Birmingham, would make more sense. Same with Indy, though to me, that place was NEVER a logical choice for F1. Laguna Seca? Now, you're talking, although I don't know if the safety features are up to FIA specs.

[lonny23]

Formula 1 has been around since 1950 and only 68 tracks have had a race. These are the only American tracks to have a race.

Watkins Glen 20
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 19
Long Beach street 8
Detroit street 7
Phoenix street 3
Las Vegas Caesar's Palace 2
Dallas Fair Park 1
Riverside International Raceway 1
Sebring International Raceway 1

You're lucky to have even 1 race in your country a year and some have 2, but there have been quite a few years when the U.S. had none.

[lonny23]

Talk about expenditure.

There are already FIA sanctioned tracks in the US, that F1 DOESN'T come to. Why in the world, would Austin want to build such a place, to be used one profitable weekend a year (maybe two if IRL or Nascar comes calling)? Now, throw in the noise police, and depending on track location, usage would be severly limited.

Barber Motorsports, in Birmingham, would make more sense. Same with Indy, though to me, that place was NEVER a logical choice for F1. Laguna Seca? Now, you're talking, although I don't know if the safety features are up to FIA specs.Some have wondered if the funding is a pipe dream on this deal.

I don't know if it's worth it to have the track, but I do know the F1 guys make you keep up with the Jones' to keep your races.

[DrEdward]

Does anyone have any idea where in the Austin area this facility is to be constructed? Building a Formula 1 circuit is no simple undertaking and not an inexpensive one either. I would hope that is somewhere west of town to generate some scenery and the circuit can take advantage of some natural changes in elevation. F1 already has a sufficient number of relatively featureless tracks. Fortunately more European circuits are coming up. Maybe the Austinites can do a Texas downsized version of the original Nurburgring. Now that would be cool.

[CCHS77]

Does anyone have any idea where in the Austin area this facility is to be constructed? Building a Formula 1 circuit is no simple undertaking and not an inexpensive one either. I would hope that is somewhere west of town to generate some scenery and the circuit can take advantage of some natural changes in elevation. F1 already has a sufficient number of relatively featureless tracks. Fortunately more European circuits are coming up. Maybe the Austinites can do a Texas downsized version of the original Nurburgring. Now that would be cool.

Paper, this morning, reported that the "group" has already purchased more than 700 acres and hired a German firm to design the course.


Hmmmmmm

[twcpfan1]

On a somewhat related note, RBR were running 1,2 in the Turkish GP when Vettel had a brain explosion and tried to pass his teammate Webber. Took himself out of the race and gave up 1st and 2nd place to McLaren's 2 cars. RBR who are currently leading the constructors championship Management will be unhappy to say the least.

latest update - if the turkish gp finishes with the current placings, rbr will lose the lead to mclaren by 1 pt. But Mclaren doing their best to screw it up. Button trying to pass Hamilton. The pussycat doll going crazy in the mclaren trailer

[DrEdward]

On a somewhat related note, RBR were running 1,2 in the Turkish GP when Vettel had a brain explosion and tried to pass his teammate Webber. Took himself out of the race and gave up 1st and 2nd place to McLaren's 2 cars. RBR who are currently leading the constructors championship Management will be unhappy to say the least.

latest update - if the turkish gp finishes with the current placings, rbr will lose the lead to mclaren by 1 pt. But Mclaren doing their best to screw it up. Button trying to pass Hamilton. The pussycat doll going crazy in the mclaren trailer

Funny how things work out. For the first 1/4 of the race, Hamilton is all over Webber. Both pit at the same time and the McLaren has a rare screw up on Hamilton's tight rear which allows the RedBulls to line up back to back as Vettel gets by Hamilton, putting the Bulls 1/2 and the McLearens 3/4. Without that problem in the pits, the two Red Bulls don't get the opportunity to screw up like they did or for the two McLarens to almost perform a similar act subsequently. Guess the dual show that there were no team orders in force today.

[SP Tiger Backer]

Before everyone gets too excited, the green bloods in Austin will probably be up in arms demading all the cars be electric. The Austin City Council, looking to get enviro points and green kudos from the likes of Seattle and others in the tree hugging kingdom, will probably pass a resolution to make it so :D

[twcpfan1]

Before everyone gets too excited, the green bloods in Austin will probably be up in arms demading all the cars be electric. The Austin City Council, looking to get enviro points and green kudos from the likes of Seattle and others in the tree hugging kingdom, will probably pass a resolution to make it so :D

I think the majority of current F1 host cities are known to have a larger percentage of tree hugging freaks than Austin TX. I don't see this as a problem.

[pied]

Update, looks to be a go.

Construction on a Formula 1 race track in Austin will begin in December.

State Comptroller Susan Combs said promoters will start rolling out the details next week.

The city has reached an agreement with F1 racing to host the United States Grand Prix from 2012 through 2021.

It's still not clear where exactly the track wil be built, but there has been talk about a location near the airport.

This is the first time a racing facility will be constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula 1 racing.


http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/272735/construction-on-formula-1-race-track-to-start-in-december

[cougmantx]

Update, looks to be a go.




http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/272735/construction-on-formula-1-race-track-to-start-in-december

That could also be a boost to Bastrop. To bad it won't be going to the west side and more toward Marble Falls but the terrain out there would be much more difficult to build a F1 track I would think.

[DEL VALLE]

Rumors has it that it could be just one mile awa from my house!:heli:

[SV61]

So, as taxpayers, we get to foot 25 mil of this?

Am I reading this right?

State is trying to cut spending, so we get into the Race Track business?

That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?

This, from a guy who LOVES all sorts of motor racing.

[the_phoenix612]

So, as taxpayers, we get to foot 25 mil of this?

Am I reading this right?

State is trying to cut spending, so we get into the Race Track business?

That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?

This, from a guy who LOVES all sorts of motor racing.
I'll bet you 25 mil that the city/state takes in more than 25 mil in tax revenues from the race and race-related spending.

[SV61]

I'll bet you 25 mil that the city/state takes in more than 25 mil in tax revenues from the race and race-related spending.

And to play that angle, exactly how much will I get out of that?

How much will it cost to put on the event? Let's take that outta the bottom line as well.

If I own an air cargo company, I would be happy. Maybe a hotel or resturant nearby, would make me feel like I hit the lottery one weekend a year.

AND, Let's say that the 25 mil is covered in the "spending". Does that mean we get a refund next year??

:confused:

[the_phoenix612]

And to play that angle, exactly how much will I get out of that?

How much will it cost to put on the event? Let's take that outta the bottom line as well.

If I own an air cargo company, I would be happy. Maybe a hotel or resturant nearby, would make me feel like I hit the lottery one weekend a year.

AND, Let's say that the 25 mil is covered in the "spending". Does that mean we get a refund next year??

:confused:
increased tax revenues means a higher quality of services you receive from the city and from the state, as well as potentially lower tax rates.

[SV61]

increased tax revenues means a higher quality of services you receive from the city and from the state, as well as potentially lower tax rates.


What services might we be talking about? How much better do they need to be?

Police? Fire/EMS Protection? Water? Electricity? Waste Water?

Not so much.

Moved to an unincorporated area to flee from such nonsense.

Let's see, I already pay for Police and Fire (County taxes), Water and waste water(Water district taxes), and County and State road maintenance (Country taxes, plus License tags, road and bridge fees, plus tax on every gallon of gas). Don't forget School District taxes, that I choose not to take advantage of, rather sending my son to Private School.

What State services might be made better as a result? Free range land? Free admission to State Parks, landmarks, or historical sites? Purdy fountains? Maybe a new prison? Now, we're talking.

I got it! Let's start a State lottery. From all that revenue, we can make our state education system better.

Ooo, that didn't work so good.

[the_phoenix612]

What services might we be talking about? How much better do they need to be?

Police? Fire/EMS Protection? Water? Electricity? Waste Water?

Not so much.

Moved to an unincorporated area to flee from such nonsense.

Let's see, I already pay for Police and Fire (County taxes), Water and waste water(Water district taxes), and County and State road maintenance (Country taxes, plus License tags, road and bridge fees, plus tax on every gallon of gas). Don't forget School District taxes, that I choose not to take advantage of, rather sending my son to Private School.

What State services might be made better as a result? Free range land? Free admission to State Parks, landmarks, or historical sites? Purdy fountains? Maybe a new prison? Now, we're talking.

I got it! Let's start a State lottery. From all that revenue, we can make our state education system better.

Ooo, that didn't work so good.
I surely hope you're joking.

[rantanamo]

What services might we be talking about? How much better do they need to be?

Police? Fire/EMS Protection? Water? Electricity? Waste Water?

Not so much.

Moved to an unincorporated area to flee from such nonsense.

Let's see, I already pay for Police and Fire (County taxes), Water and waste water(Water district taxes), and County and State road maintenance (Country taxes, plus License tags, road and bridge fees, plus tax on every gallon of gas). Don't forget School District taxes, that I choose not to take advantage of, rather sending my son to Private School.

What State services might be made better as a result? Free range land? Free admission to State Parks, landmarks, or historical sites? Purdy fountains? Maybe a new prison? Now, we're talking.

I got it! Let's start a State lottery. From all that revenue, we can make our state education system better.

Ooo, that didn't work so good.

Here's what you get. More tax money back in the tax pool. Whatever that pays for is what you get. Do you feel the same about the Superbowl and Final Fours that have/will be played in Texas? This is on that level of exposure and tourism.

[SV61]

And honestly, if it worked like you guys try to make it to work, why in the world, are we in such a financial mess?

Oh, I understand.

I remember back in the late 80's, visiting New Orleans. Hearing about how the Superdome ran at a loss, every year, to generate revenue for area businesses. Of course, taxes were also stupid, to help, ahem, with the cost "overruns".

I remember when a certain San Antonio Mayor assured everyone, that if a dome was built, A FOOTBALL specific dome, the NFL would surely come calling. So, he BSed the taxpayers around here into all sorts of new taxes, and got it built. JUST ABOUT the time it was paid off, the fine City of San Antonio passed a NEW piece, to "modernize" the dome.

Jerry Jones has pulled the wool over the people of Arlington's eyes. I wonder how the American Airlines employee feels about it. The EDS guy. Honestly, what has his (her) money actually done for him/her?

Let's say this track takes off, and is a hit. At what cost breakover point, do you feel your 25 Million was well spent? To whom did that money go to? How long, before the track needs maintenance or repair, and we good samaritans are asked for another 25Mill, you know, cuz it's good for the local economy. This is some group in Austin, trying to fit in, professionally, at you and I's expense. Since Austin doesn't have NFL, NBA, Baseball, NHL, etc, this is a new, fresh angle.

Oh, I understand the impact of all of these. I am just pointing out the less than positive reality side of the argument. My point is not whether or not you agree with the sporting venue, whatever it is. I Love all sports. I Love to attend all sorts of sporting events. I expect to pay for this event, if I want to attend the event.

Not before and after the said event.

[twcpfan1]

...then we might as well question why:

The All England Club spent millions putting a roof over Centercourt
Why New York City built the new USTA in Flushing instead of just keeping Forest Hills
Why South Africa hosted the World Cup with a very good portion of the population living below the poverty line
Same with Brazil who are hosting the 2016 Olympics

If you were to get down to the nitty gritty, sports is unnecessary for our day to day existence, technically speaking. Same with motion pictures and Stage plays and musicals. What about HS Bands and Orchestra? Drill teams? Without these things, we still get up, go to work and eat 3 squares a day. But do you really want to live in a world where it's all you do?

Bottom line? We all pay for crap we don't want. I pay Woodlands fees for swimming pools I never use because I have a problem swimming in other people's piss.

[SV61]

...then we might as well question why:

The All England Club spent millions putting a roof over Centercourt
Why New York City built the new USTA in Flushing instead of just keeping Forest Hills
Why South Africa hosted the World Cup with a very good portion of the population living below the poverty line
Same with Brazil who are hosting the 2016 Olympics

If you were to get down to the nitty gritty, sports is unnecessary for our day to day existence, technically speaking. Same with motion pictures and Stage plays and musicals. What about HS Bands and Orchestra? Drill teams? Without these things, we still get up, go to work and eat 3 squares a day. But do you really want to live in a world where it's all you do?

Bottom line? We all pay for crap we don't want. I pay Woodlands fees for swimming pools I never use because I have a problem swimming in other people's piss.

I thought I was clear, in my last paragraph. I'll try and be more clear.

IF I want to pay for a sporting event, what is wrong with paying for a sporting event? If it is the symphony I wish to see, can't I just pay for it?

It's like Prop 9, for grown ups, in some respects.

Fees = another name for taxes. If you HAVE to pay it, it isn't optional. It's a tax on your name or property.


Now, before people get even more riled up, let me also be clear on this: Even in my crotchety state, I DO see the incentive, in allowing industry tax breaks, to build in my town. THAT DOES stimulate the economy long term, and far reaching.

Now, what happens if Austin becomes a auto racing technology center? You know, creating jobs? That's a whole different enchlilada!

[twcpfan1]

I thought I was clear, in my last paragraph. I'll try and be more clear.

IF I want to pay for a sporting event, what is wrong with paying for a sporting event? If it is the symphony I wish to see, can't I just pay for it?

It's like Prop 9, for grown ups, in some respects.

Fees = another name for taxes. If you HAVE to pay it, it isn't optional. It's a tax on your name or property.


Now, before people get even more riled up, let me also be clear on this: Even in my crotchety state, I DO see the incentive, in allowing industry tax breaks, to build in my town. THAT DOES stimulate the economy long term, and far reaching.

Now, what happens if Austin becomes a auto racing technology center? You know, creating jobs? That's a whole different enchlilada!

I wish life were that simple. I'd love to be able to only pay for stuff I actually use and only when I choose to use them.

[- sTp -]

Update: Austin reveals site and principal backer (http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/24536.html)

Promoters of the US Grand Prix have revealed the location of their circuit and named a principal backer in American business man Red McCombs.

As expected, the location of the circuit is south east of Austin, near the city's international airport on a site formerly known as Wandering Creek. The first race will be in 2012 on a track designed by Hermann Tilke within the 900 acre plot of land.

http://adamcooperf1.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/austin-site.png

[DEL VALLE]

Yep, I can see my neighborhood in that map, 1 mile north of the site.:yes:
Maybe I can rent out my house for the weekends of races???

And you can see DV high school 2 miles north of that site too, by hwy 71.

[DrEdward]

So what is the land like in that part of "Austin?" Is there much in the way of elevation changes? Any wooded areas? Or are we simply going to get another flat F-1 track that are all too familiar among the newer circuits? I was sort of hoping that they would head to the Hill Country to get a more interesting terrain and hence a far more intriguing race course.

[mad_fan]

Rumors has it that it could be just one mile awa from my house!:heli:

So we all have a place to crash...:yes:

[mad_fan]

Yep, I can see my neighborhood in that map, 1 mile north of the site.:yes:
Maybe I can rent out my house for the weekends of races???

And you can see DV high school 2 miles north of that site too, by hwy 71.

rent???:mad:
Not for your 5A friends...:D

[- sTp -]

So what is the land like in that part of "Austin?" Is there much in the way of elevation changes? Any wooded areas? Or are we simply going to get another flat F-1 track that are all too familiar among the newer circuits? I was sort of hoping that they would head to the Hill Country to get a more interesting terrain and hence a far more intriguing race course.

for what it's worth, I've yet to find a flat part of Austin, besides the airport, or the old one.. I have no doubt there will be some good elevation changes worked into the track.

As far as wooded areas.. I'm sure it wont be the Ardennes, but hopefully we get some great scenery in the track layout.

All that said, its still Hermann Tilke designing the track.. :(

[DEL VALLE]

So what is the land like in that part of "Austin?" Is there much in the way of elevation changes? Any wooded areas? Or are we simply going to get another flat F-1 track that are all too familiar among the newer circuits? I was sort of hoping that they would head to the Hill Country to get a more interesting terrain and hence a far more intriguing race course.

The surroundings of the site is hills and wooded areas, alot of rural land, you will be able to see the small sub-divisions in DV, and a nice view of the downtown skyline, airport runway. Might be able to use google and see it that way.

[SV61]

So we all have a place to crash...:yes:

Not acceptible, to use the word "crash", when talking about racing!

:p

[pied]

So what is the land like in that part of "Austin?" Is there much in the way of elevation changes? Any wooded areas? Or are we simply going to get another flat F-1 track that are all too familiar among the newer circuits? I was sort of hoping that they would head to the Hill Country to get a more interesting terrain and hence a far more intriguing race course.

How is this?

http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/00530/elevationmap_530513c.jpg


Austin's Formula One race track will be fast, have a signature start, pay homage to some of the world's best Grand Prix circuits and offer plenty of good sight lines for fans, according to race promoter Tavo Hellmund.

"It should be nice," Hellmund said Tuesday as he looked at plans for the track. "I think drivers and fans should really like it."

Since May, when the race was announced, fans have been eager to see drawings of the track.

Hellmund, head of Full Throttle Productions, unveiled the track layout Tuesday in a meeting with the American-Statesman.

The 3.4-mile track has 20 turns, a maximum elevation change of 133 feet, a back straightaway that is three-quarters of a mile long and a width that will vary between 39 and 52 feet.

Hellmund said the F1 cars should be able to reach a top speed of 200 mph on the track.

He also estimated the cars might be roaring by the grandstand at 180 mph on their way to a tight, uphill corner at Turn 1, one of the highest points on the track. Hellmund said Turn 1 could be the circuit's signature corner and that it would also be one of the four designed spots to give drivers their best chance for passing, or overtaking as it's called in F1.

"Everybody will pull out and probably go three-wide into that braking turn," Hellmund said.

Unlike some NASCAR races, there's typically not much passing in an F1 Grand Prix. Some F1 fans blame that situation on Tilke GmbH, the German engineering firm that has designed most of the sport's modern circuits and is also overseeing the U.S. Grand Prix project.

Hellmund said the cars themselves are more to blame for the single-file racing than the engineers.

"They're so on the ragged edge that it's hard to pass," Hellmund said.

He said the best way to create such opportunities is with a good straightaway that leads to a turn with more than a 45-degree angle. Hellmund said that's the plan for turns 11, 12 and 20.

In addition, turns 3, 4, 5 and 6 and will be a nod to the Maggots/Becketts section at Silverstone in England, and turns 12, 13, 14 and 15 will have the feel of the Hockenheimring in Germany.

There's also a shout-out to Istanbul Turn 8 in turns 16, 17 and 18.

"It will be similar to one gigantic turn," Hellmund said of that sequence.

Hellmund said fans should be able to see plenty of action from most of the turns and straightaways.

"They will all offer good viewing because of the (changes in) elevation," he said.

The U.S. Grand Prix circuit is slated to be built on a 900-acre tract southeast of Austin and could hold 130,000 to 140,000 fans.

Austin's first U.S. Grand Prix is slated for 2012. December has been mentioned as a possible starting date for construction.

"I don't want to put a date on it. Everybody is hustling and bustling," said Hellmund, who said construction would begin as quickly as possible.


http://www.statesman.com/sports/formula1/promoter-unveils-f1-track-layout-890582.html

[- sTp -]

How is this?

http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/00530/elevationmap_530513c.jpg


Neat :yes:

[- sTp -]

"Promoter unveils F1 track layout

Design pays homage to some of word's most famous circuits."

Thank you Austin American Statesman.. :rolleyes:

[pied]

Update:

http://www.motorward.com/2011/04/video-austin-formula-1-race-track-trailer/

[DrEdward]

How is this?

http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/00530/elevationmap_530513c.jpg





http://www.statesman.com/sports/formula1/promoter-unveils-f1-track-layout-890582.html

Thanks. I saw that a few weeks back. It's not going to be Spa, but few spots can accomplish that. Still, uphill tight left hander into Turn 1 right after the start will make for an interesting first lap in Austin.