Thanks for the photos
 

It would not be a minor tweaking. It would be huge financial outlay to bring those existing US tracks and facilities cited up to FIA required standards for an F1 event, and with little chance of any meaningful ROI. Ask Tony George, or better yet his sisters....

And in any event, that's all irrelevant. The reason the USGP is going to Austin (not withstanding Red McCombs' willingness to spend $250M to build a new Tilke-drome) is the State of Texas essentially guaranteeing the $10M or so annual fee to FOM/Bernie. Without having to make that nut themselves, the organizers at least have a chance of making a buck.

I'm still skeptical of the aggressive timeframe. Lots of work to do for a race that would most logically be slated after Canada, or June 2012.

I hope they get it done in time. I'll be there.




Tim

I still wish we could get a WRC round in the US, they don't even have to build anything. There were rumors of a course that was approved in the Chattahoochee National Forest but nothing ever came of it.

What I am worried about is ease of getting to the track. I was in Montreal in 2010 and I have to say that getting to the track was child's play. A blind man could have done it. Plus it only took less then 30 min.

Austin is a different story though. The public transportation is an unknown, and the track isn't located very close to downtown. A solid 20 minute drive toward the SE. I want to figure out how all the teams are going to get from downtown Austin to the track.

I think I may just camp out at the track, though in the middle of June it's going to be 100+ degrees during the day. I am sure gonna want a bed to sleep in at night. This first year will be fun, but you have to go in with the idea in your head that it will only get better with experience and familiarity.

Once we know dates, etc... We need to pick a Hotel and several of us all stay there, carpool out to the track...

Agreed.

I'll be there for sure!

I have family in Austin, but will be looking into renting an RV for the weekend and staying at the track if they allow that. You guys are welcome to come by, pitch a tent what ever. I've done this before and it's a blast with all the support races, practice, qualifying etc. I don't want to miss a moment of it :)

Other tracks suitable for F1 in the US? Probably, but doesn't mean $hit to me if the troll doesn't want to bring the circus there... So, Austin gets my full support!

I do have a bit of that USF1 feeling, as in to good to be true, will it really come together etc. So for the moment I'll remain cautiously optimistic :rolleyes:, keeping the fingers and toes crossed for this race to happen on time. If the Koreans could pull it off I believe the guys putting the Austin GP together have a good chance of success. They certainly have the credentials and proven track record of completing projects...

Will Kimi Raikkonen be back in F1 by Austin GP or driving in NASCAR? Autoweek and Speed TV reporting he will be running the truck series then Nationwide and possibly Cup series? :eek::eek:

That makes sense...But I strongly dislike (and that's an understatement) Texas, if I truly wanted to see an F1 race, I'd rather go to Montreal.

Oh... Didn't think about camping... My folks have an RV I could comandeer.... Wonder what the facilities will be like....

I am with you about Montreal. That's why it was my first Grand Prix. This is definitely going to be challenging the first time, but I think it will turn into a spectacle.

I just WISH it wasn't in June. Can you say sweating?:eek:

I'll never say never. I might have to drive down to Texas and see the race, but I'll wait to see IF there is a race. Bernie is a strange person who talks out of both sides of his mouth.

Follow the progress here....

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Formula-1-Austin-Texas/157330087614878

June of 2012?

With a little over 1 year they are going to turn dirt into a F1 track? :rolleyes:

Did we get canceled again, or has Quebec really separated? :eek:

Les

Visiting Austin this week, this would be good weather for an F1 race. I'll be back for the race only a 10 hour drive from Memphis. Staying in an inexpensive condo, wonder how much the price will go up for the race?

Jay

Pretty sure we ponied up $25m as a state for the deal. Good ole tax payer dollars. I could care less. Getting out of politics was the best move I've made.

As it is now, I'd offer up the space to bunk, but we'd have to lay some claims as to who gets the couch and what not. I have an extra bed, but the dog might not like that. We shall see, i don't plan to stay here, but won't move far. I live about 15 miles due west of the site, and it is going to be murderous to get there from downtown.

The road infrastructure has to change, but west of 130, I don't know what they could come up with (71 east ought to be finished at IH 35, but there is more that has to be done). FM 812 has to be widened from 183 to 130 and beyond, unless they have other plans to build a new road(s). There is a nice toll road that could use some traffic. I saw what went down road wise in Ft worth when that track was first built, it took time.

I'll keep you advised on how to get in and out. Right now, as it is, approach from the east on 812, or on other back roads. I back road it road now from the west, it's 20 minutes.

The locals will help you out. Follow the progress linked above, he's passionate about F1, I'm not. His photos were a bit earlier in the day, same vantage point.

Hey Jay,
There are at least two other Memphis Porsche guys who will make the trip with you! We've driven to motorsports ranch just for a de.

Rick

Rick, sounds like we have the beginnings of a good plan :)

Jay

Road trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

From Leeds Alabama,........may make it in Pippa.....

I too was in Montreal in 2010 and the pp was right...childs play to get to and from.....

I will be there in 12 though come what may....

Neil