37 replies to this topic

[Cnj]

The money from the state comes from tax revenue generated by the event. If it doesn't generate the offset, funding would be eliminated or decreased. Under TX the fund could only be used for this purpose. IOW, they couldn't decide to spend it on teachers, etc. No one blinked and eye when the fund gave Jerry Jones $35 more than $25 mil for the Super Bowl or any of the other many events that received money from the fund.. It's an idea that we've been doing in Vegas long before Texas and other areas have done it. We do it a bit differently in that it comes from room tax revenue.

I think the idea that the track wouldn't be built if there was no F1 date is a bit of a stretch. In fact I go as far to say that it's more of a break even or loss leader, much like most of the other Grands Prix. Without having to homologate to FIA circuit Grade 1 and provide FOM mandated media, hospitality and garage facilities the cost will be reduced and they are likely, probably guaranteed to make more money with Moto GP and the other forms of racing. Miller has done alright without a GP, as well Barber and many, in fact all road circuits in the US have done well without a GP. F1 needs the US market for the sponsors far more than the US needs to hast a GP.

Dave

Without commenting on whether I think F1 is coming to TX or not, Dave is accurate in his assessment of track costs regarding FIA and more importantly FOM requirements which are very stringent. Any track that chooses to meet F1 standards will dramatically increase thier costs of construction and operation. Dave also has the Tax issue correct.

Cnj

[dstevens]

Don't agree that F1 (Eccelstone) needs the US, but it doesn't matter. If it happens great, if it doesn't too bad for us.

He only needs it in the sense that some major sponsors and team have been pressuring him to return a GP to the US since Indianapolis was taken off the calendar. It's been pretty widely reported over in the Euro F1 press and statements by some big sponsors and teams over the last few years. It's no secret. OTOH, as much as I enjoy the F1 circus with the way the costs are structured I don't see why any promoter in their right mind would want to stage a race. It's almost virtually guaranteed to be either a money loser or if it goes well, break even.

[LarryKing]

OK, it has to be said. Bernie is an 81 year old man, isn't it about time for a big boy haircut?

What is he, the freakin 5th Beatle?

[James York]

OK, it has to be said. Bernie is an 81 year old man, isn't it about time for a big boy haircut?

What is he, the freakin 5th Beatle?

Now that I agree with! LOL

[KentCarter]

He only needs it in the sense that some major sponsors and team have been pressuring him to return a GP to the US since Indianapolis was taken off the calendar. It's been pretty widely reported over in the Euro F1 press and statements by some big sponsors and teams over the last few years. It's no secret. OTOH, as much as I enjoy the F1 circus with the way the costs are structured I don't see why any promoter in their right mind would want to stage a race. It's almost virtually guaranteed to be either a money loser or if it goes well, break even.

Bernie has stated that cities should not expect to break even on an F1 race... the panache of being a host city should help all their other endeavors succeed. He's delusional.

[Jim Boemler]

Bernie has stated that cities should not expect to break even on an F1 race... the panache of being a host city should help all their other endeavors succeed. He's delusional.

Translation: "Plan on ME making money, not you."

[tLinder]

Maybe 2013... the drama continues...
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111117/F1/111119837

(Like most, I'd like for the track to be built & the event to happen. I'm fairly certain Bernie watches out for Bernie first, then F1. Track promoters aren't even on his radar).

[steveracer]

I think you are correct, Toby.

I also think that dude at AW is a nattering Naybob and should STFU!

For a writer for an enthusiast mag, he sure sounds like one of the local hippies that only support drum circles and bike rides...

[LarryKing]

According to Circuit of the Americas the race is on again.

[Cnj]

According to Circuit of the Americas the race is on again.

Indeed it is. Gonna be a busy year for the design and construction team.

Cnj.

[Jim Drago]

great news

[Doug007]

Yup, looks like they sent Bernie a check. Construction is on and Austin is on the 2012 schedule. Hopefully this track comes true and hosts some SM races some day!

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/96681

[Jim Drago]

Yup, looks like they sent Bernie a check. Construction is on and Austin is on the 2012 schedule. Hopefully this track comes true and hosts some SM races some day!

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/96681

I bet there was a little more involved than sending Bernie a check

[Doug007]

I bet there was a little more involved than sending Bernie a check

I'm sure there was, but that was the most important step

[tLinder]

Yeppers, it's really "official" http://www.formula1....1/12/12878.html
Bernie must be happy, hate to be the one stuck with that task, if ya know I mean

[Zauskycop]

Hopefully this track comes true and hosts some SM races some day!

Maybe for the 1.8's...but the 1.6's will never make it up that hill! hahaha

[Cnj]

Maybe for the 1.8's...but the 1.6's will never make it up that hill! hahaha

Assuming we do local races there (and I expect we will maybe once a year), we will probably run on the short track which shortens the extremely long back straight but makes little change to the elevation differences. The run up to turn 1 is pretty steep and then into a really sharp (slightly blind) turn downhill to a series of fast sweepers. Not sure if one car year over the other will have the advantage up the hill, but for sure the starts on this track will be wild. It's a really cool track.

Cnj

[dstevens]

If you are on the track's mailing list there have been a couple of surveys sent out. One asked what other kinds of racing they should host. After lawn mower, figure 8 school bus and monster truck I put club sports car racing.... Just like Miller or Barber I bet they'll be open to track rentals.