I had a theory about this because the idea of artificial rain in racing is so silly. What if it was really a "track cooling system"? Temperatures in Austin can reach 112 F (44 C). Not in June, but August and September have the potential. Yes - September! So if it hits above 100 F on the track, just turn on the old "sprinkler system". That'll cool her down!
At least a few newer tracks do have sprinkler systems actually. They are used for wet weather testing (hopefully not racing). Mark
The Facebook page for the the Austin GP just posted F1's calendar for 2012. Austin is scheduled for June 17th...NOT Oct./Nov. to coincide with Brazil. Hmm, I sure hope those Texas construction crews know how to work fast. If they build it, I'll be there, but the timeline is pretty incredible. Mark Link: http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-fia-unveils-12-calendar-austin-gp-set-for-june-17/
Boy oh boy....they better be busting a** to meet that deadline. Of course, it looks like Bahrain and India show that the calendar is very provisional. Still....optimistic at best.
Working on cars under tents. People standing alonside the track cheering on their favorite drivers - no seats to be found... Austin 2012 I have stayed out of the yes/no debate on here (though read every post) but Wow! I bet more than a few people in Austin swallowed hard when this date was announced. I really do hope it happens in some way, shape, or form; but, this is a tough schedule to meet - especially if the FIA holds to their inspection timelines...
Just a little over 12 months. I just do not see this happening. Opinions now that the race is really on the FIA calendar?
Yes it will happen. Texans don't want to be embarrased by missing this. They will work day & night now.....
Given the June date, I lost a little faith in the project. However, I read or heard somewhere they are planning on temporary grandstands for at least the first year. That would mean all they REALLY need is the track, pit complexes and hospitality complexes built in one year. I believe the track surface will be done, and they'll have something reselbling a pit complex, but whether it will meet FIA standards is the real question. Mark
yup. not to mention parking... that is questionable. I hope they have a large section of bike racks. Even being ~15-20 miles from my place, it would be easier to bike than to park.
Not just hilarious, but also a great idea. I grew up going to GPs in the 1970s and actually miss the rough edges of those days (like the bangers and mash guy behind the Woodcote stands at Silverstone)...
Silverstone was unacceptable to Bernie a few years ago because of acess and amenities. Seems he's lowered his standards a bit.
What Bernie's penalty for not being ready??? So assuming that COTA wants to meet the 90 day inspection deadline, that's work complete by 3/17/12... Tavo's got 288 days left.
+1 Or climbing thru the fence at Brands [And then watching Ayrton @~200mph into Paddock!] Cheers, Ian
While I hear you, hindsight tells us Silverstone was *almost* unacceptable to him. Even the Queen stepped up and improved the roads...... He & the BRDC pissed & moaned forever - And now we have the new complex where I remember cows grazing ..... *Never* underestimate Bernie Cheers, Ian
Dangerous assumption... Bernie does what is best for Bernie. I'd be very careful assuming that you (COTA) gets the same treatment. If Bernie wins financially by enforcing a "failure to meet deadline" clause,... are you willing to bet the farm he won't enforce it? Have you watched "The Deer Hunter" lately? Do you really want to play that game with Bernie?
I would bet that the fine for missing a race is less than the cost of hosting the race. As evidenced by today's decision on Bahrain, countries, the FIA and Bernie will done everything possible to stage a race. He wants this race more than anyone - remember he also gets a large portion (if not all) of the trackside advertising, paddock club revenue etc. Why do you think the calendar keeps expanding? It ain't just sanctioning fees; those fees were only 25% of the income last year for F1 (just reported today)
I have no idea how they are going about things, but were I the architect I would suggest at least some pre-fabrication. Given that each garage unit is similar, components could be built off-site in a climate controlled environment and then trucked to the site and craned into place. Hook 'em all up to the utilities and away you go. Sort of like the way they build ships these days. If you look at the cad models of the structures shown in the promo materials they are very simple and should go together very quickly. If you stay away from all the ultra-custom, zoomy "hey look at me" architectural forms you can build projects like this in a big hurry. Oh, and the black sheets under the grading look like geotextile fabric used to control subsidence of the gravel base under pavement and concrete slabs. I've not designed any buildings in Austin, but most of the projects I've done in Texas have had to deal with what's known as expansive soil. As a result, most of them took a while to get out of the ground due to the additional sub-grade preparation required. After that all hell broke loose and the projects went up in a big hurry. Don't be counting these boys out.
