Indeed but Bernie never cared much about the fans: Silverstone in April and Valencia in August. The spots around Brazil are busy with the new Asian races, so I doubt this will happen. However I'm pretty sure Turkey will not renew its expiring contract and thus open the slot next to Canada. Besides: Bernie owns the Turkish track, so he can do whatever he wants anyway. I think the reason we haven't heard a date yet is that Bernie keeps his chances with Turkey open: If the USGP doesn't happen, he'll take that money and continues to subsidize the Turkish GP with it. Either way he wins. Sounds like Bernie, doesn't it?
Hello FerrariChat-ers, I enjoy following your post, especially the ones related to Formula 1 Austin. Our local group "Friends of Formula 1 Austin" is driving support in our community to help Formula 1 get the approvals needed from County and City government. This project is important on many levels for us, jobs, education for local schools, growth and development for Southeast Travis County and of course entertainment for the F1 fans. We need all the support we can get to obtain final approval from the county to start moving dirt and get the project underway and on schedule. I'm attaching a template to use, if you could kindly send an email or call the County Commissioners and let them know that Austin, the USA and World will support the project. Thank you in advance for your support and keep blogging, we enjoy the comments. Vance Facundo Friends of Formula 1 Austin Texas on Facebook and Linkedin.com Email or call the following Travis County Commissioners ----------------------------- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] County Judge Sam Biscoe: (512) 854-9555 Commissioner Ron Davis, Precinct 1: (512) 854-9111 Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt, Precinct 2: (512) 854-9222 Commissioner Karen Huber, Precinct 3: (512) 854-9333 Commissioner Margaret Gomez, Precinct 4: (512) 854-9444 ----------------- Be sure to sign your name before emailing ----------------- (email template) Dear Travis County Commissioners, As a strong advocate for bringing Formula 1 racing to Austin, Texas, I urge you to approve item #9 on the December 14 agenda regarding a flood plain variance at the United States Grand Prix site. County staff has recommended approval of this request, and your support will allow this beneficial project to continue moving forward. The Formula 1 project will serve as a catalyst for improvements in the City of Austins Desired Development Zone and along the SH 130 corridor that have long been needed. Supporting this item will bring this project a step further to becoming a reality. I am eager for the arrival of Formula 1 in Austin, Texas, and urge you to support these matters. Sincerely, Supporter of the Formula 1 United States Grand PrixTM
Just saw a blurb on the Biz channel about 'pork' that's been loaded/bloated into the new tax extension bill...item that caught my eye is listed as '$40M accelerated depreciation for motorsports tracks'. The reporter mentioned TrashCAR; err, NASCAR, but I wondered if this little goody might just have Austin/F1 written all over it. $40 million ain't just a whole lot, but otoh, depreciation would apply most to new/newer tracks, of which there can't be too many floating around the U.S. Anyone have an idea on the proposed cost of the new F1/Austin track??
Got this via e-mail today. Press Releases December 14, 2010 Austin Commercial Selected as General Contractor for Formula 1 United States Facility Austin Commercial Joins Formula 1 United States Team to Work on World-Class Racetrack Venue Austin, TX Formula 1 United States developers announced that Austin Commercial, a subsidiary of Austin Industries and one of the largest construction companies in Texas that specializes in civil, commercial and industrial construction, has been selected as the general contractor for the Austin racetrack venue. Austin Commercial joins the local and international team assembled for the construction of the worldclass, multipurpose facility in Austin, TX, that will be home to the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. Austin Commercial, one of the largest general contractors in Austin, has an established presence within the Austin community with offices in place for over 25 years. As the general contractor for this racetrack, Austin Commercial will be responsible for the daytoday oversight of the construction site and management of vendors and subcontractors which will account for as much as 95% of the overall contract value. Austin Commercial is a 100% employeeowned construction management/general contracting company with project experience that includes corporate headquarters, sports venues arenas, race tracks, ball parks and recreation centers health care, aviation, schools and universities and advanced technology. During this selection process we were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many of the nations leading general contracting firms which made this a difficult decision. In the end, the depth of Austin Commercials local experience, diversity inclusion program and underpromise overdeliver record made them a solid choice, said Tavo Hellmund, chairman of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. We are pleased that Austin Commercial has joined the construction team and are confident that their years of general contracting expertise will ensure we continue to stay on track for the first event in 2012, he said. Austin Commercial is credited with a wide range of premier construction projects within the city that include the recently opened W Hotel Austin, CarrAmerica office tower in Austins Central Business District, AMD Lone Star Campus, Four Seasons San Jacinto Center, The Long Center and the Motorola Campus at Parmer Lane in Austin. In addition, Austin Commercial was selected as construction manager/general contractor to provide preconstruction and construction management services for the American Airlines Center multipurpose arena located in Dallas, TX. We are honored to be on board and to be a part of such an exciting and unique opportunity, said William McAdoo, senior vice president and general partner of Austin Commercial. This facility is sure to be a worldclass venue that will draw visitors from around the globe and we are excited to be part of the Formula 1 United States team as we work together to make history by constructing the first purposebuilt Formula 1 track in the United States, he said. Austin Industries and its operating companies support diversity and are dedicated to growing multiple Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) firms. Austin Industries has developed an award-winning mentoring program for minority and womenowned vendors and subcontractors that teaches businesses how to work with Austin Industries, provides best practices information and offers networking opportunities with other business service providers. Austin Commercial enters into joint ventures and partnerships with M/WBE firms and encourages minority purchasing by prime subcontractors and vendors. Slated to host its first event in 2012, this muchanticipated Grand Prix facility will provide a fullyintegrated architectural and entertainment experience for both event participants and visitors. The surrounding landscape of the 3.4mile circuit allows for maximum elevation changes and a combination of more than 20 turns. Drivers and fans will have the opportunity to enjoy views of the scenic hill country at this stateoftheart facility that will hold 120,000 fans. The conceptual master plan features additional visitor attractions including a proposed driving/riding experience and seminar building, motorsports driving club, kart track and welcome center. About Austin Commercial Austin Commercial is a subsidiary of Texas-based Austin Industries. Founded in 1918, Austin Industries is one of the nation's largest, most diversified construction companies. With a workforce of more than 5,000 employee-owners, Austin Commercial is an international business serving customers in nearly every industry segment. Landmark projects include the American Airlines Center, DFW International Airport, AMD Lonestar Campus, Federal Reserve Bank, the Long Center for the Performing Arts and the W Hotel Austin.
I think Digman will agree, that a firm like this doesn't put out a press release like this unless they intend to finish the project and get paid. Hopefully this will quell some of the negativity surrounding the project. But it probably won't.
I watch the whole W Hotel get built and I was amazed at the speed they completed it in. I'm really glad to hear they chose this company.
One would hope that the designer would step back and think about passing zones/area's unlike some of his recent tracks. I wonder if he ever consults any current or retired F1 drivers when sitting down at his drawing board. I have been attending and following F1 races since my days in the military in Germany(66) and I would love to see a proper track built that will get 5 stars from the racers and the F1 public. It would go a long way to in changing the US publics view of racing. Lets hope. MJEFF
It's in a pasture, the cow patties will slow them down like gravel traps....the mechanics won't like it.....
County commissioners OK F1 to start... http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2010/12/15/county-commissioners-ok-f1.html
"Austin Formula One developers received approval from the Travis County Commissioners Court to begin moving dirt at its 960-acre race site." Then: "The development team still needs final administrative approvals before it can fire up bulldozers." lol uhhh
F1: Austin Plans Submitted For FIA Homologation http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-austin-plans-submitted-for-fia-homologation/
In the article it says the Austin group is actually doing this early in the process; not sire how this all works, but all indications are that the Austin group is doing well and moving forward
I hope so but it seems to be out of a usual progression of events. But it is F1 after all so its probably to the good,
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/construction-finally-under-way-on-austins-f1-facility-1154979.html I like this thread better than the other one, even with its new title.
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/construction-finally-under-way-on-austins-f1-facility-1154979.html
Maybe they can construct the track in India and then ship it here and illegals can install it, like everything else? (SIC)
