cota

That is the point. When F-1 has to consider reducing cost to keep a race - it would rather go to a country that has no history of F-1 but a govt that will foot the bill.

I'm not so sure COTA has not lost money due to paying F-1. perhaps the promoters have made money as well as Bernie, but that usually does not last long. the economic impact to Austin just cant be that great - $500 a night for a Hampton inn room? cant be for very long.

As for Paddock passes - You can get them easily if you are paying... the challenge is to get them for free... that is hard! or score a VIP one race FIA credential ... that is the golden ticket!

 

I feel we put up with the rough around the edges mess at the COTA race back in 2012 because it was so new. The joke has been on us because not one thing has improved since then. Back in olden times they would put some effort into improving the grounds in order to retain a race, now it is what it is and what it is is, as is every new F1 site, is disposable.

 

LOL. When SCCA raced there in 2013 we got the porta potties too. They had the building doors 99% locked to keep us riff raff out and not mess up the flush toilets.

 

I agree with everything you said. And, I would add, Bernie isn't really interested in the American market. The fee paid by Baku, Sochi or Singapore is just as spendable as the fee paid by COTA, the Glen, Indy or any other venue in America. And the TV fees paid to FOM don't change one whit with or without a USGP.

 

I think its actually personal with Bernie. when he comes here - anyone from F-1 for that matter, they are practically invisible. even Schumacher used to come here because he was virtally un known.

When Bernie goes to Azerbijan or Singapore - he is a big shot, but when you come to the USA, he's just another rich brit.... so what. I think that is really what is at play. ego. he and F-1 are fawned upon but not here. its a catch 22 - to be fawned upon in the USA you have to get famous here ( of infamous) but that means doing something on your own to promote yourself ... F-1 does not do that....

 

that's actually a great point.

when Bernie bought that mansion in west London, it was major news. "F1 boss buys palace" and so forth.

when his kid bought that mansion in LA, nobody cared. meh, another trust fund brat from overseas buys a house. big deal.

 

Well, she DID get that cool rock crystal bath tub.....

And, totally unrelated, by chance.. a friend of mine here in Houston did some art, for the house....

"Do you know this 'Tamara', Alan, her dad is some big shot, in racing.....??"

 

That was his party line re: New Jersey for quite some time...where did that end up...?

 

Hasn't had a better offer











Yet

 

Is the NJ event dead in its tracks? Just leaving all facilities and roadwork under construction as is and walking away from all the effort?

 

Wasn't the rumor floating out there that Bernie himself has put money into the NJ project?

 

Apparently it's not dead yet...not really breathing, but not dead.

F1: Bernie Ecclestone still looking at New Jersey race | FOX Sports

 

Ducati Club will be in Turn 12 again for MotoGP...they'd better allow the damn flags this year!!

 

Got my Forza today. Article which is probably old news, reports that the state of Texas is reducing its support of COTA from $25 million to $20 million in 2016. They speculate this will mean the end of the race.

 

just checked cota site
packages on sale but no tickets yet

 

Don't be surprised if there isn't any. They are still short on money from last season.

 

Yah but.......Madoff kept on accepting new investors til the end, didn't he?

 

The governor changing the formula was what got the race into "provisional" status this year. If anything, they should be lobbying against the change.

 

I have my MotoGP package, as posted above.

They are "still there"...I have a straight line number, if anyone needs it.
The websites are terrible....