It is not about the Tarmac but all the earth moving and building the pit area and grandstands. Have you seen the renderings of what they want to build there?
I understand there's more to it than some asphalt. . . but grandstands, pit areas, support buildings, etc. . . are for the most part pre-fab steel structures that arrive on-site and get bolted to the surface. I know a lot of the facilities are more complex structures, but grandstands and garages aren't on the level of office buildings or apartment complexes. If a local guy here in New Orleans can reach into his pocket and have a world-class racing facility up and running in a year and a half, I think a project like this with bigger funding and contractual obligations to be open at a given date should have no problem.
These are the issues most have been having with this venture/project. I must disagree with the implied opinion that it will not happen or the track will not meet it's deadline. I'm an optomist and a Texan so I'm biased but that does not mean I am wrong or dancing in daisy's. The only real hope we have at a US F1 race in the near future is with Austin.
why is it every post with an update here, is followed by 4 or 5 more about why it's not going to happen?? we might as well go back to the old thread title then.....
I'm not a psychologist, but I feel what we are going through is similar to what an orphan child goes through after getting abused and abandoned. What we are doing is pushing the race away before the race can abandon us. We do this because we fear getting our hearts broken again. If you've ever seen the movie Goodwill Hunting, it explains it better. We are Will Hunting and Robin Williams is the Austin GP. Austin GP is trying to show us some love but we rather just make fun of his wife and painting.
After trauma people do tend to be wary. Sometimes they over react. Sometimes the caution is warranted. The truth is that everyone here wants a USGP. Most think that Austin will be a great site. But no one can say with certainty that it will happen as planned. While we wait we speculate one way or the other. That's just human nature.
There is certainly some of that after we saw the scam that USF1 was. Unfortunately we already see some early signs that all is not well and talk from Tavo about 2013 doesn't instill confidence
If I have to wait one more year I have not problem with that simply because I just want to see the damn track built as it could host many other forms of racing.
I don't have a problem with that either. The question is more whether there would be any money left to finish it for 2013 after they paid Bernies fine. Also let's not forget all the other failed GPs: Mexico, Donington, London, Rome, Switzerland to name a few recent failed attempts
I forgot about Bernies fine!!! Do you think his wallet is bedazzled and if so it must weigh more than he does lol!
The only way out I can see in relation to the fine is that Bernie is under pressure by the teams to come up with a US GP. So maybe he would let it go if he sees enough guarantees that the track will be ready in 2013.
Hope your right and aswell I'm pretty sure/hopeful we will see ALOT of progress over the summer months. Two things that I think led to the slow start was the funding and the crazy Texas weather we have had the past few years. A highend track will be built eventually and really thats all I care about.
From what I hear it's bedazzled with conflict diamonds, because the pain and suffering of others physically excites him.
The whole no money silly-ness came from a filing with the sec someone dug up: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1514553/000151455311000001/0001514553-11-000001-index.htm every other mention about the race organizers have been through full throttle promotions. don't think this is directly related to the construction of the main facility. Also, people are speculating that if he had $$$, progress would be a little bit farther along. I see the glass half full in all of this; most other's on the forum, are seeing the empty part..... take it how you want.
just saw this on espn.com link: http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/44985.html US Grand Prix site on schedule ESPNF1 Staff April 4, 2011 US Grand Prix organiser Tavo Hellmund and his construction workforce only broke ground on the site in January © US Grand Prix News: Progress good at Austin's US Grand Prix site Circuits: Austin, Texas The promoters of the United States Grand Prix say that construction on the new circuit is on schedule, despite clearing work only just being completed. The track outside Austin is due to host its first grand prix next year and the new circuits in the US and India are being closely monitored following the late completion of the Korean International Circuit for its 2010 race. In Texas, the track outline has already been marked out, and will feature the third greatest change in elevation on the Formula One calendar as the circuit makes use of the contours of the original land. Despite a lack of any further visible progress, spokesman Jeff Hahn says that all targets have so far been met. "Right now as it stands, all of our construction milestones are on track," Hahn said. "It's an aggressive schedule. We are planning on a June 2012 opening day. Now it's not unusual. A lot of other tracks like this have been built in the same amount of time."
