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Hey guys,
I have a request...
It would seem we should have the message board 'resources' to have 'eyes on the ground' for all the latest local and regional news first hand right here.....
PLEASE keep us up on all the latest ins and outs from the 'grass roots'.....
Yippie Yi Yo Ki Yay! ........... :)
Moto GP just announced this eve. that they will also hold their GP here. Only track in world where Formula 1 and Moto GP are on same track. Also super secret is what Ferrari might be doing in Austin either in testing or some kind of facility. Maybe Posche can beat them to it.
Great news for Austin.......
Now that Laguna Seca ( Mazda...whatever) has lost their perceived golden egg.....they might consider returning to a proper AUTOMOBILE racing facility, and loose the &@$!? gravel traps! The endless full course yellows while they retrieve some poor trapped bastard has ruined the racing not only for the spectators but also the hapless competitors who's races are ruined by the crap. Anybody from SCRAMP listening..???
If the below course highlight video doesn't get you excited.... you have serious problems =)
http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/
Thanks for the link to this new promo Mike..........:cool:
They are moving dirt as of the last time I went out there.
Here is a neat look from overhead.
Go here for more pictures.
http://f1newsaustin.com/
http://f1newsaustin.com/wp-content/u...OTA_Pano12.jpg
Thanks jp....
The Murray boys drove by the site last weekend while in town for the Hill Country Rallye. Still moving lots of dirt, but the track itself is now clearly defined. The front stretch has serious elevation change (model does not do it justice). Reminiscent of turn 6 complex at Riverside but about five times higher and steeper (and turning the other direction, of course).
Can't even imagine the start with everyone charging for the first turn, cars unweighted as they crest the hill turning into a blind corner!
Yes, yes, yes a thousand times yes... I wanna go so bad.
Latest issue (May 2) AutoWeek Magazine autoweek.com page 80-81 has a pretty good article on the track
June 17, 2012.
http://planetf1.com/driver/18227/696...-2012-calendar
June in Austin is crazy hot! I'll bet it won't be in June in 2013.
Come On Alan! It was only 103 yesterday.
I agree. Think of all the people from other parts of the US (and other countries) that NEVER experience this kind of heat. I admit I am not yet acclimated to this so early in the year. I just need to spend more time outside.
But it is dry heat only 85% humidity not 100%
Austin-area hotels are starting to open up for June 15-17 dates. Only one at the airport is the Courtyard which is already at $700/night. I got a room for those dates at the Hilton-Homewood (~8 miles from track) for $160 a night. Best bang for the buck. Refundable rate too in case they move the race dates.
Book early else you may be far away and paying high $$$... or perhaps Jamie will allow folks to tent in his front yard =)
Mike, You are right. There was an article in the news yesterday about Lockhart and other surrounding towns that are starting to sell out hotels as well. Everyone in the area is looking to cash in on the F1 hoopla.
I have no problem with a tent in the front or backyard. I am sure my wife and neighbors might have different opinions. Of course, If you come dressed in your favorite team colors, including face paint and head dress along with matching clothes they might understand. Or then again, they are mostly Texans and might not get it. The real question is what should my tent fee be? At least free beer for a night. :)
btw, also expect HUGE traffic since there is only one two lane road to the track from the main highway. Serial transportation at its finest unless they widen the road. I do not know if there are plans to widen that access road.
Plan to rent out the old homestead to corporate execs for 10k a day :rolleyes:
I'm with you on the traffic mess, and am even a little scared of being even 8 miles away. I am really putting a lot of effort into renting a 40' RV and parking at the track, with ample early 911 parking in front of it. Here in the Houston area I can get a 40'er, sleeps 6-8, 4 fold-outs, satelite TV, outdoor awning and entertainment area for 4 days for about $1300. Per person a little over $100 a night not too bad. Plus NO traffic!Quote:
Originally Posted by jpnovak
Will have to wait to see what on-site RV availability and rates are, thus am keeping the hotel room as backup. =)
My place is for rent too, but a little more affordable;)
Worth noting, been reading the dates may move around. May want to ensure your reservations can be moved if needed.
Exactly... it's just a provisional schedule so far. They don't usually move the dates around especially with the Canadian and USGP dates so closely tied together but you never know!Quote:
Originally Posted by serie1926
Right now the Texas legislature isn't too happy about all this money for Bernie's sanction fees coming out of the "major sporting event " slush fund created for things like 'super bowls' and the like. They don't figure there will be enough offsetting income. This could get interesting.
"Formula One: Austin City Council votes in favor of U.S. Grand Prix"
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110629/F1/110629840
Yes, The decision is all over the local news. Sometimes I sense mixed emotions from the reporters. One side is glad that F1 is coming. The other side doesn't think the Local and State funds should be part of the package.
I am glad its here. I will go to the race next year.
'Questions have also been raised over the June date that the race has been scheduled, as temperatures often reach above 40 degrees celsius, and word has it that the organisers are lobbying to move the event to a November date, looking to run the race back-to-back with the Brazilian GP.'
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns23364.html
2012 Formula 1 calendar set for major overhaul
'...there was some concern in the United States about the possibility of hosting the new race in Austin in June – when very high temperatures could prove troublesome for drivers, teams and spectators.
Sources have revealed that Ecclestone has now finalised his major reorganisation of the calendar, which he has given to the teams for them to highlight any issues they have.
...
As well as moving Bahrain to later on in the calendar, it is also understood that Austin will be moved to the end of the campaign – with it becoming the penultimate race of the season before Brazil. The two events will also form a back-to-back.'
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93442
Let's all hope that common sense prevails in this case!
This was discussed this AM during the broadcast of qualifying for the Hungaroring...Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl Bauer
Just saw on Speed... Bernie has confirmed that Austin will not be held next June, but November. Final date to be announced late this fall.
Good thing... June would have been HOT. Already cancelled my June reservation. Looking forward to booking in November.
As some of you know my oldest son is in the film industry, and was on a shoot this past Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun for RED BULL in and around Austin. They shot out at a ranch Thurs and Fri and at the site of the new track on Sun, everything from those days is embargoed until after production is released. Some of the footage is outrageous, I can not wait to see what they do with it.
Sat was shot in downtown Austin and as the public was in attendance it was open for photos.
From the downtown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1gmu...layer_embedded
From the 'track:' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVxQz...layer_embedded
Thanks for the pictures Bob. I am sure you will have a few more later today.
There was a locally organized track tour this morning. I have some work commitments and could not get the time out of the office. I passed the information along to Bob and he is currently at the track (Tuesday Morning). I am sure that Bob will share his knowledge when he gets the chance.
Carl, - Thanks for the links. Interesting how much aero effect at low speed. There is impressive flow lines in the dust passing over the car.
Long day today, up at 3:00 to make it to Austin for a 7:15 meet with the group going out to the track this morning. The track visit itself, and then a stop at Moorespeed to say hi to David. He is getting some sweet treats ready for the Race Car Reunion at the Quail. Then back to DFW for a nice 500 mi day.
This first photo is the first section of the concrete tunnel under the front straight for the transporters to enter the support paddock.
This is view from the outside of turn 1 of the signs at the observation point.
The apex of turn 1, it is going to be an interesting first lap.
This is a wider view of turn 1, the orange flag stand on the right outside of the turn is grade level for the track surface. The cuts will be filled with layers of roadbed material.
It is a steep downhill from 1 to a sweeping right. That should be fun at the bottom.
The visitor observation stand.
The pad on the left will be the main grandstand, the long pile of dirt just to the right of the grandstand pad is the front straight. The large pad on the right will be the F1 pits, the F1 grarage, and the support paddock.
To give some idea where the track is located, this is the tower at Austin's Airport viewed from turn 1.
...and this is downtown Austin also from turn 1.
And a track map.
Lookin' good! Thanks for the photos Bob! You forgot to mention how hot it was :)
Thanks so much for posting Bob!
Really looking forward to the finalized date in November and to begin lodging logistics.
Did I hear folks are kicking around the idea of organizing a Texas Treffen - Fall Hill Country Rally around the F1 weekend?
Bob.. that's what I'm talk'n about.....
Thanks for latest 'boots on the ground' update bud
Mike,
That idea has been floated around...
Actually, For those readers of this thread that may be thinking of heading into town what do you think about a 2012 Hill Country Rally around the F1 race? Give us some feedback and ideas. Midweek a few days before the rally? Hang around the week after? Would a weekend before/after be better?
We will use this information strictly for planning purposes.
Calendar issued: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...1/8/12472.html
2012 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar:
18/03 Australia
25/03 Malaysia
15/04 China
22/04 Bahrain
13/05 Spain
27/05 Monaco
10/06 Canada
24/06 Europe
08/07 Great Britain
22/07 Germany
29/07 Hungary
02/09 Belgium
09/09 Italy
23/09 Singapore
07/10 Japan
14/10 Korea
28/10 India
04/11 Abu Dhabi
18/11 United States
25/11 Brazil
Can't believe they made the right call. Good on them!
Right! November 18 it is... Now renting floor space - First come first served. Must supply beer. :)
Hmnn, has merit Jamie,,,Quote:
Originally Posted by jpnovak
We have had a few ideas discussed about doing this and one thought was to schedule the Hill Country Rally for the start of the week. This would allow anyone who wanted to drive from the East or West coast the weekend to drive to Austin without having to take the Fri prior off. The Hill Country Rally could then run Mon/Tues or Tues/Wed and give everyone the full Thurs-Sun for F1 and 6th Street.
If we are going to do this we need to start to plan soon to get hotel rooms and local logistics working. Maybe a Porsche corral? We could at least ask.
Looks like Turkey has been dropped.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94148
I'd be in for a couple of days earlier... Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs to allow most time at the track. Have a couple of folks driving their early cars in from up north... So the extra days travel time earlier in the week would be ideal. Pending traffic in and out of the track...may be cool to have a camping corral....LeMans style. Getting a block of camping space may be MUCH easier than getting a block of hotel space anywhere near the track that weekend. If there is enough initial interest... I will get in touch with track management and see what is possible.
After months of accelerating through Austin City Council meetings and miles of public scrutiny, construction at the Circuit of the Americas track east of Austin has come to a screeching halt because of a contract dispute between the track’s promoters and Formula 1 World Championship.
Hooking on to Boxster's thread....
So what's go'n on on the ground boys?
[QUOTE]Media reports this week from the U.K. and Texas indicate that Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he's ready to scuttle the F1 race scheduled for Austin next November, unless he receives a letter of credit or guarantee from Circuit of the Americas executives that he will be paid. Ecclestone set a deadline for a deal at Dec. 7, when the final World Motor Sport Council meeting in New Delhi ratifies the final 2012 F1 schedule.
Ecclestone said Wednesday that a contract held by Tavo Hellmund's Full Throttle Productions for the rights to the race was cancelled recently and that circuit organizers instead have been negotiating with him, according to a report in the Austin American-Statesman. Construction at the circuit in southeast Travis County was halted Tuesday. The Austin paper reported that circuit investor Bobby Epstein said, "I don't know why Formula One would want to kill this race. The money is in place; the project is on time. All COTA needs is for Formula One to convey the original contracts that were in place for a long time."
According to an interview by the U.K.'s Press Association, Ecclestone explained, "Everything was signed and sealed (with Full Throttle Productions), but we kept putting things off like the dates, various letters of credit...but nothing ever happened...Then these other people (COTA) came on the scene saying they wanted to do things...they said they had the circuit and that they wanted an agreement with me. I told them they had to sort out the contract with Tavo...but that has gone away now because we've cancelled Tavo's contract as he was in breach. We've waited six months for him to remedy the breach. He knows full well why we've cancelled." Ecclestone added, "But these other people haven't got a contract. All we've asked them to do is get us a letter of credit" which has yet to be delivered. "If people don't have the money they find it difficult to get the letter of credit, and so we don't issue a contract," Ecclestone concluded.
The Associated Press reported that at a news conference in Austin, Hellmund said COTA investors, including billionaire Red McCombs, are trying to buy out his stake in the race deal. Hellmund blamed investors for jeopardizing the race, saying they failed to meet several financial deadlines.
Adding to the uncertainty, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced Tuesday a change in plans to provide $25 million per year in state funds to the project. Funds previously were to be paid at any point, up to a year ahead of the Nov. 18, 2012 race date. Combs now says a first payment would not be made until after the F1 race is held. The Austin paper said Combs cited "recently publicized disagreements between the race right holder and the circuit developers," slowdowns at the construction site and the F1 race recently slated for New Jersey as reasons for concern. To date, no state funds have been spent on the F1 project.
[/QUOTE]
Reminds me a little of Ontario Motor Speedway...
Roller Coaster ride.
AS of This morning.
"The international Formula One racing calendar is set, and the inaugural United States Grand Prix is scheduled to be run in Austin on Nov. 18, 2012."
Austin sports news and Longhorns | Statesman.com
High five, Jamie-- we're back on!
a video of track construction/progress
http://weareaustin.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=209027
Murray Boys up to no good again...checking up on F1 progress
Attachment 211566
Turning onto front strait...the top of that hill is twice as steep and tall as it looks Attachment 211570
From top of turn one, headed into turn two...planned for 160mph; Attachment 211571
The winner's podium, minus champagne Attachment 211574
Progress on structures coming along, as you can see. Track from front strait through turn 11 ready for paving phase (which will come last). Still working on stadium sections (turn 12 through 19). Entire track had to be dug down to depth of 8-10 feet, and filled with exotic mix of soils/sands to ensure stability and drainage. Scale of this facility is incredible...strait from turn 11 to 12 is probably a full mile long (with a 90 degree turn at the end).
They are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
...and no, we weren't in a Porsche! Attachment 211578
Let me guess. Those are steel toed mocs. :)
great seeing you guys this weekend. I wish I would have met you out there.
Pre-purchase of tickets is available now. Open to general public release on June 10. Order now.
I just bought a few for general admission. I like to be able to move around the track as needed.
Subject: F1 United States Grand Prix Tickets Available Now!
From: info@circuitoftheamericas.com
Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2012 14:46:31 -0400
Buy your tickets before they go on sale to the public!
View this email in your browser.
Exclusive 3-day Ticket Package Pre-sale for the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ November 16th-17th-18th in Austin, Texas
Starts Today!
As a COTA VIP, you’re invited to purchase tickets at Circuit of The Americas before they go on sale to the general public on Sunday, June 10th.
The pre-sale will run from today through Saturday, June 9th, so don’t delay.
To Purchase Tickets:
Remember to use your unique pre-sale code at checkout: CIRCUIT
Buy Tickets Here
Remember, the pre-sale window closes on Saturday, June 9th. Buy your tickets now for the best selection.
Explore all of the great seating opportunities at Circuit of The Americas.
>> Click here for more seating information
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HMM That did not work. Here is the link.
Code is "Circuit" to buy before public release.
Tickets | Formula 1 United States Grand Prix - 3 Day Race Weekend - Austin TX at Ticketmaster
How about a virtual lap or three? Codemasters F1 2012 Circuit of the Americas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWa2ZSZcUq8&hd=1
Here is one of the first reviews from driving the Circuit of Americas.
http://www.statesman.com/video/?bcli...=1708344063001
Do us Austin tax payers getting any money from that "Ford" commercial
So good news this week. The track passed its FIA inspection. The race is now officially ON!
It is good news... but now Bernie has scotched New Jersey in 2013: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/201...may_not_l.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by jpnovak
Hi Guys,
here is the latest interactive map of Park n Ride and road closures for the F1 here in Austin
Grand Prix Traffic and Parking Map | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin
http://www.austintexas.gov/page/gran...nd-parking-map
If anyone has more questions we are here....;-))
I got my tickets yesterday! Let's go racing.
There is a 5K run around the track circuit this Nov. 3. If it wasn't $70 a person I would go so that I could pick the best viewing for my GA tickets.
Some of the recent video really shows the elevation change. Turn 1 sure looks interesting coming up the hill.
If anyone is coming in town for the event let me know. Maybe we need to schedule a gathering.
Yo,
Mark Smedley, Steve Childs from Sacramento, and Howard Yefsky from Chicago will be there.
End of back straight, corner 12 or 13 look to be serious braking zones.
Marty and I will be there... full 3 days, plan on driving the '71 and have paved parking in LotH.
Would be up to hosting a decklidgate from the lot. Don't know where exactly in the lot we will be each day, but willing to try to organize something.
Anyone else planning to have a P-Car at the race? The lot is for PCA and Ferrari Club folks but no requirement to only park those makes, thus P-Car presence is unknown. Would be up for a GTG Friday night in Austin somewhere if someone organizes. Saturday night we are attending the PCA Corral at the Salt Lick.
Looking forward to it!
................... :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5gLoxNE7ms
Stefan at GTS Classics has graciously offered to host a Friday night gathering. I have started another thread in the "events" section so that anyone from out of town can join the fun. Hope to see you there.
jamie
The US F1 Grand Prix is again in Austin TX October 21-23 2016. I have gone every year and it is a can't miss event for race car fans (Even wearing 3 plastic ponchos during last years big rain storm).
For those attending The local Hill Country PCA is hosting a night at the world famous Franklin's BBQ on Saturday night from 6-9pm with an open bar included.. The info is in this weeks PCA newsletter online. Only 60 reservations being taken.
If you are thinking of going and have not bought your tickets I would share the following experiences and what I would do. I have been in the Ferrari paddock with all the bells and whistles including cappuciano served by beautiful Italian girls and in cheap general admission seats and I would highly recommend the GA seats where you pick a different grandstand each day. It is cheaper ad you get a far better view of the races then you do from the start/finish line.