F1 coming to Austin TX

[TimMaddox]

Austin, Texas will be the site of the 2012 U.S. Formula One Grand Prix, according to the website of F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone.

Speed.com reports that the prestigious event will take place at a purpose-built facility, and promoted locally by Full Throttle Productions, a company with ties to the popular NASCAR racing series.

In a statement, the company’s managing partner, Tavo Hellmund, wrote that “few cities if any on America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting an F1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”

The agreement calls for the race to take place in Austin each year through 2021.

[SentraWV]

What an odd choice. I'd put it in the "I'll believe it when I see it" file, but it looks legit, straight from Bernie's mouth. Oh, wait a sec . . .

[RobbieNelson]

From what I keep hearing, I think this is going to happen. So, now to figure out a date to put on my caledar for my first trip to TX.

[TimMaddox]

Announced a 6 year deal to go to Russia starting 2014

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101014/ap_on_sp_au_ra_ne/car_f1_sochi_gp

[sts 50]

Hard to believe that the Austin group can build a state of the art facility (which, unfortunately, means flat and boring with lots of chicanes in today's F1, but that's another post..) from scratch, pay Bernie's enormous fees, and still make money. Tony couldn't do it in Indy, even with the largest crowds on the calender, and he already had the infrastructure in place. Russia makes sense - they will do it with public money just like all of the other recent additions to the schedule. I'll tell you, Robbie, there's nothing like a field of F1 cars at full song live and in person - but I had more fun (and spent less money) at the Runoffs.