I got an e-mail from NASA this morning stating that the building of the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, TX to host the 2012 United States GP is now in question. It mentioned a petition that is going around to show the local governments the support for the track and the race. Here is some info from F1 News Austin: Austin City Council Debate – $4mil for COTA There is currently a debate within Austin City Council on whether to commit to signing on as sponsoring municipality for the Texas Special Events Fund releasing funds to secure F1 rights for the 2012 USGP and beyond. The debate is centered around $4 million matching funds to the $25million being offered by the State of Texas. FTP (Full Throttle Production) has already offered to not only reimburse the City of Austin the $4mil for the first year, but also for the duration of the 10 year contract that F1 plans on racing at the currently in construction Circuit of the Americas. A petition has been started by local Austin F1 enthusiasts and proponents to help confirm to the City of Austin that the interest in F1 and USGP is real. If you want to see F1 race at the circuit, you can sign the petition here: Austin City Council: Endorse Efforts of Grand Prix Organizers They wanted us to spread it as wide as we can, and I didn't see a thread on it yet.
Plus, today's newest rumor is that Red Bull pulled out of Nascar to sink more $$$ into F1, including buying the naming rights to the US GP.
Yep, see this article in the http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/off-topic-racing/3223-f1-coming-tx-5.html#post84658 thread.
If I understand FTP's offer, the City of Austin risks zero local tax dollars for the first 10 years yet the local economy stands to gain. Am I reading this correctly? If so, this seems like a no-brainer.
I cannot sign this petition with a clear conscious knowing that hundreds or perhaps a thousand race fans will suffer heat stroke in June in Austin next year after spending $400-$600 for the priviledge. Not to mention the agonizing hours spent in traffic getting to and away from the event, the unreasonable price of parking, the cups of warm beer sold by vendors in the stands as well as the fact that Sebastian Vettel will lead all laps from pole to the checkered flag. Show me to the petition for the enclosed air-conditioned grandstands... :cornut: