10 year MotoGP deal for Austin's Circuit of the Americas from '13

[Capirex]

Looks like Ill finally get to check out Austin.  I'm wondering what this will mean for 2012.  One more year at Indy?

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-lands-motogp-for-2013-119717024.html

[motodog650]

Always wanted to visit Austin, TX. Now I gotta good reason !!

[DogBoy]

Great news. The track should be awesome.


I'm guessing Austin will replace Indy on the schedule. After the initial three-year deal ('08-'10) IMS is just renewing year-to-year with Dorna right now. Laguna has a long term commitment.

[Capirex]

Great news indeed.  Just wondering if the only stateside race will be Laguna in '12.  I hope to see one more year at Indy after this one.  The track may suck, but it's 'home'.

[bomber]

agreed that Indy's "home," but the riding in the Hill Country is sooooooo much better ;-}

[DredheadV2.0]

Check out that back straight into a hairpin

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Austin_Formula_One_circuit.svg

[kyzrex]

It is still a possibility that all 3 venues in the US will host a round.  Being so close, I would hate to see Indy lose it's round.  

[Blunder]

Indy fans should not lose hope.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2011/Apr/110412ims.htm

[squeezer]

That's awesome news. And Blunder's post that it's a 3rd GP rather than a replacement makes it even better.

[staedtler]

first the highest speed limits in the country, and now this!....

fck yeah!!



 

[R Doug]

F1 starting in 2012 for 10 years

MotoGP in starting in 2013 for 10 years

120,000 seating capacity

3.4 miles

135 ft. of elevation change

And the locals are welcoming this facility with open arms.  Even Texas A&M said it would schedule home games around the circuit's main events!  

Way to go Austin!  I look forward to visiting you soon.  

[staedtler]

oh man.... you guys are gonna LOVE Austin...!



specially after the GP is this same weekend!!  

[tomek]

Fantastic .  

[1000lbs]

Great news.  1264 miles from here to Austin, maybe I'll do one of those ss1000 runs after all.

[yotes65]

Phoenix to Austin... 1006 miles

shot, not a problem... does anyone know if there is a Website setup yet with Track Info. Would love to get on a mailing list to keep up to date with everything.

Looking forward to attending the 1st Race!

[veefer800canuck]

Here's the track Wiki, if that's helpful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_of_the_Americas

[R Doug]

The decreasing radius turn 15 looks nasty.  

[protondecay123]

The decreasing radius turn 15 looks nasty.  

Here's a 3d representation of the track

http://www.formula1.com/assets/pdf/F1%20USGP%20BasicTrack%20LayoutwElevation.pdf

12 - 17 is going to be a great section.

[motodog650]

That's awesome news. And Blunder's post that it's a 3rd GP rather than a replacement makes it even better.

From David Emmett over at motomatters.com :

"It is unknown what will happen to the Indianapolis round of MotoGP, however. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a one-year contract to host MotoGP this year, and talks are believed to be underway for an extension of the deal. The location of the Indy circuit is strategically vital for Dorna, as it is the best facility within reach of the US East Coast and its major population centers. If IMS can be persuaded to extend the contract - and make a few modifications to the surface of the road course - then Dorna would have three races covering the three strategic markets in the US: Indy serving the East and Midwest (New York, Washington, Chicago), Austin serving the South (Houston, Dallas, New Orleans) and Laguna Seca serving the West Coast (the Bay Area, Southern California, Oregon). That would be vital to cracking the US market, a target Dorna has had its eye on for a very long time."

[squeezer]

Here's a 3d representation of the track

http://www.formula1.com/assets/pdf/F1%20USGP%20BasicTrack%20LayoutwElevation.pdf

12 - 17 is going to be a great section.

And, man, getting off turn 20 is going to be crucial with that long uphill climb. A mistake there, and you're toast.

[R Doug]

Here's a 3d representation of the track

http://www.formula1.com/assets/pdf/F1%20USGP%20BasicTrack%20LayoutwElevation.pdf

12 - 17 is going to be a great section.

Turn 10 looks intimidating as it's over a blind crest.

When I got to ride Laguna last year for the first time, I thought the Corkscrew was going to be the most intimidating.  It turned out, it's was one of the most fun!  The most intimidating for me was the small kink on the front stretch called turn 1.  It's over a gradual rise which is fun at 100, intimidating at 125+, and down right scary at 140!    I have no idea how the pros take the crest at well over 160-170!

[Kneescrubber]

Official website

http://www.circuitofamericas.com/

[aks801]

Totally stoked about this.  Austin will be a fantastic host city for this event, and for the facility itself.

Does not suck that it is two hours away for me.

[protondecay123]

And, man, getting off turn 20 is going to be crucial with that long uphill climb. A mistake there, and you're toast.

Turn 20 and front straight with the uphill turn one is really going to tax the HP. Should go well with MotoGP's move to 1K.

  Hopefully the grand stands along the front stretch will have decent views of the rest of the track as well.

[Orson]

When I got to ride Laguna last year for the first time, I thought the Corkscrew was going to be the most intimidating.

 
Is there a blind crest leading up to the corkscrew? It looks like it on my SBK2000 video game  

[R Doug]

 
Is there a blind crest leading up to the corkscrew? It looks like it on my SBK2000 video game  

Yes. But, it is a braking zone. The trick is not missing the entry of the corkscrew. Technical... Yes.  Scary... Not so much.  

[stromgal]

It's funny to read the comments section following the announcement story in the Austin Statesman.... some are complainin' 'bout 'euro-trash weenies' whose cars 'slow down for corners and don't bump and rub' getting tax money for their style of racing.  

[DredheadV2.0]

 

It's funny to read the comments section following the announcement story in the Austin Statesman.... some are complainin' 'bout 'euro-trash weenies' whose cars 'slow down for corners and don't bump and rub' getting tax money for their style of racing.  

 

[stromgal]

A bit of a look at what's going on in the construction of the track:

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/52061.html

[DogBoy]

Dirt section looks awesome!

[stromgal]

 

[Kneescrubber]

I'm just praying the Austin City Council signs off in time.

[Blunder]

Texas is worried about the invasion of foreigners.

[Kneescrubber]

Texas is worried about the invasion of foreigners.

You just stepped into your own pooh. This topic is about MotoGP coming to AUSTIN. Austin is significantly different than most of the rest of Texas. We can certainly move this to the po thread if you'd like, but I think most of us would rather keep it focused on the hopes that MotoGP will be coming to another venue in the U.S..

[Blunder]

Sarcasm is beyond a lot of people I guess.

[Kneescrubber]

Sarcasm is beyond a lot of people I guess.

How's that for sarcasm?  

[Blunder]

 

I'm all for MotoGP, and F1 for that matter, coming to the US for an event in Austin. Hell, once it  gets on the schedule I plan on going to see the bikes, it's just that the last I've read is the Texas legislature is debating whether to spend the money the combined events.

I'm betting it's Bernie's ever escalating fees that are putting the pols off. MotoGP fees are far lower but are rising at a commensurate rate.

[bluedogok]

 

I'm all for MotoGP, and F1 for that matter, coming to the US for an event in Austin. Hell, once it  gets on the schedule I plan on going to see the bikes, it's just that the last I've read is the Texas legislature is debating whether to spend the money the combined events.

I'm betting it's Bernie's ever escalating fees that are putting the pols off. MotoGP fees are far lower but are rising at a commensurate rate.

The state has been behind it the most, as with any kind of funding it all becomes a political football kicked around when the legislature is in session. Thankfully they are done for another year and a half unless another special session is called and then only address on the special session agenda set by the governor. What is funny is that a rep from Houston was the one kicking it around, Houston has received most of the monies allocated by the Major Events Fund for events there.

The City of Austin voted 5-2 in favor of endorsing the USGP yesterday, this allows the access to the Major Events Fund that the comptroller and governor have pushed.
Statesman.com - Austin City Council votes 5-2 to endorse Formula One race

Today was the announcement of the Australian V8 Supercars race starting in 2013.
Statesman.com - Formula Austin Blog: Australian V8 Supercars to race in Austin

[DogBoy]

You're back! Or out of lurking to post. Good to hear from you.

[bluedogok]

In the Austin paper over the weekend.

Statesman.com - Judge denies F1 opponents' bid to halt state subsidy

You're back! Or out of lurking to post. Good to hear from you.

Yep, it's been awhile since I ventured around these parts. Too busy with work and the heat saps any desire to ride, and it hit us early this year. I probably haven't ridden over a 1,000 miles in the past year and a half...the convertible makes it too easy when the weather is nice.

[stromgal]

Why can't I find the other Austin COTA thread? 

Anyhoo- more pissin' contest news:

The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) issued a statement in response to the lawsuit filed by 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz related to promotional rights for a MotoGP race at the new circuit near Austin, Texas. The statement:

"It makes no sense for Mr. Schwantz to pursue legal action in this matter," circuit spokesperson Julie Loignon said. "We were informed by Dorna, the organization that holds the rights for the MotoGP racing series, that Mr. Schwantz has no contract to promote a MotoGP race in Texas. To be clear, Mr. Schwantz never had an agreement to conduct a MotoGP race at Circuit of The Americas, and to our knowledge, he has no agreement to conduct an event at any Texas racetrack. Perhaps, that is why he is reacting this way, out of embarrassment, and is making false claims to the court and media. We know race fans would love to see a MotoGP event at the Circuit, and it is good to know that the door is open to make that happen at our new world-class venue in Austin."

Dorna is expected to release a provisional version of the 2013 MotoGP schedule this weekend at the Grand Prix of San Marino at Misano.

[Kneescrubber]

This one?

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,27.0.html

[DogBoy]

Everything is bigger and better in Texas. Including the drama. Yeehaw!

[black hills]

DORNA has done a fine job af placing them all over a thousand miles form me. Been to Indy, hoping for Laguna next year, so maybe the new track in '13

[DogBoy]

Circuit of Deadwood has a nice ring to it.

[black hills]

Circuit of Deadwood has a nice ring to it.

LOL.. should be able to accomodate a couple thousand people too!!

[stromgal]

This one?

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,27.0.html

Sheesh.   I looked in Pit Row, and General whatever, and searched on motogp Austin....... I clearly fail.

[Kneescrubber]

Sheesh.   I looked in Pit Row, and General whatever, and searched on motogp Austin....... I clearly fail.

 

[tbzep]

When MotoGP came back to Laguna Seca the riders whined and cried about the heat and wanted the race shortened.  Wait till they get a load of that Southern Texas heat and humidity!  

[Kneescrubber]

When MotoGP came back to Laguna Seca the riders whined and cried about the heat and wanted the race shortened.  Wait till they get a load of that Southern Texas heat and humidity!  

The race is tentatively scheduled for October. The real heat is gone by that time. it's the middle of hurricane season though.

[Blunder]

When MotoGP came back to Laguna Seca the riders whined and cried about the heat and wanted the race shortened.  Wait till they get a load of that Southern Texas heat and humidity!  

That was only one year when it hit an unusually high 104 in the shade and they postponed all the AMA races to avoid tearing up the melting track surface for the GP and free water was given out to the fans, dozens of whom had to be Medi-vac'd due to heat stroke. Every other year the big concern is having the fog clear and temps rise for the morning sessions.

[DogBoy]

^^This. And no one asked for the race to be shortened. Malaysia is easily as hot as Texas and GP has been going there for years. Don't remember anyone asking for the Malaysian race to be shortened either. Besides, there is no guarantee the race will be held in summer. It took years for Dorna to make Laguna and Indy even sort of back-to-back.

[Mac]

Qatar in March is also rather warm and humid, easily in the 90s. Good thing they don't race there in July, 120F+.

[Mastros2]

And the locals are welcoming this facility with open arms.  Even Texas A&M said it would schedule home games around the circuit's main events!  

Way to go Austin!  I look forward to visiting you soon.  

That is awesome.  

[Kneescrubber]

Dorna issues statement:

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/racing/entries/2012/09/12/motogp_rights_holder_dorna_say.html?cxntfid=blogs_formula_austin

The full statement from Dorna, which was not listed as a defendant in the lawsuit, is below.

“Dorna Sports S.L. entered into a Promoters Contract with 3four Texas MGP LLC in connection with the organization of a FIM MotoGPâ„¢ Grand Prix at The Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, on February 11th 2011 to be effective from the 2013 season. Dorna understood that 3four Texas MGP LLC had an agreement with COTA to run the event.

“On the first days of June 2012, Dorna required 3four Texas MGP LLC to provide satisfactory evidence before June 28th about the company having obtained all the necessary rights, licenses and permits related with the availability of the Circuit of the Americas.

“This is a standard procedure when the Promoter is not the owner of the Circuit.

“3four Texas MGP LLC was not able to provide such evidence to Dorna (apparently no agreement had ever been entered into between 3four Texas MGP LLC and COTA, the owner of the circuit) within the term granted for such purposes, and therefore Dorna had no other alternative than to terminate the February 11th 2011 Promoters Contract due to such Event of Default. The termination was effective from July 2nd 2012.

“As Dorna Sports S.L. and the FIM are interested in a FIM MotoGP Grand Prix in Texas, COTA was then offered the opportunity to become the Promoter of such an event through the signing of a Promoters Agreement. Conversations continue at this moment.”

Sounds like Kevin thought he had an agreement but not in writing?

Can't wait to see how this pans out.  

[tbzep]

^^This. And no one asked for the race to be shortened. Malaysia is easily as hot as Texas and GP has been going there for years. Don't remember anyone asking for the Malaysian race to be shortened either. Besides, there is no guarantee the race will be held in summer. It took years for Dorna to make Laguna and Indy even sort of back-to-back.

I'm just getting a chuckle from what the tv announcers talked about back then.  Seesh, I bet you take the fun out of sex too.

[DogBoy]

I always get a chuckle out of shit that never happened.  

[Kneescrubber]

I always get a chuckle out of shit that never happened.  

That would be a no shit chuckle.  

[Kneescrubber]

Provisional 2013 calendar

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/provvisional+calendar+2013

31 March – Qatar* Doha/Losail

14 April – TBC TBC

21 April – TBC TBC

05 May – Spain(STC), Jerez de la Frontera

19 May – France, Le Mans

2 June – Italy, Mugello

16 June – Catalunya, Catalunya

29 June – Netherlands**, Assen

14 July – Germany, Sachsenring

21 July – United States***, Laguna Seca

18 August – Indianapolis, Indianapolis

25 August – Czech Republic, Brno

01 September – Great Britain, Silverstone

15 September – San Marino & Riviera di Rimini, Marco Simoncelli Misano

29 September – Aragón, Motorland

13 October – Malaysia, Sepang

20 October – Australia, Phillip Island

27 October – Japan, Motegi

10 November – Valencia, Ricardo Tormo-Valencia

* Evening Race
** Saturday Race
*** Only MotoGP class
STC (Subject to the Contract)
TBC (To be confirmed)

[stromgal]

Perhaps the Anas platyrhynchos are lining up in Austin....  

[yotes65]

That was only one year when it hit an unusually high 104 in the shade and they postponed all the AMA races to avoid tearing up the melting track surface for the GP and free water was given out to the fans, dozens of whom had to be Medi-vac'd due to heat stroke. Every other year the big concern is having the fog clear and temps rise for the morning sessions.

If I recall correctly that was 2006... my 1st year to SECA...

[mugwump58]

After today's news the question is what will the weather be like in the north east this upcoming April.

[stromgal]

YAY!!!  


(finally)  


 

[swanny]

In.

[stromgal]

Booked my motel. Rooms were disappearing as I was looking at them online.    And the prices have pretty much doubled from when I looked 'for future reference' in the past.

(And here I have to add: one of the things to love about Indy, despite the track not being great for MotoGP, is the lack of gouging.)

[staedtler]

[kendenton]

Room booked 

[Capirex]

Ill likely camp but it doesnt appear to be an option at the track.  Anyone know anything about McKinney Falls State Park?  Appears to be about 5 or 6 miles west of the track.

[tomek]

I`ve never been in Texas ,,,,,, would they let me in on the track without any firearms ?  

[Kneescrubber]

Ill likely camp but it doesnt appear to be an option at the track.  Anyone know anything about McKinney Falls State Park?  Appears to be about 5 or 6 miles west of the track.

While I've never camped there before, it is a pretty nice park as far as day trips/picnics go. Lots of shade. If you don't mind going east about 30 miles, Bastrop and Buescher State Parks are very nice.

[JReazor]

As luck would have it, I need to be in Austin the on the 27th for my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary party anyway. My wife and I are talking about flying out for the GP and just staying for the week in between.

[vfrrider]

Actually Bastrop State Park burned almost to the ground about 2 years ago.

The COTA site lists camping, so check it out.

Or Round Rock, or Buda, or Kyle. Lots of big roads and easy connection to COTA.

Just watching the clock on ticket sales.

Larry
VFRrider

[Morgan Buchanan]

WOOOOOT!!!!

Can't wait!  Well, I can wait.  No need to waste 6 months of my life hurrying to a motorcycle race.    But it's gonna be awesome!

[vfrrider]

Is anyone (mods, you listening?) checking into group sales for Turn 1 reseved seating packages?

Larry
VFRrider

[expatbrit]

WOOOOOT!!!!

Can't wait!  Well, I can wait.  No need to waste 6 months of my life hurrying to a motorcycle race.    But it's gonna be awesome!

I think I'll be looking to be there. Got lots of friends in Austin so might not even need to camp!

[staedtler]

I`ve never been in Texas ,,,,,, would they let me in on the track without any firearms ?  

u can always get one!.. (just dn the street)

http://mcbridesguns.com/contact_us.htm

[tomek]

u can always get one!.. (just dn the street)

http://mcbridesguns.com/contact_us.htm

 

[satxbonneville]

One hour and 15 minutes from my driveway to the track parking lot.  

If I can make a suggestion to the folks coming in fro the race...look into staying in Seguin or Bastrop or Lockhart (Blacks BBQ and Kruez Market!) instead of booking a motel in Austin proper. With the completion of the 130 toll road (85 MPH speed limit) from IH-10 near Seguin to IH-35 near Georgetown the commute to the track will be pretty quick: 130 passes just west of the track. You might be tempted to stay in San Marcos but I would warn you that traffic on IH-35 is wretched day and night and since that road is under near perpetual construction you can find yourself sitting in a miles long traffic backup for hours at a time.

[yotes65]

Wouldn't you know it... the weekend before I have finals... why couldn't they have this two weeks later, after I'm done with classes....  

[R Doug]

Room booked!

[swanny]

One hour and 15 minutes from my driveway to the track parking lot.  

If I can make a suggestion to the folks coming in fro the race...look into staying in Seguin or Bastrop or Lockhart (Blacks BBQ and Kruez Market!) instead of booking a motel in Austin proper. With the completion of the 130 toll road (85 MPH speed limit) from IH-10 near Seguin to IH-35 near Georgetown the commute to the track will be pretty quick: 130 passes just west of the track. You might be tempted to stay in San Marcos but I would warn you that traffic on IH-35 is wretched day and night and since that road is under near perpetual construction you can find yourself sitting in a miles long traffic backup for hours at a time.

Thanks bud!

[Slippin]

Room booked  

[Mastros2]

Very tempting! Maybe my first GP race?!?  

[R Doug]

Room booked, roundtrip air tickets acquired, car rental booked... all I need to do is purchase race tickets.  See you there!

[kendenton]

Tickets just went on sale.  Trying to buy a GA ticket, I have multiple choices for GA sections (GA1, GA2, etc).  No explanation on the website that I can find, I thought GA was GA for everywhere.  Hmm...

And $60 for 3-day auto parking?  Yikes.

[Slippin]

No explanation on the difference between the $89 GA tickets (that appear to be assigned to an unlabeled GA section) and the $133 GA grounds pass ticket. I tried to click on the GA Grounds Pass to see if it brought up a GA section and it wouldn't give me the option to buy a GA grounds pass ticket if I wanted.

I sent an email to the COA trying to find out.

[DogBoy]

Maybe you could check an F1 forum or auto racing forum like Ten-Tenths? I'm guessing the F1 fans have all bought their tickets and spent hours analyzing site lines, access, etc.

[kendenton]

No explanation on the difference between the $89 GA tickets (that appear to be assigned to an unlabeled GA section) and the $133 GA grounds pass ticket. I tried to click on the GA Grounds Pass to see if it brought up a GA section and it wouldn't give me the option to buy a GA grounds pass ticket if I wanted.

I sent an email to the COA trying to find out.

The ground pass ticket is $89, not $133.  Prices are below the choice, which isn't terrible obvious.

[R Doug]

Tickets just went on sale.  Trying to buy a GA ticket, I have multiple choices for GA sections (GA1, GA2, etc).   No explanation on the website that I can find, I thought GA was GA for everywhere.  Hmm...

And $60 for 3-day auto parking?  Yikes.

Let me know which one you get so I can get the same.

The map doesn't show a difference in GA.  

[R Doug]

Interesting observation.

My choices for GA are as follows:

1)  GA1

2)  GA2 Row GA1 Seat 46

3)  GA3 Row GA1 Seat 17


GA 2 and 3 appear to be reserved seats.  

[R Doug]

According to COTA's FAQs, the track has both GA grandstands (uncovered) and GA grassy knolls.

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/tickets-faq

[Slippin]

The ground pass ticket is $89, not $133.  Prices are below the choice, which isn't terrible obvious.

Ok. Thanks.  The spacing between the ticket and the price had me looking at the wrong thing.

Now we just have to figure out if GA is GA in the way we all think about it or if GA has some sort of assigned sections/seats

[R Doug]

I found this at f1technical.net.




Fans purchasing General Admission tickets will have access to any of the grass seating areas of the track: Turn 7 and the chicanes - Turns 8 and 9; the straightaway between Turns 10 and 11; and the straightaway between Turns 18 and 19. There are no seating structures in these areas.

The red grandstand seating is also considered GA but consists of reserved seats in standard bleachers.

Premium seating is currently available for purchase at Circuit of The Americas. Advantages of premium seating include:

• The only tickets that include the ability to purchase on-site parking

• The best seats at the track, including, wide arena seats with armrests, cup holders, and more legroom than regular grandstand bleachers

• The only way to sit in the most popular locations: Main Grandstand, Turn 1, and Turn 15

[Slippin]

I just spoke with Justin at COA. He says that GA seating will give you access to anywhere on the map shown as GA & that they only include section/seat information because the program they are using to sell tickets online requires it.

That being said, when I spoke with him I didn't know about the grandstand vs GA seating difference used for the F1 race & so I didn't specifically ask about it. I don't think that it applies for the GP race.

[kendenton]

Ticket bought.  GA1,19.  Got $60 parking pass which hopefully I can share with some of the guys I'm going with.

Total was $168 for 3-day GA and Parking.  Indy this year for the same thing was $109.

[R Doug]

Ticket bought.  GA1,19.  Got $60 parking pass which hopefully I can share with some of the guys I'm going with.

Total was $168 for 3-day GA and Parking.  Indy this year for the same thing was $109.

I'll share the parking cost with you as long as I can get a ride Sat and Sun to the track.  I just need to figure out where I'll park on Friday.  My flight arrives before Noon that day.

[R Doug]

I didn't see a parking pass option when I purchased my GA.

[kendenton]

I didn't see a parking pass option when I purchased my GA.

It was tricky. They sell the pass as a different event so you need to go back and see all events, not just MotoGP. Teething pains.

[staedtler]

 

where are the grandstand tickets? they show turn 1 and 15 but nothing for grandstands....the covered stuff across from the pits

[DogBoy]

Interesting article on Forbes.com about the players behind the Circuit of the Americas and the machinations involved in building an F1 level track. No mention of Kevin Schwantz. I know we have some locals that have been following the details over the last few years. Can anyone comment on how accurate the article is?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2012/10/19/wild-ride/

The reporter seems to think there is fantastic intrigue here but it doesn't seem too out of the ordinary for a development project in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Everyone is looking for someone else to take the risk and make the guarantees, free money from the government is needed and someone with no money in the deal is looking to cash in.  

[Kneescrubber]

Interesting article on Forbes.com about the players behind the Circuit of the Americas and the machinations involved in building an F1 level track. No mention of Kevin Schwantz. I know we have some locals that have been following the details over the last few years. Can anyone comment on how accurate the article is?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2012/10/19/wild-ride/

The reporter seems to think there is fantastic intrigue here but it doesn't seem too out of the ordinary for a development project in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Everyone is looking for someone else to take the risk and make the guarantees, free money from the government is needed and someone with no money in the deal is looking to cash in.  

MOST of what I've read has been from the Austin American Statesman & Houston Chronicle. It's pretty clear that a lower grunt with connections had an idea then got shoved out when the lower grunt's idea actually became viable. Like you said, not out of the ordinary.

No mention of Kevin because; well it's an F1 track. Kevin got fucked just like Talmund did. Bigger players come along and kick everyone out of the sandbox. That's life I guess.

My bet, MotoGP riders will not like this track. It is a pure F1 track that does not allow passing in the traditional motorcycle sense.

[motodog650]

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup first round to take place at COTA MotoGP weekend (two races).

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=50468

[kendenton]

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup first round to take place at COTA MotoGP weekend (two races).

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=50468

Oh man, saw them run at Indy a few times.  It was crashtastic!

[DogBoy]

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup participants from the USA are Joe Roberts (returning for his third season) and newcomer Anthony Alonzo from Northern California. These kids are working hard to make a mark on the world stage.

U.S. Moto Rookies Cup graduates include Cameron Beaubier, Jake Gagne and JD Beach.

[stromgal]

Lots of blowback on the fact that COTA has canceled ALL the scheduled car/bike trackdays, many of which had paid in full in advance. No response yet as to why...

[Mr Sunshine]

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup participants from the USA are Joe Roberts (returning for his third season) and newcomer Anthony Alonzo from Northern California. These kids are working hard to make a mark on the world stage.

U.S. Moto Rookies Cup graduates include Cameron Beaubier, Jake Gagne and JD Beach.

I feel honored to have been beaten by all of them on the track.....like I even had a chance.  

[Mr Sunshine]

Lots of blowback on the fact that COTA has canceled ALL the scheduled car/bike trackdays, many of which had paid in full in advance. No response yet as to why...

And they are back.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20121222/F1/121229952

[DogBoy]

I feel honored to have been beaten by all of them on the track.....like I even had a chance.  

 


Here is photo of Anthony Alonzo I took last summer during the AFM races at Thunderhill.