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

[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.