Two-Wheel Update

World Superbike at Miller Motorsports Park

Two important pieces of information were released over the weekend concerning two-wheeled racing.  First, World Superbike (SBK) is moving to Laguna Seca in 2013, and second, MotoGP's 2013 calendar was released with two unconfirmed races in April, sans Austin.

// Superbike

Since visiting Miller Motorsports Park in May of this year, the idea of SBK coming to Circuit of The Americas has been in the back of my mind. Speaking with several SBK officials that weekend, the option to move to Austin was well received but no one would confirm whether talks were underway. SBK seemed happy with their stint at Miller but it was clear the new facility couldn't overcome the lackluster crowds and minimal exposure associated with the event.

In line with the overall sentiment from these discussions, this past Friday a new three year contract to host the United States round of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was announced. Laguna Seca has replaced Miller Motorsports Park starting next year, opting to return to the Californian track where MotoGP also runs.

// MotoGP

Since MotoGP was put in limbo earlier this year, a serious void was created by the lack of a two-wheeled series at COTA. Frustrating many season ticket holders who expected MotoGP to be a foundation of the facility's program, the issues between Tavo Hellmund and Circuit of The Americas bled over to the MotoGP side of things, surprising many who hoped the series would be free of the F1 drama.

Waiting patiently for things to be resolved, complications were revealed when former MotoGP Champion Kevin Schwantz announced a lawsuit against COTA, claiming they went around him to secure an alternate deal with MotoGP owner Dorna and push him out.  While this issue remains to be resolved, motorcycle governing body FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) released a provisional calendar with two races in April yet to be confirmed. 

Two weeks following the season opener in Qatar, back-to-back races on the 14th and 21st of April are unconfirmed and the season expands from 18 races in 2012 to 19 races for 2013. The fourth event on the calendar is Spain, and with only Portugal, Spain's close neighbor, missing from the 2012 calendar, it's very possible what has yet to be confirmed is how the logistics between Austin and Portugal will take place in just one week between the two events.

Given the emergence of Schwantz's case against COTA, one could argue that there's little reason to pursue legal action unless a deal between Dorna and COTA is underway. The silver-lining is that we may soon have the top two-wheeled series here in Austin, but we'll continue to wait until official word is out later this year.

Behind the Scenes with Ross Bennett, "COTA Girls" Designer

Earlier this week I had the privilege of speaking with Austin-based designer Ross Bennett of The Ross Bennett Collection. Ross was selected to design and style the Circuit of The Americas' COTA Girls - stylish ambassadors who will be part of the color and pageantry during race week festivities. The COTA Girls will be unveiled at the highly anticipated fashion show, Shift Into Style, this Friday night at the Bob Bullock Museum.

In this exclusive interview, Ross discusses the design process, his inspiration and experience as a fashion designer, and even drops a few hints at what we can expect to see on the runway this Friday. Of particular note for visitors, Ross talks about Austin's approach to fashion, how you can plan for your trip and what hot spots he likes to frequent. We also spoke about the most fascinating aspects of F1 and how they distinguish this class of racing from other series.

We hope to see you Friday as Circuit of The Americas presents Austin Fashion Week's Shift Into Style!

// DETAILS

What: Austin Fashion Week Kick-Off Event, Shift Into Style, presented by Circuit of The Americas

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 from 8:00PM - 11:00PM

Where: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701

Who: Circuit of The Americas, Circuit Events Host Committee, Austin Fashion Week, Alexander Rossi and more TBA

Fashion Lineup: Ross Bennett, Keepers, Ferrari, The Danes Collection and Linda Asaf

Food and Drinks: Parkside, Olive & June, Backspace, Truluck's, Iron Cactus, Siena and Sentelli's

Cost: $85 per ticket

// CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!

COTA Announces Entertainment Partner

The "Tower Ampitheater" at Circuit of The Americas. Rendering by Miró Rivera Architects

// Entertainment at COTA

This morning, Circuit of The Americas announced Live Nation as its partner for live entertainment at the newly dubbed, "Tower Amphitheater."  This architecturally iconic piece, designed by Austin-based Miró Rivera Architects, will play host to a wide assortment of entertainment programs including music and performance art.

The COTA executive team and Bob Roux, Co-President of North America Concerts for Live Nation, were on hand to help explain the partnership and the vision for the circuit's entertainment program. 

Live Nation, the world's largest live music and entertainment company, will work to bring entertainment to Austin's newest and largest performance stage. Scheduled for completion in spring 2013, the venue will host acts in conjunction with the beginning of the 2013 race season.

Though many were expecting the venue to be completed in time for the this November's Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, the venue will not be operational this fall. Following the briefing, I learned from Juan Miró that the 251 foot tower will be operational, allowing visitors to take in the view of the 3.4 mile grand prix circuit from high above.