F1 Needs American Driver

ESPN has just posted a new article about the F1 Drivers' thoughts on the new Grand Prix as well as the concerns regarding the need for an American F1 Driver.  This has been an obstacle in the past and we agree that an American F1 driver would perpetuate passion for Formula 1 racing in America.  Since BMW closed the US side of it's Formula BMW junior racing league, young drivers have had a tough time moving up from Karting to Formula 3000, F1's baby brother.  Scott Speed was the last American driver in F1 up until 2007 and there's been a need for a new American driver ever since.

ESPN - Drivers Welcome Return of F1 to U.S.

Who could take over as the new American F1 Star?  What driver stands out to you?  Post a comment and let us know!

 KO

No Longer a Dream, Race is on Track!

Breaking news reported from multiple sources last night:

-The land for the track HAS been purchased!

-The track HAS been designed, by Veteran circuit designer Hermann Tilke!

-Initial permission for permits HAVE been granted!

-The 700+ acre location is "within miles" from Austin Bergstrom International Airport!

Motor-racing veteran journalist Adam Cooper posted this late last night:  

Tilke designing Austin Track, site already purchased

 

 ESPN Racing also published last night:

Promoter reveals designer, few details

 

And this morning, Autosport.com stated:

Tilke to design new Austin circuit

So, Mr. Tavo Hellmund and Full Throttle Productions, LP have been doing their homework.  We are not surprised!  You can't go to the rodeo without your cowboy hat, spurs and rope.  We will continue to update you as this story develops. Congrats to the Tilke Team and we look forward to learning more.

Kiplinger Rates Austin #1

 Best Cities 2010: Austin, Texas

Kiplinger Business Magazine has just released their top ten cities of the next decade, and ranked Austin as number one.  This comes as no surprise to many of the city's residents, but it's a great honor non the less especially with the upcoming Grand Prix race in 2012.

This video should help give non-residents and future F1 Visitors a chance to learn a bit more about Austin and some of our funky, local flavor!

KO

25 Million for F1 in Austin

Some conflicting news surfacing about how the new track will be funded.  KXAN claims (in the article just before) that no government money will be used, but Austin Business Journal has just released the following article outlining a $25MM per year agreement with the State of Texas.

Austin Business Journal - 25 Million for F1

We will continue to follow this and add more information as the story unfolds; as of this point, we can't be certain that KXAN was correct, given the ABJ article.  However, it's possible the City of Austin will not foot any of the bill and instead will rely on state funding, perhaps from Rick Perry's Enterprise Fund or from Kirk Watson's bill which created the Sporting Event Trust Fund, Motor Sports Racing Trust Fund and Other Events Trust Fund.

Money, Money, Money! 

KO