British Technology Drives Austin’s Grand Prix

The McLaren Technology Center in Woking, England (Patrick Gosling)

The Austin Grand Prix is honored to present this special guest blog by Sir Peter Westmacott, the British Ambassador to the United States. Sir Westmacott is a strong supporter of the technology industry in England and is committed to the expansion of high-technology into new sectors of the British Economy. Sir Westmacott will be hosting a special F1 TechRally symposium and Best of Britain reception along with the British Consulate-General and the UK Trade & Investment department in Austin next Friday, Nov 16, during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ weekend.

With A Song In My Heart: Austin Grand Prix

The climb up to Turn 1 at Circuit of The Americas (© The Austin Grand Prix)

It is a time to celebrate. To roll out the barrels. To fly the banners. To wave the flags. To welcome the world to the inaugural Austin Grand Prix. However, with Austin’s reputation as ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’, you can guarantee that Travis County will be a rockin’ and a rollin’ and struttin’ its stuff like there is no tomorrow and Iain Robertson declares that nobody could be more delighted.

An American Dream

 

// American Dream

Today is a special day in America: Election Day. An opportunity to open up the doors to the future for our country as the Presidential race concludes. Following some reflection on the year's significant events, I looked back at the passing of American astronaut Neil Armstrong. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong became the first man to walk the moon, captivating the attention of the world as he took the most important steps of the century and redefined the bounds of human progress. Behind him, a team of talented Americans in the fields of design, engineering, science and mathematics propelled Armstrong to achieve the impossible.

Race Review: Abu Dhabi GP

 Kimi Raikkonen grabs his first win in F1 since his return to the sport (photo courtesy of Lotus F1 Team/LAT)

Incredible. Against all odds. Non-stop action. These words sum up the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

First, there was the massive upset at qualifying when Vettel's fuel issue forced him to start from the pit lane. As one of the final two drivers battling it out in the remaining races, starting from essentially P24 is soul-crushing. With Vettel now starting from the pit lane, Hamilton's superb qualifying session put him at the front, not unusual for the former champion, but after a solid first stint he would be forced to retire on Lap 20, an unexpected twist in the weekend's race.

Human Power Takes on COTA

Participants take off towards Turn 1 through the fog at COTA's first event, Formula Run

// Formula Run

Early Saturday morning amidst a thick fog and heavy traffic, the first official race to be held at Circuit of The Americas was nearing start. Organized by RunTex founder Paul Carozza and the RunTex Foundation, the Formula Run event drew about five thousand avid runners and race enthusiasts to COTA.

The participants, a mix of Austin's running-regulars and race fans, all lined up on the starting grid, ready to complete a lap of the 3.4 mile circuit. As traffic delays caused many to arrive later than expected, Chairman Bobby Epstein and RunTex founder Paul Carozza welcomed participants to the track. Echoing the visions of COTA from early on, Epstein declared his praise that such an event was the first to be held at the circuit, solidify its partnership as a venue for all types of events, motor-powered and human powered.

The Starting Grid: Ron Howard Visits Austin

Ron Howard speaks in Austin about the making of his film RUSH, slated for a Fall 2013 release

The official countdown to the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ kicked off in Austin, Texas on Thursday with a celebratory luncheon. Hollywood legend and two-time Academy Award®-winning director Ron Howard entertained a packed house of over one thousand attendees, while serving as guest speaker for The Starting Grid luncheon at Austin’s Downtown Hilton Hotel.