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Confirmed with Mayor's Office: Austin Grand Prix Track Announcement Tomorrow

TGIM!  (That's right; not TGIF but TGIM!)

Earlier today I read this tweet from The Austin-American Statesman's F1 Twitter Account:

"Promoter to hold a press conference tomorrow, says he'll announce the site of an Austin #F1 circuit. #USGP"

Whoohoo!  It's about time!  We've been anxiously awaiting this announcement since May 25, 2010.  There is so much speculation on the location of the future United States Grand Prix Formula 1 track for 2012-2021.  We probably won't be able to sleep tonight!

We stopped by Austin's City Hall just a few minutes ago and got some helpful (although unfortunate) information from the office: 

Yes, Tavo and Full Throttle Productions, LP will make the official announcement with the Mayor's office tomorrow, Tuesday, July 27, but the meeting is private and closed to the general public.

We are grateful for the confirmation, but still feel like this:

Stay tuned with us on our Facebook Page and by following us on Twitter for the latest announcements!  Any last minute guesses on where the track will be located?

-kerrierieo

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.

This Isn't Our First Rodeo

Some questions are floating around about just how Austin is going to handle this huge event.   (see this article at Speed TV and Autoweek).

Keep in mind, Austin is used to absorbing well over 100,000 people every other weekend during the fall months for UT Football.  The Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium has a capacity of 100,119 (and routinely sells out) and is home to the nation's largest high-definition video display.  Throughout the year, hundreds of thousands more flock to the state capitol: to experience the world's largest music, film and interactive festival, SXSW, which stretches over 10 days in March; to indulge in the biker lifestyle with over 40,000 bikers and over 200,000 motorcycle enthusiasts at the Republic of Texas Biker Rally in June; to see history being made while listening to the best musicians in the idyllic Zilker Park during the three-day outdoor Austin City Limits Music Festival in the fall, we can handle the increased visitors.

The new track is a different story, but that's not really as big of a deal as you think.  Sure, it may cost $300MM but we've got major corporations in Texas, including Dell just up the road in Round Rock, probably excited about the international exposure and advertising potential this magnificent race has to offer. 

In addition, our city council has lots of experience dealing with mega-million dollar projects like the new Samsung and AMD Headquarters, as well as many other big name operations.  These kinds of projects require major investment but also tax incentives to attract other businesses with the intention to bring in residents and tourism to grow the economy.  The city council has handled these projects with careful discretion to maintain local support while attracting the investment in the area.

Keep you pants on, this isn't our first Rodeo!

KO