F1 Texas Style
Feb 14 2012
Circuit of The Americas™ Joins Green Sports Alliance
Membership Underscores Long-Term Sustainability Goals
AUSTIN, Texas — February 13, 2012— Circuit of The Americas is the newest member of the Green Sports Alliance, a non-profit organization made up of more than 40 professional and collegiate sports teams and nearly 90 sports venues with a mission to help sports teams, venues and leagues enhance their environmental performance. Circuit of The Americas will be the first Formula One™ racing facility to become a member of the Alliance.
"Circuit of The Americas and the City of Austin have taken a bold stand with their sustainability plan for this sports and entertainment complex," said Martin Tull, executive director of the Green Sports Alliance. "We welcome Circuit of The Americas into the Alliance and look forward to working with them."
The Green Sports Alliance is a unique coalition of sports teams and venues, professional sport leagues, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other environmental and green building experts.
“I applaud the Circuit’s commitment to setting a standard for sustainability in North American motorsports,” said Lucia Athens, chief sustainability officer for the City of Austin. “Joining forces with the Green Sports Alliance will increase their green horsepower and put Austin on the map yet again for its leadership and innovation. The Green Sports Alliance has been providing expert technical assistance to many of the sports leagues, and can now assist motorsports in achieving greener results.”
Members in the Green Sports Alliance share best practices to improve the environmental performance of their venues, saving millions of dollars through energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling and composting. By tracking environmental performance, sports facilities learn how they compare to their counterparts and how to maximize sustainability efforts. Alliance members have reported reductions as high as 30 percent in energy usage, 60 percent in natural gas use and more than 20 percent in water use.
“We are excited to be collaborating with the best minds in sustainable facility management,” said Edgar Farrera, sustainability director at Circuit of The Americas. “We look forward to developing new approaches to environmentally sustainable operations at our facility and sharing what we learn with organizations and companies around the world.”
About the Green Sports Alliance
The Green Sports Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to help sports teams, venues and leagues enhance their environmental performance. Less than a year since its public launch, the Alliance is made up of representatives from over 40 teams from 13 leagues and 90 sports venues, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Bonneville Environmental Foundation and many other organizations.
Its second annual conference, the Green Sports Alliance Summit, will be held on Sept. 5-7, 2012 and will bring together hundreds of facility operators, team executives, league officials,
environmental experts and corporate partners to discuss innovations in environmental performance.
For more information about the Green Sports Alliance visit: www.greensportsalliance.org.
About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and be the U.S. home to the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ Nov. 16-18 and V8 SUPERCARS.
The Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical facility, a conference center, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.
For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.
Feb 1 2012
Circuit of The Americas™ Selects Sodexo as Food and Beverage Partner
Company to Provide Top-of-the-Line Food Services to World-Class Facility
AUSTIN, Texas – January 31, 2012 – Circuit of The Americas has selected Sodexo as its food and beverage services partner. Sodexo is a global leader in high-volume concessions, catering and hospitality management with a proven ability to manage large-scale events on international stages. For Circuit of The Americas, Sodexo will design, manage and deliver all aspects of concession services including catering, food and beverage service, hospitality and associated vendor management.
“Sodexo has great experience managing large-scale and innovative events around the world that enhance the fan experience,” said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “Their team fully understands the need to host and entertain an international audience to exceed fan expectations. At Circuit of The Americas, they will be integrating a global capability with the unique flavors of our region to provide fans a truly memorable experience.”
Sodexo’s innovative work was recently on display at Royal Ascot, one of the top horse racecourses in the United Kingdom and the largest catering contract in Europe. The company launched the first ever Royal Ascot Fashion Show as a hospitality package featuring world-class designers, as well as a nightclub on the Ascot site. Both additions to the event were well received by fans and broke new ground for the historic facility. The company also understands the expectations a Formula 1 event brings. It recently managed the inaugural Indian Grand Prix and successfully managed catering and concessions to a record-breaking 310,000 visitors at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone in 2009. The company also supported the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2008.
“We are thrilled to bring our Formula 1 event experience to Circuit of The Americas, a truly one-of-a-kind venue in one of the great food regions of the world,” said Steve DiPrima, president of Sodexo Leisure Services Division. “We know Tex-Mex, Gulf seafood, southern-style cooking and barbecue are great Texas food traditions, and we also know a Formula 1 event brings high expectations for world-class fare. Our team will be tasked with elegantly blending them all together while providing flawless service for the entire festival week in Austin. I believe the F1 race will be the start of a great relationship between Sodexo and Circuit of The Americas.”
Other notable international experience includes serving as the hospitality and ticketing/marketing partner for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Sodexo has served as the official food and beverage provider for many of the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1988. They also provide high-volume concessions to specialized suite and backstage catering for The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Local vendors expressing an interest in serving food on large event days at the venue can contact Sodexo at: circuitoftheamericas@sodexo.com
Sodexo in North America
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On-site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.
Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions
Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 391,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of On-site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.
Jan 23 2012
AUSTIN, Texas – January 22, 2012 – Circuit of The Americas has opened its ticketing process
Above looking at downtown Austin on the horizon from Cota
Pit building well under construction
from Russ Rhea
by launching its Select Seating Wait List for events at the track beginning with the 2012
FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX to be held November 16-18. The select seating
wait list is the first of two ticketing stages designed to help fans purchase seats.
“We are receiving great interest in tickets every day from fans around the world,” said Geoff
Moore, chief marketing and sales officer for Circuit of The Americas. “In order to effectively
manage the demand, we have created a two-stage ticketing process to help fans better
understand the opportunities available. We want every fan to get the ticket that is right and
affordable for them. In this first stage, we are showing off the incredible entertainment
experience our main grandstand offers.”
Select Seating Wait List
In this stage of ticketing, obtaining a personal seat license is the first step.
Beginning Monday January 23, 2012 and extending through Monday February 13, 2012, fans
may join the Select Seating Wait List to be first in line to purchase a personal seat license,
which will go on sale March 1, 2012. Personal seat licenses will range in price from $1,000 to
$5,000 per seat payable in two installments if desired, depending on proximity to the start/finish
line and amenities.
A personal seat license entitles its holder to purchase tickets for all racing events at Circuit of
The Americas for the next 15 years. The license also gives its holder a priority position to
purchase tickets for entertainment events held at Circuit of The Americas for the duration of the
license.
To be contacted about a personal seat license, fans can visit www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com,
go to the Select Seating Wait List banner and register their contact information along with a
$100 (USD) deposit.
Select Seating at the Main Grandstand
Select seating is focused on the main grandstand, which has approximately 9,000 seats in 26
rows. Along with a perfect view of the start/finish line and pit area, the state-of-the-art main
grandstand seating provide fans with a number of amenities and extras, including:
• Individual stadium seats
• In-seat food and beverage service
• Direct view of three giant video boards
• Nearby merchandise shopping in the F1 Fan area
• Priority on-site parking
Select Seating at Turns 1, 15 and 16
The Turn 1 grandstand sits atop a dramatic 133 ft. elevation and features the clearest sightlines
for the track’s signature turn along with a view all the way to downtown Austin. The topography
associated with Turn 1 makes it one of the most exciting features of the race course.
The area between Turns 15 and 16 is home to the track’s Stadium Section grandstands. These
seats will see the most up-close racing action and are located near the Grand Plaza, which
features the highest concentration of food, beverage and merchandise amenities.
Additional information regarding seating locations, availability and details regarding the rights
and privileges available to personal seat license holders is available at
www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.
Individual Ticketing
Individual tickets will be the focus of the second stage of ticketing. Individual event tickets to the
2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX will be offered for sale in early summer.
Fans interested in buying uncovered grandstand or general admission tickets to this event
should register their contact information at www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com and sign up for the
Circuit’s email newsletter. No deposit for individual ticket registration is required.
About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and
business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any
and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and be the U.S. home to both the
Formula 1 Grand Prix and V8 Supercar World Championships.
The Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed
for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile
circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical facility,
a conference center, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space. Future
proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track,
grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park
Jan 4 2012
Edgar Farrera Joins Circuit of The Americas (TM) as Sustainability Director
Expert in Sustainable Design and Architecture to Oversee Project’s Environmental Initiatives
by Russ Rhea
AUSTIN, Texas — January 3, 2012 — Circuit of The Americas has hired Edgar Farrera, AIA, LEED AP BD+C as Director of Sustainability. With 20 years experience in green building and environmental stewardship, Farrera is considered a leader in the industry of sustainable design and architecture.
Farrera will oversee the development of environmental initiatives and programs associated with construction, maintenance and operation of the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States. He will establish the facility’s ongoing sustainability efforts and will work in collaboration with the City of Austin’s Sustainability Office on efforts such as air quality, green transit, green tech research and development, alternative energy events and sustainable on-site development. Additional responsibilities include developing educational programs focused on the facility’s environmental practices and coordinating volunteers.
“Adding Edgar to our team demonstrates our commitment to sustainability,” said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “We have a unique opportunity in the motor sports world to develop a strong sustainability program. Edgar understands our vision to set a new standard for environmental programs within major event facilities and he knows the importance of keeping the local community educated and informed.”
Farrera worked as Director of Sustainable Design at Marmon Mok Architecture in San Antonio, Texas from 2001-2011, where he established the firm as a green leader in the architecture industry. He crafted project and client specific approaches for optimizing environmental sustainability for facilities such as the $130M Tobin Performing Arts Center, the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Facility, the LEED-Gold certified Miller Residence Hall at Trinity University, and the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center.
“Circuit of The Americas is going to provide extraordinary opportunities in terms of advancing sustainable development and fostering environmental stewardship,” said Farrera. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this world-class team, and I look forward to dedicating myself to helping CoTA realize its sustainable potential.”
Prior to working with Marmon Mok, Farrera worked at award-winning sustainable architecture firm Barley + Pfeiffer. He serves on the Board of the Central Texas – Balcones Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and is its former Advocacy Chair; he is State Chair for the Texas Society of Architects Sustainable Environment Committee (SUSCOM), and also serves on their task force evaluating the International Green Construction Code. Farrera also served on the City of Austin’s Design Commission from 1993-2001, and on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Advisory Board from 1997-1999 while the new airport was under construction.
Farrera is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin
About Circuit of The Americas
Click on above logo to go there
Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and be the U.S. home to the Formula 1™ and MotoGP™ Grand Prix World Championships and V8 Supercars series.
The Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference center, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.
The Circuit of The Americas will host its first race, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ on November 18, 2012.
For more information, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.
Formula 1 (TM) and Circuit of The Americas (TM) Ready to Roll
10-Year Race Contract Brings F1 Back to the U.S. in 2012; Construction to Resume Immediately
AUSTIN, Texas – December 7, 2011 – Circuit of The Americas announced today that they have reached an agreement with Formula One Management that ensures the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix remains on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship race calendar.
Red McCombs, chairman of McCombs Enterprises and founding partner of Circuit of The Americas stated, “Mr. Ecclestone received his check today. We want to thank the fans supporting us, the local officials and businesses that have encouraged us, the State of Texas, Circuit of The Americas’ staff and Bernie himself. I want to thank and commend Bobby Epstein for getting us across the finish line. Bobby’s perseverance and leadership kept the project on track despite unfair and unfounded criticism.”
“Our investors have believed all along that this project has tremendous benefit for our region, and provides a strong economic engine for the future,” stated Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas. We remain committed to reaching our goal of being valuable community partners as we establish a platform for sports and entertainment. We’re glad that Tavo’s vision of bringing F1 to the people of Texas will become a reality.”
Engineering and construction teams working on the track will resume immediately, ensuring completion for the 2012 race date.
“We have a substantial number of fans who have expressed interest in buying tickets and hospitality, so today is a win for all of them as much as it is for Circuit of The Americas,” said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “We encourage everyone to visit our website and register for information. Registered fans will receive the first communication regarding ticket sales plans. In a matter of weeks we will have more exciting news as we unveil our full calendar of world class events.”
Fans interested in receiving information about tickets for next year's United States Grand Prix can register their contact information at www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com. Ticket sales information will be communicated to those registered prior to general public notification.
About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Formula 1 Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power.
The master plan for Circuit of The Americas features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile (5.5-km) circuit track. Other support buildings will include a medical facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference center, and a banquet hall, as well as an expansive outdoor live music space. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.
For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com
Nov 24 2011
LATEST FROM C.O.T.A.
Circuit of The Americas™ Ready to Pay Sanctioning Fee and Offering More
Proposal Satisfies 2012 Request, Accelerates Payments for Subsequent Years
AUSTIN, Texas – November 24, 2011 – Circuit of The Americas has responded to Formula One Management’s contract requirements by agreeing to an immediate cash payment of the sanctioning fee for the 2012 United States Grand Prix (USGP). In addition, Circuit of The Americas has offered to establish an advance payment schedule for USGP races beyond 2012.
The offer comes after several weeks of talks, and once accepted, will secure the USGP on the Formula 1 race calendar.
“We have been ready to send Mr. Ecclestone a sanctioning fee check for some time now,” said Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas. “He hasn’t received it yet because the new contract presented to us two weeks ago contained unrealistic and unfeasible demands. We have signed and returned a contract similar to what we anticipated receiving.
This race should be a reality, but if we are going to make the 2012 race date, we must receive a countersignature in the coming few days. We believe the teams, fans, sponsors and local business share our enthusiasm and hope that their voices will be heard.”
Nov 18 2011
Austin Tx COTA F1 race??? on or off?
Eccelstone says, monies need to be guaranteed or forth coming by nov 27 next week or no race next year.
Next year's F1 race in Austin looks grim
by ANDREW HORANSKY / KVUE News
ELROY, Texas At the Formula 1 track in Elroy, one setback seems to follow another.
On Tuesday, construction came to a halt. Workers went home.
On Wednesday, equipment was removed. It included everything from tractors to bulldozers and even the protable toilets were gone!.
Threatening words from F1’s CEO, Bernie Ecclestone, came next. He said Wednesday that there is a dispute with the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) over a letter of credit.
“We’ve done everything we bloody well can do to make this happen,” Ecclestone told the British press.
When asked whether the Austin race is in danger of being dropped if the issue is not resolved, Ecclestone is quoted as saying “Yes, it will be, for sure, 100 percent.”
In Elroy, the news hit hard. A worker at a taqueria near the track said her business dropped.
Resident Joe Trevino bought a house in Elroy, just to be near the track.
“I wish taxpayers could have seen what kind of benefit we could have seen from having an event like this in Austin,” he said.
The event now seems unlikely.
More from the internet
A Dec 7 date was said the be the last date the monies have to be guaranteed?
Formula 1’s 2012 schedule is set to be finalized on Dec. 7 in India. If a contract between F1 and COTA is not finalized by then, Austin may not be a stop on next year’s circuit.
The stop was scheduled to take place one year from now.
Bernie Ecclestone says organizers of the U.S. Grand Prix
have until the end of next week to sign a contract or next year's race in Texas will be called off Ecclestone wants the dispute with Circuit of the Americas officials in Austin settled before the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 27. Ecclestone Said that "it's all very
simple they don't have the money."
COTA Statement Regarding Circuit of The Americas Contract with Formula 1
by Jeff Hahn
AUSTIN, Texas – November 17, 2011 – Organizers of Circuit of The Americas are responding to reported statements in the media by Bernie Ecclestone as follows:
“We have been excited for and working towards a 2012 USGP race and now understand that Mr. Ecclestone is interested in moving the Austin race to 2013,” stated Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas. “We know the U.S. market is important to the teams and their sponsors and 2013 certainly allows time for the Circuit of The Americas to be ready.”
About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power.
The Circuit of The Americas master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile (5.5-km) circuit track. Other support buildings will include a medical facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference center, and a banquet hall, as well as an expansive outdoor live music space.
Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.
For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.
# # #
OCT 4 2011
Slowdown raises questions about future of F1 at COTA
See prior article below this one?
By John Maher and Shonda Novak
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
A noticeable work slowdown at Austin's Formula One racetrack site and a possible change in the track's promoter or management is raising new questions about the future of the circuit and the ability of developers to meet a tight construction schedule with the inaugural race now 14 months away.
On Monday, promoter Tavo Hellmund called state Comptroller Susan Combs asking whether a change in management or promoters would affect the circuit's eligibility for money from the state Major Events Trust Fund. The state has pledged $250 million over 10 years from the fund.
Combs said the race would still be eligible for the incentives in a letter Tuesday to Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone. Combs' letter revealed that major investors in the track, including Texas billionaire Red McCombs, haven't secured the rights to hold the race. Ecclestone bestowed the rights to Hellmund, but he has not transferred them to his partners in Circuit of the Americas, according to Combs' letter.
On Thursday, Ecclestone, Hellmund, McCombs and Rad Weaver, McCombs' point person on the project, did not respond to calls or emails from the American-Statesman. Another investor, Bobby Epstein, declined to comment.
Ecclestone's London-based company stages Formula One racing events in cities like Montreal; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and next year, Austin.
Combs' letter to Ecclestone refers to a proposed transfer of the contractual rights from Hellmund's company to Circuit of the Americas, a group that includes McCombs, Epstein and others.
The letter states, "Should the proposed assignment be consummated, the State of Texas, through this agency, looks forward to working with the Circuit of the Americas to bring the Formula One United States Grand Prix to Texas in 2012."
Brooke Botello, a spokeswoman for the comptroller, said Combs didn't ask Hellmund why there might be such a change.
What's unclear is how a change, any change, would affect a race estimated by some to have a $300 million annual economic impact on the area. Work has slowed dramatically at the 3.4-mile track in the past few months. Construction of the grandstands, paddock and medical center has yet to start.
Developers have maintained they are still on schedule and that building will begin soon on what has grown to a 1,100-acre site.
On Monday, Weaver, CEO of McCombs Partners, said in an email, "We are as committed as ever to the project and are encouraged by the growing interest."
Hellmund pitched the project to Combs for two years in more than 20 meetings before the race was announced in May of last year. Since then, Hellmund has been the face of the project.
Hellmund is a founding partner of Circuit of the Americas, yet a little more than two weeks ago told the American-Statesman he had begun doing consulting work for groups hoping to attract a Formula One race to Mexico, Argentina and South Africa. At that time he mentioned that he was basically a race promoter and that his work in Austin was almost done. He then quickly added: "The U.S. Grand Prix is the most important thing. … The next thing is to promote the U.S. Grand Prix."
Hellmund is an Austin native and a former race car driver. His father, Gustavo, played a key role in bringing Formula One back to Mexico in the 1980s. As a teenager, Tavo worked for a Formula One team owned by Ecclestone. Hellmund's long-standing relationship with the 80-year-old Ecclestone had been considered key not only in attracting a Grand Prix but in dealing with Ecclestone during the length of the race contract, which runs from 2012 to 2021.
Aug 24 2011
Has work stopped on F1 track, From the Austin American Statesman web site
By Eric Dexheimer Monday, August 22, 201
We here at the American-Statesman have received several anonymous phone calls in recent days from people who asserted that work had ceased at Circuit of the Americas, the new purpose-built Formula One track being constructed southeast of Austin.
One of the callers even said that the project’s general contractor, Austin Commercial, had called a meeting of subcontractors last week and instructed them to go home for a couple of weeks; there was no money to pay them.
Could it really be true that a project being backed by San Antonio billionaire Red McCombs, millionaire (at least) Austin investor Bobby Epstein and state taxpayers, in the form of a $25 million annual public economic development subsidy from the comptroller’s office, is broke?
No, said circuit spokesman Jeff Hahn, who said the estimated $300 million project is still moving ahead as planned.
His explanation for any appearance of non-activity at the 900-acre site: The construction work is phased. Thanks to the dry weather, he added, early work has moved ahead quicker than planned. But because the construction phases also include a timetable for payments to be released, Hahn said, it’s likely that contractors now must wait a few days for the next installment.
“We’re matching the (bank) draw schedule to the construction schedule,” he said.
He also pointed out that work is currently being performed on a new electrical substation on the north end of the property. While much of the power that will flow there will go to light up the new track facility, the station will also provide power to new development nearby, Hahn said.
A provisional F1 race date of June 17, 2012, was announced earlier this year, but there have also been many reports that the date could move to November. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the international governing body of motor sports, will not finalize the date until later this year.
Circuit officials have said they are working toward being ready for a June race.
Aug 11 2011
Ecclestone Statement Confirms United States Grand Prix™ in November
U.S. Race Date Among Numerous Schedule Adjustments
by Jeff Hahn Representing Circuit of The Americas
AUSTIN, Texas – August 10, 2011 – Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone was quoted today in the media confirming earlier reports of a revised 2012 F1 schedule, placing the United States Grand Prix on November 18, 2012. The schedule, which contains numerous adjustments from the calendar issued in June by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, is not considered official until the World Motor Sports Council ratifies it at its meeting later this year.
“I have been hoping for a late season race date since this project began and see this as a very positive sign from Formula One that it wants its U.S. event to be an over-the-top success,” said Tavo Hellmund, Chairman of the United States Grand Prix. “Mr. Ecclestone has dozens of competing issues to consider when it comes to the race calendar. He has to balance the interests of the teams with those of the promoters and even consider the unique situation of each host country. To put our race near the end of the schedule puts us in a prime spot to welcome the world next year – and I could not be more personally and professionally appreciative.”
In a statement released earlier today, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell praised the new race date and Formula One Management for its sensitivity to the area’s environmental quality. The proposed date also allows for an opportunity to optimize the project’s construction staffing and scheduling. “The Mayor’s input regarding Central Texas’ air quality during the summer months was obviously important to Formula One management, and to their credit, they listened and have responded,” said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of The Americas™.
Sexton also commented on the additional benefits a November date offers, “First and foremost, we want our fans to have a great experience when they come here. The prospect of milder weather makes that more likely. It also gives us time to better prepare our staff and the thousands of volunteers who will be supporting Formula One race week festivities.”
Wayne Hollingsworth, a member of the Circuit Events Local Organizing Committee’s Board commented on the race date by saying, “Our application to the Event Trust Fund is complete and has been submitted. We appreciate the support the Comptroller’s staff has provided to us to make that possible. While we have not fully analyzed the implications of a potential change in race dates, we believe that any such change, if implemented by FIA, will not affect the eligibility of the Formula 1 Event for the Major Event Trust Fund, but would merely affect the timing. And if the event date does in fact change, per the statutory requirements, we will update our application based on the new date and look forward to receiving approval later this year.”
About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and be the U.S. home to the Formula 1™ and MotoGP™ Grand Prix World Championships and V8 Supercars Championship.
Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical trauma and care training facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference center, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park. For more information, visit www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.
July 7 2011
Geoff Moore Joins Circuit of The Americas (TM) Team as Chief Marketing and Sales Officer
Recent Dallas Stars Executive Brings Major League Sports Marketing, Sponsorship Expertise
by Russ Rhea
AUSTIN, Texas – July 6, 2011 – Geoff Moore has been named Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Circuit of The Americas, the world-class sports and entertainment facility under construction in Austin, Texas. Moore comes to Circuit of The Americas after 18 years with the Dallas Stars Hockey Club, most recently as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He was selected for the position after an expansive search.
Moore takes on a wide range of responsibilities in his new role, including brand management, advertising and promotions, public relations, sponsorship, suite and ticket sales, social and digital media, and merchandising.
“Geoff is a talented executive with proven experience and success in developing and leading major league sport and entertainment marketing teams,” said Steve Sexton, President of Circuit of The Americas. “He clearly understands our vision for building a unique motor sports and entertainment brand in a terrific market. He is a creative, self-starter and will be a great complement to our existing senior management team. We look forward to Geoff building a team to market our facility as we move toward our historic first year.”
Moore began his career in sports marketing with the Dallas International Sports Commission in 1990. In 1993, he was named Director of Operations for the Dallas Stars - the club’s first official employee. Later, as the Vice President of Business Operations at Southwest Sports Group, the parent company of the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, he served as a member of the design and construction team for the development of American Airlines Center. He turned his full-time attention back to the Stars in 2003 as Executive Vice President of Business Operations and has been Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing since 2004.
“I have had a sensational 18-year experience with the Stars organization and I will always be its biggest fan,” said Moore. “Circuit of The Americas represents the third opportunity for me in my career to help build a new sports enterprise, only this time, on an international level. I look forward to utilizing my experiences and the relationships I have developed to help build Circuit of The Americas into the premier sports and entertainment facility in the country.”
Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Baylor University. His wife Jill and their four children will relocate to Austin over the summer.
July 3 & 4 2011
V8 Supercars Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Austin's Circuit of The Americas(TM) to Host Championship SPEED™ to Broadcast Races
Australia’s Most Popular Motorsports Series Makes Its First U.S. Home in Austin Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – June 30, 2011 – V8 Supercars and Circuit of The Americas, along with Texas Governor Rick Perry and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, announced today a five-year agreement to bring the famous Australian V8 Supercar series to the new Circuit of The Americas beginning in 2013.
“While Texas has established itself as the nation’s place for business, it’s quickly becoming the nation’s place for big sporting events, as well,” said Governor Rick Perry. “V8 Supercars now joins Formula One, MotoGP, NASCAR, the NFL, NBA, NCAA and USTA, among the many that have chosen Texas to host major events in the last few years. This is more good news for the Lone Star State, and will provide a significant boost to the economy of Central Texas.”
“The addition of V8 Supercars into our lineup at Circuit of The Americas will add to what we already know will be a rich and exhilarating fan experience,” said Steve Sexton, President of Circuit of The Americas. “We’re thrilled the racing world is so excited about our facility. Austin is poised to become the premiere North American destination for international motorsports. In addition to hosting the 4 wheel and 2 wheel world championships, the United States will now enjoy the world’s best touring car series here in Austin.”
V8 Supercars is among the fastest growing motorsports in the world. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) recently sanctioned it as an international series. The series is enormously popular in Australia and New Zealand and will be making its first entrance into North America at Circuit of The Americas.
V8 Supercars joins the already existing 10-year agreements Circuit of The Americas has to host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ beginning in 2012 and MotoGP World Championship™ beginning in 2013. This first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States is currently under construction in Austin, Texas.
Additionally, SPEED™ will televise the two 200-km (124-mile) races live and in full throughout North and South America.
“I can’t describe how excited we are to bring the V8 Supercars race to such a spectacular facility. With Formula 1 racing, MotoGP and now V8 Supercars, it’s obvious Circuit of The Americas will be a top-notch destination that houses the best racing on earth, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Tony Cochrane, Chairman of V8 Supercars.
“We have expanded V8 Supercars’ geographical influence over the past few years with plans to stage up to six races each year to complement our existing events in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East,” added Cochrane. “Our entrance into the United States marks a new day for the series and we’re excited for Americans to experience what has made V8 Supercars so popular in many places around the world.”
Formerly the Australian Touring Car Championship, the current series was devised in 1993 and branded as “V8 Supercars” in 1997. The cars are based on modified versions of Australia’s two most popular – and most rivaled – passenger cars, the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore.
V8 Supercars continues as one of Australia’s largest sports both in attendance and television viewership. In 2010, approximately 1.7 million people attended V8 Supercars events, including V8 Supercars’ 20 millionth spectator at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
About the V8 Supercar Championship
The V8 Supercar Championship is one of the worlds’ largest and best-known touring car categories, recognized internationally as a leader in motorsport and entertainment. The Championship consists of 15 events across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East in 2011, as well as racing at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix™.
In 2010, more than 1.8 million people attended a V8 Supercar event. Every race is telecast live on the Seven Network across Australia and the TV3 Network in New Zealand. In addition, more than 130 countries telecast V8 Supercars live, as-live or on delay, dependent on time zone and programming. The massive SPEED™ network in North and South America and ESPN Star throughout Asia are among the sport’s major international broadcasters.
In 2011, V8 Supercars was granted ‘international status’ by the world governing body of motorsport, the FIA, which enables it to race at up to six international destinations outside of Australia and New Zealand each year, elevating the sport to the top tier of all categories worldwide.
The Championship’s world-renowned races include the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Armor All Gold Coast 600 and the season-ending Sydney Telstra 500 on the streets of Olympic Park in Sydney.
Backing for the sport is at an all-time high with annual sponsorship in excess of $150 million across the 18 teams and Championship series. V8 Supercars’ major sponsor is Australia’s largest Internet service provider, Telstra BigPond. Its sponsors also include multinational companies, with FMGC partners becoming increasingly prominent. Etihad Airways recently became the official international airline of V8 Supercars.
All V8 Supercars run on 85 percent CSR Ethanol, a renewable fuel bi-product of the sugar refining process.
More information can be found at http://v8supercars.com.au
About Circuit of The Americas™
Circuit of The Americas™ will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power. It will be the U.S. home to both the Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix World Championships.
The Circuit of The Americas™ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile (5.5-km) circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical trauma and care training facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference center, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space.
Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.
May 23 2011
Tavo Hellmund to Host Formula 1 Post Race Show on Sirius XM
Live broadcasts and post race analysis from the Chairman of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™
It will be available to satellite radio subscribers from coast to coast
by Russ Rhea
AUSTIN, Texas – May 4, 2011 – Motorsports fans will have a chance to hear the racing insight of Tavo Hellmund, Chairman of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, after the Turkish Grand Prix this weekend and following every Formula 1 race for the remainder of the 2011 season on Sirius XM satellite radio. Hellmund is co-hosting a one-hour post race show with veteran motorsports broadcaster Rick Benjamin. The Checkered Flag follows Sirius XM’s broadcast of each Formula 1 race and will feature analysis, guests and an opportunity for listeners to call in and ask questions.
As a principle in the return of Formula 1 to United States in 2012, Tavo Hellmund has a unique perspective on the one of the most popular sports in the world. His record as a winning driver in NASCAR, FIA and SCCA sanctioned events, both domestically and internationally, have enabled him to develop a successful career as a race promoter.
“We’re thrilled to have Tavo join our team on the only U.S. radio broadcast of all Formula 1 races this season,” said show co-host Rick Banjamin. “Tavo is one of the most qualified authorities in the United States on Formula 1 racing. Not only will listeners get to hear his perspective as a former driver, but we’ll also have an opportunity to get updates from him on one of the most exciting projects in U.S. motorsports history.”
Helmond is a founding partner in Circuit of the Americas™, the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States currently under construction near Austin, Texas. The 3.4-mile circuit is the United States’ home to both the Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix Championships.
Formula 1 coverage will air on Sirius Channel 94 and XM Channel, as well as the Sports Nation II app. Sirius XM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels <http://www.siriusxm.com/channellineup> to 20.2 million subscribers.
In addition to live coverage of each race and The Checkered Flag post race show, SIRIUS XM will offer multiple replays, giving listeners several opportunities to hear every event.
Sirius XM coverage of the Turkish Grand Prix begins Sunday, May 8 at 8:00 AM ET, with The Checkered Flag post race show beginning at approximately 10:00 AM ET. For more information and a schedule of upcoming F1 races on SIRIUS XM please visit:
www.sirius.com/f1
