Organisers for the new US Grand Prix venue in Austin, Texas have revealed details of where the new purpose-built track will be located and the identity of the project’s main financial backer.
Since Bernie Ecclestone made the shock announcement in May that he had struck a 10-year deal for a revived US round to take place on a brand new circuit in the Texan state capital from 2012 few concrete details had emerged about the venue, apart from the fact the track would be designed by F1’s resident architect Hermann Tilke.
However, in a press conference in Austin on Tuesday the promoters of the race, Full Throttle Productions, announced further key details about the project.
Firstly, it revealed that the track would be located in the south-eastern part of the city, near Austin International airport, on a 900-acre site, most of which was part of an area known as ‘Wandering Creek’ which had previously been earmarked for residential development.
Organisers say the track layout – which previous reports have suggested will be built on a hilly terrain – will be released later this summer, along with a master plan of the venue.
“The track and facility will be located in southeast Austin along the SH 130 corridor near FM 812 [roadway]; the majority of the site involved is formerly known as Wandering Creek,” the promoters said in a statement on the new official website for the event, which launched on Tuesday.
“Its location in Austin is one that is nearly impossible to replicate – hotels, downtown Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are all located within a seven-mile radius.
“The site also offers convenient access to major highways and other transportation
arteries.”
Promoters also announced wealthy Texan businessman Red McCombs as the project’s main backer.
McCombs is a well-known name in both automotive and sports circles in America having previously owned the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets NBA basketball teams, as well as American football’s Minnesota Vikings, while he is also the owner of a car dealership giant in Texas.
The businessman, who was named one of Forbes magazine's top 400 richest Americans in 2005, said: “Bringing Formula 1 back to the United States represents the opportunity of a lifetime and one that any city in the world would want.
“The size and scope of an F1 event is comparable to hosting a Super Bowl and will bring substantial economic benefit to Austin, San Antonio and the entire State of Texas.
“We know Tavo [Hellmund, the managing partner of Full Throttle] has a clear vision for developing Formula 1 into a major event with year-round opportunities.
“Over the past few years, he has built a solid business foundation and has assembled a great team – one we are proud to be part of. We are ready to roll-up our sleeves and work alongside Tavo to make this project a huge success.”
Formula 1 has been without a US round since 2008 after Ecclestone failed to agree terms on a new deal with the grand prix’s previous home of Indianapolis.
The new Austin track will become the eighth different American venue to host an F1 grand prix, but the first to be purpose-built to the sport’s requirements.