Sunday
Partly cloudy. Scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of thunderstorms 40 percent. (Weather Underground)
Looks like the storms may stay away until after the race though. Fingers crossed.
Also, welcome to the readership Nodler.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Indy 500 - SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!!!
Although keeping track of the festivities and ongoing is much harder from the North Star state than it was from the Crossroads of America, the Indy 500 is just a few days away. Did I mention I once met Ludacris in the VIP at the Indy 500? But I digress (as I so often do).
Helio is on pole along with most of the usual suspects, but keep an eye on Tags (starting 5th)and the impressive new FAZZT team and Graham Rahal starting 7th for his Dad's team that didn't even have a car ready until about 2 weeks ago. Both are great stories and hopefully one of them will keep the Capatin's drivers and the Target Chippy guys from drinking the milk come Sunday. If you are one of the 6 people that reads this blog then you probably already know that there will be kegs, cornhole, bbq and racing in HD at my place on Sunday. If you show up you better know the words to "Back Home Again in Indiana" or I will sick Jim Nabors on you (video below should help).
To see how far this great race has fallen, read this series of articles from ESPN writer Ed Hinton and curse Tony George's name with me.
Bring Plenty of Caffeine to Austin
Because assuming there ever is a USGP it will be a snooze-fest. Wort Fears Realized: Hermann Tilke will be designing the new track (from Racer Magazine).
"The new Formula 1 track in Austin, Texas, which is scheduled to host the U.S. Grand Prix starting in 2012, is to be designed by Hermann Tilke, race organizers have announced.
Shortly after revealing its 10-year deal to hold the U.S. event, Austin race promoters Full Throttle Productions have now earmarked a site for the circuit and confirmed that Tilke will be involved. The exact location of the venue has not been disclosed, but Tavo Hellmund, managing partner of Full Throttle Productions, told the Associated Press that the site was "more than 700 acres."
Hellmund also ended speculation about who would design the track by confirming that Tilke, the man behind all the most recent F1 track designs at Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Shanghai, and Sepang, will be involved.
Race promoters said the track would be "one of the finest permanent road course facilities in the world. Fans should expect the craftsmanship Tilke is famous for, with a priority placed on green building and a track similar to the great grand prix tracks of previous generations.""
If you have seen a race at any of the tracks listed in the above article then you know that they are boring, boring, lifeless, cold designs that are all mostly the same. Am I being too much of a Debbie Downer about this whole Austin GP thing?
"The new Formula 1 track in Austin, Texas, which is scheduled to host the U.S. Grand Prix starting in 2012, is to be designed by Hermann Tilke, race organizers have announced.
Shortly after revealing its 10-year deal to hold the U.S. event, Austin race promoters Full Throttle Productions have now earmarked a site for the circuit and confirmed that Tilke will be involved. The exact location of the venue has not been disclosed, but Tavo Hellmund, managing partner of Full Throttle Productions, told the Associated Press that the site was "more than 700 acres."
Hellmund also ended speculation about who would design the track by confirming that Tilke, the man behind all the most recent F1 track designs at Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Shanghai, and Sepang, will be involved.
Race promoters said the track would be "one of the finest permanent road course facilities in the world. Fans should expect the craftsmanship Tilke is famous for, with a priority placed on green building and a track similar to the great grand prix tracks of previous generations.""
If you have seen a race at any of the tracks listed in the above article then you know that they are boring, boring, lifeless, cold designs that are all mostly the same. Am I being too much of a Debbie Downer about this whole Austin GP thing?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Epic E36 Video and Sadness
This video was posted on bimmerforums and it is AWESOME!! E36 FTMFW!
Sadly, my E36 is out of commission after it's first weekend of the year at Brainerd. The radiator decided to stop flowing which caused the engine to quickly overheat. Although it only ran in the red briefly it appears that it was enough to toast the head gasket. Thankfully Hardflip saved BIR weekend #2 with NASA by bravely allowing me to drive his car - 99 M Coupe (pics to follow). What a great friend. Thankfully there was only one off during weekend number #2 and I'm not talking about that or even who was behind the wheel when it happened (one hint: think Massa at Silverstone in the wet).
Although my car is out of commission for a little while, the ChumpCar effort is in high gear and the first race is only weeks away. Pics of the completed car and details of Race #1 of our inaugural campaign will hopefully be coming to you in the near future.
Sadly, my E36 is out of commission after it's first weekend of the year at Brainerd. The radiator decided to stop flowing which caused the engine to quickly overheat. Although it only ran in the red briefly it appears that it was enough to toast the head gasket. Thankfully Hardflip saved BIR weekend #2 with NASA by bravely allowing me to drive his car - 99 M Coupe (pics to follow). What a great friend. Thankfully there was only one off during weekend number #2 and I'm not talking about that or even who was behind the wheel when it happened (one hint: think Massa at Silverstone in the wet).
Although my car is out of commission for a little while, the ChumpCar effort is in high gear and the first race is only weeks away. Pics of the completed car and details of Race #1 of our inaugural campaign will hopefully be coming to you in the near future.
USGP 2015 is more like it
No site
No track design
No indication of funding for the $500MM facility (Texas Speedway cost $250MM in 1996!!)
24 months til raceday
City of Austin and Chamber of Commerce have no idea an F1 race is coming
These are the facts and why I am one of the many skeptics that Austin will host the USGP in 2012. I'm not alone either...
http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-austin-promoter-still-looking-for-site/
http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-us-gp-news-draws-mixed-reaction/
If you want to see an F1 race in North America in 2012, I would recommend you consider booking for Montreal. Although they might not have a race either - like last year. Too bad as Austin sounds like a helluva good time and the pic above makes it look nice too.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
US GP at Austion Officially Official...
If Bernie says it is, then I guess it is:
Austin, Texas, from the east. The Austin skyline by night, Texas. Austin hill country, Texas. The Austin skyline by day, Texas.
Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021.
“We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event,” stated Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP.
Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group stated: “For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event. It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.”
Mr. Hellmund added: “This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude. Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”
“We are pleased Texas has the opportunity to be involved with Formula 1 and that an event of this magnitude is coming to Austin,” said Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “It has been a pleasure working with Full Throttle Productions, LP and Mr. Hellmund on this project. Their tradition of producing successful major events coupled with a thirty year relationship with Mr. Ecclestone has us looking forward to this worldwide event and the benefits it will bring, including local job creation, increased tourism and a significant economic impact added to our state economy. The visibility and prestige of this event will spotlight our state on an international stage.”
Texas Governor Rick Perry conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, explaining “Texas’ relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State.”
City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell continued the positive sentiments, adding "The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City."
Full Throttle Productions, LP acknowledges with great appreciation the efforts of all parties involved including Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, and the local and state officials of Texas.
“It has been a shared vision and monumental task to reach this agreement. We realize that over the last 30 years there have been one or two missing pieces from the previous editions of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. We have a tremendous opportunity at hand to do it right - to feature Austin as the backdrop and produce the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ as one of the great sporting events in the world,” stated Hellmund.
In addition to the State of Texas being the 11th strongest economy in the world, it has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state. Key features of Austin include:
- State capital nicknamed ‘Silicon Hills’ for being one of the most important regions in the US for the Technology Industry;
- USA’s 15th largest city and is located 145 miles from Houston (4th largest US city), 70 miles from San Antonio (7th largest US city), and 180 miles from Dallas (8th largest US city), population in this triangle is over 22 million;
- perfectly located geographically for North, South and Central American visitors;
- over 130 daily departing international flights within 180 miles;
- over 250,000 hotel rooms within 180 miles;
- desirable year-round climate, with an average annual temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius);
- geographically located in the Texas Hill Country, easily the most beautiful city in the State, and considered one of the most in the US;
- hotels/downtown/Formula 1 circuit/airport located within close proximity of each other, which is nearly impossible for any other large city in the US;
- world class night life entertainment along renowned ‘Sixth Street’; and
- large film industry presence - many movies filmed in the area.
Austin’s National Recognition
- Known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”
- Voted “Greenest City in America” (MSN)
- Voted “Least Stressful Large Metro” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Two “Best Cities” in the United States (Money Magazine)
- Voted Top Three “Hippest Cities” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Five “Safest Cities” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Ten “Sports & Fitness Cities” in the USA (Sports Business Journal)
Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, special event and sports production company that provides event conception, event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.
More information on the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ will be forthcoming shortly. In the meantime, all queries should be directed to info@fullthrottleproductionslp.com.
Austin, Texas, from the east. The Austin skyline by night, Texas. Austin hill country, Texas. The Austin skyline by day, Texas.
Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021.
“We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event,” stated Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP.
Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group stated: “For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event. It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US.”
Mr. Hellmund added: “This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the ‘it’ cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude. Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city.”
“We are pleased Texas has the opportunity to be involved with Formula 1 and that an event of this magnitude is coming to Austin,” said Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. “It has been a pleasure working with Full Throttle Productions, LP and Mr. Hellmund on this project. Their tradition of producing successful major events coupled with a thirty year relationship with Mr. Ecclestone has us looking forward to this worldwide event and the benefits it will bring, including local job creation, increased tourism and a significant economic impact added to our state economy. The visibility and prestige of this event will spotlight our state on an international stage.”
Texas Governor Rick Perry conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, explaining “Texas’ relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State.”
City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell continued the positive sentiments, adding "The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City."
Full Throttle Productions, LP acknowledges with great appreciation the efforts of all parties involved including Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, and the local and state officials of Texas.
“It has been a shared vision and monumental task to reach this agreement. We realize that over the last 30 years there have been one or two missing pieces from the previous editions of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. We have a tremendous opportunity at hand to do it right - to feature Austin as the backdrop and produce the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ as one of the great sporting events in the world,” stated Hellmund.
In addition to the State of Texas being the 11th strongest economy in the world, it has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state. Key features of Austin include:
- State capital nicknamed ‘Silicon Hills’ for being one of the most important regions in the US for the Technology Industry;
- USA’s 15th largest city and is located 145 miles from Houston (4th largest US city), 70 miles from San Antonio (7th largest US city), and 180 miles from Dallas (8th largest US city), population in this triangle is over 22 million;
- perfectly located geographically for North, South and Central American visitors;
- over 130 daily departing international flights within 180 miles;
- over 250,000 hotel rooms within 180 miles;
- desirable year-round climate, with an average annual temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius);
- geographically located in the Texas Hill Country, easily the most beautiful city in the State, and considered one of the most in the US;
- hotels/downtown/Formula 1 circuit/airport located within close proximity of each other, which is nearly impossible for any other large city in the US;
- world class night life entertainment along renowned ‘Sixth Street’; and
- large film industry presence - many movies filmed in the area.
Austin’s National Recognition
- Known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”
- Voted “Greenest City in America” (MSN)
- Voted “Least Stressful Large Metro” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Two “Best Cities” in the United States (Money Magazine)
- Voted Top Three “Hippest Cities” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Five “Safest Cities” in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Ten “Sports & Fitness Cities” in the USA (Sports Business Journal)
Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, special event and sports production company that provides event conception, event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.
More information on the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ will be forthcoming shortly. In the meantime, all queries should be directed to info@fullthrottleproductionslp.com.
We're Goin to Texas Y'all! YEE HAW!!!
Yep, the F1 Circus is coming back to the New World. And its gonna be in Texas...
The United States Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2012 after a deal was struck for a race to be held in Austin, Texas.
Following weeks of speculation about the potential return of a race in America, F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone announced on Tuesday that the event will take place from 2012 to 2021 on a new purpose-built facility in Austin.
Ecclestone said: "For the first time in the history of Formula 1 in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event.
"It was 30 years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, F1 has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval.
"Lewis Hamilton won the last F1 United States Grand Prix in 2007, signaling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for F1 in the U.S."
The deal with Ecclestone has been put together by promoters Full Throttle Productions, and its managing partner Tavo Hellmund.
Speaking about the deal, which comes after speculation of events in New Jersey and New York State, Hellmund said: "This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the 'it' cities in the United States.
"We are extremely honored and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 commercial rights holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the state of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event."
No details have yet emerged about the track layout, or whereabouts in Austin the venue will be built.
This article originally appeared in Autosport.com
The United States Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2012 after a deal was struck for a race to be held in Austin, Texas.
Following weeks of speculation about the potential return of a race in America, F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone announced on Tuesday that the event will take place from 2012 to 2021 on a new purpose-built facility in Austin.
Ecclestone said: "For the first time in the history of Formula 1 in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event.
"It was 30 years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, F1 has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval.
"Lewis Hamilton won the last F1 United States Grand Prix in 2007, signaling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for F1 in the U.S."
The deal with Ecclestone has been put together by promoters Full Throttle Productions, and its managing partner Tavo Hellmund.
Speaking about the deal, which comes after speculation of events in New Jersey and New York State, Hellmund said: "This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the 'it' cities in the United States.
"We are extremely honored and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 commercial rights holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the state of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event."
No details have yet emerged about the track layout, or whereabouts in Austin the venue will be built.
This article originally appeared in Autosport.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Wow, time flys....
So, I have been extremely neglectful in my blogging duties as of late. But work, travel, weddings, work, cars, driving, etc. have put some strains on my time.
The ChumpCar is now fully operational and had its first shake-down at BIR (Donnybrooke configuration) last weekend with North Star BMWCCA. It had no problems and might not be super fast, but is entertaining. Sadly, the same cannot be said about the M3. Overheating has me fearing the worst and a couple of late nights are on tap before I hit the track again next week on the BIR competition course.
At least one other BMW had a great weekend though. The E92 M3 GT2 took an impressive win after the Audis and Porsches broke. The 911 GT3 Hybrid looked like it might take the win until late in the race. Some highlights for you below.
Anyway, its back to work and then back to the track next weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that the M3 is all set and has not problems this weekend or it will be another long tow home from Brainerd...
The ChumpCar is now fully operational and had its first shake-down at BIR (Donnybrooke configuration) last weekend with North Star BMWCCA. It had no problems and might not be super fast, but is entertaining. Sadly, the same cannot be said about the M3. Overheating has me fearing the worst and a couple of late nights are on tap before I hit the track again next week on the BIR competition course.
At least one other BMW had a great weekend though. The E92 M3 GT2 took an impressive win after the Audis and Porsches broke. The 911 GT3 Hybrid looked like it might take the win until late in the race. Some highlights for you below.
Anyway, its back to work and then back to the track next weekend. Keep your fingers crossed that the M3 is all set and has not problems this weekend or it will be another long tow home from Brainerd...
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