Thread: Formula 1 heads to Texas

Texas taxpayers will be footing the bill for the first $25 million in financing to the London based Formula one group to host the first of 10 races beginning in 2012. The track in Austin an estimated $250 million is not being paid for by Texan taxpayers. Texas is still a long way from here but I'd love to go see an F1 race.

Texas taxpayers to pay $25 million for Formula 1 - USATODAY.com

I am sure that initial investment will pay off. Think of all the money generated by the hotels, restaurants, and shops there. I think that is a really smart move for them.

I'll believe when I see it, I don't trust Ecclestone as far as I could throw him (and I'd gladly throw him somewhere, preferably a pit filled with good ol' Texas rattlers). The smell of the USF1 debacle is still lingering and this deal does not smell any better.
First he was talking about a race through the streets of Manhattan, I'm glad that never got too far. Then, just a few weeks ago, it was Monticello, New York, that came suddenly out of the blue and finally on its heels the Austin deal. I saw Hellmund's interview on Wind Tunnel Sunday evening, it did nothing to change my opinion.
I guess the likelihood of Bernie showing his face any time soon in Hoosier State is somewhere between zero and none, unless he would enjoy a good tar and feathering party.

Well I think it will be great for them if it actually happens it would certainly bring more tourist traffic to the area and be a boost for the economy.

I was a little surprised to see this when it was announced a while back. I don't know that F1 is truly that popular in the States, but maybe this will add to the fandom. From what I've heard, F1 needs the USA.

I think the "hoosier" state is Indiana....so you're talking about the Indianapolis debacle...and it was...how much of that could you blame on Ecclestone??? Without researching it I'd blame the tire company that pulled out.
The ideal place to throw an F1 race would be a real party town, Austin, Texas had that reputation a few years ago (I've never been there, I hate rednecks) and have a street race, say Miami, FL or Las Vegas, NV. Vegas...hmmm...think about it, no matter what happens, you know what they say, "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas..."...they would easily be able to accommadate the masses of people with their thousand and thousands of hotel rooms, the sales tax is high, but people could have their purchases mailed to lower tax areas, I do.
@ Rainbow Warrior...you are right, F1 is not popular in the US, it would be a struggle, that would probably be lost.

How much of the Indy debacle was the fault of Ecclestone directly????

I don't know that the fault lies with Ecclestone but he could have done more to take care of the fans. After all, Goodyear could care less if people attend F1 races so why would they provide restitution to the fans.

You're right, Stewartfan. If I own a business and a vendor doesn't come through to for me, it's my responsibility to see that my customers are taken care of. The only one hurting if my custormer ditches is me.