Austin F1 US Grand Prix Multi-venue master plan revealed

[NickHolt]

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ Venue Showcases Multifunctional Facility

 

Austin, Texas (September 20. 2010) - Tavo Hellmund and Full Throttle Productions LP released today the conceptual master plan for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ venue. The conceptual master plan features the development of the United States’ first purpose-built F1 racetrack complemented by additional visitor attractions including a proposed Driving/Riding Experience and Seminar Building, Motorsports Driving Club, Kart Track and Welcome Center.

 

Full Throttle Productions LP's Tavo Hellmund and Bernie Ecclestone, President & CEO of Formula 1 Management, talk it over. Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ photo.

 

With a complete length of 3.4 miles, the track combines modern features with details reminiscent of traditional races from the 1960’s. The surrounding landscape will allow for a maximum elevation change of 133 feet, a feature that is sure to please drivers as well as fans. In addition, the circuit includes a strategic combination of over 20 turns, including variations of classic corners such as Istanbul Turn 8, Maggots–Becketts–Chapel and Hockenheimring’s Stadium Section.

 

The multifunctional facility is ideally situated on a 900–acre site in southeast Austin along the SH 130 corridor near FM 812. The proposed grandstands, semi–permanent stands and natural seating areas created by integrating natural grass berms and picnic areas for families will enable over 120,000 to attend the venue’s first event: the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ 2012. To address the traffic impact and provide a great guest experience during a specific event, leading domestic and international transportation and traffic-engineering experts, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and Graham Lake-Grange respectively, have been retained.

 

Kimley-Horn brings tremendous experience to the project having developed traffic management plans for Texas Motor Speedway, the new Cowboys Stadium, Lone Star Park and Houston’s Dynamo Park. Graham Lake–Grange, based in the UK, has developed successful traffic management plans for 13 F1 Grand Prix™ events at Silverstone as well as over 100 large-scale public events.

 

The multifunctional facility is being designed with year–round functionality and attractions. Proposed attractions within the development include:

 

* Driving/Riding Experience and Seminar Building: The facility and racetrack will provide the ideal location for manufacturers to test, launch and educate dealers as well as consumers. The facility will feature classroom settings, virtual driving experiences and will provide the opportunity for test-driving on the racetrack, streets and off-road courses.

* Motorsports Driving Club: The membership-only club will serve as a luxury destination featuring an array of hospitality services and amenities. The club will offer its members professional instruction, customized driving courses, premium car story and concierge level services.

* Kart Track: The outdoor karting track will be designed to provide an experience for youth and adults of all ages. The track, open to the public, will specialize in orchestrating custom group events, team building programs, celebratory events, fund–raisers as well as individual experiences.

 

About Formula 1 Racing

 

Formula 1 racing is ranked among the top three most prestigious sporting events in the world along with the Olympics and Soccer’s FIFA World Cup. Formula 1 is considered the most technologically advanced sporting event in the world. It has a massive worldwide following, attracting more than 520 million viewers in 187 countries – making it the most–watched annual sport in the world. This project will place Austin and the State of Texas on the global stage. The economic impact of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ is estimated to be approximately $300 million on an annual basis, according to the Office of the Texas Comptroller.