Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Circuit of the Americas opens waitlist for United States Grand Prix tickets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/#commentsFiled under:

Circuit of the Americas grandstand illustration

Just under 300 days separate us from the return of the United States Grand Prix. At least that's the idea, now that construction has resumed on the troubled Circuit of the Americas on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. But an encouraging sign is that race organizers have started gearing up to sell tickets.

While seats haven't exactly been put up for sale just yet, organizers are now populating a wait list for premium seats. Those constitute seats with an advantageous view of the action, covered from the Texas sun, with priority parking and concessions.

No matter how many seats you'll want to buy, you can get your name down on that list with a $100 deposit. If General Admission is more your pace, however, those won't begin selling until the summer.

Circuit of the Americas opens waitlist for United States Grand Prix tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincircuit of the americasf1formula 1formula onetexasunited states gpunited states grand prixus grand prixusgpWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/circuit-of-the-americas-opens-waitlist-for-united-states-grand-p/20155875/article-detail.xml 20155875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cotagrandstand_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cotagrandstand.jpg <![CDATA[Last-minute deal saves 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/last-minute-deal-saves-2012-united-states-grand-prix-in-austin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/last-minute-deal-saves-2012-united-states-grand-prix-in-austin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/last-minute-deal-saves-2012-united-states-grand-prix-in-austin/#commentsFiled under: ,

United States Grand Prix

Everything is bigger in Texas. So it's appropriate that the hubbub surrounding the imminent return of the United States Grand Prix to the Lonestar State should come down to a big last-minute deal.

As you may recall, Formula One was set to come to Austin next year at a new track complex currently being built. However, construction on the Circuit of the Americas came to a halt after F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone expressed his doubts that they'd be able to pull it off. The problem apparently came down to public funding, which was reportedly delayed when the state comptroller told organizers they'd have to wait. With the $25 million bond due to Ecclestone's Formula One Management this week, an undisclosed last-minute deal has reportedly come through to get Bernie his money.

As a result, race organizers have reportedly secured the event's place on next year's calendar as planned, and construction will reportedly resume immediately now that the deal is a go. Somehow, we doubt this will be the last hiccup along the path of bringing Europe's favorite racing series to Texas, but for now it looks like everything is racing ahead.

Last-minute deal saves 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinbernie ecclestonecircuit of the americasecclestonef1formula 1formula onetexasunited states gpunited states grand prixus grand prixusgpWed, 07 Dec 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/last-minute-deal-saves-2012-united-states-grand-prix-in-austin/20122659/article-detail.xml 20122659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/austinf1-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/austinf1-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Construction on Austin's Circuit of the Americas has stopped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/construction-on-austins-circuit-of-the-americas-has-stopped/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/construction-on-austins-circuit-of-the-americas-has-stopped/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/construction-on-austins-circuit-of-the-americas-has-stopped/#commentsFiled under:



If you were among those who thought that Formula One and Texas would go together like pickles and ice cream, well, you may be right. And you may not be terribly disappointed, either, by the latest news surrounding the United States Grand Prix.

The first F1 race to come to the United States in half a decade was scheduled to take place next year in Austin, Texas. However, following doubts expressed by F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone on the project's progress, the latest development has construction on the Circuit of the Americas - the new motorsport complex being built to host the event - grinding to a halt.

A statement released by the track's administration confirms that the construction project has been put on hold indefinitely over a dispute with the company responsible for promoting the race. Apparently, Full Throttle Productions has yet to produce an actual contract with Formula One Management, or with organizers of the MotoGP series, prompting those behind the Circuit of the Americas to send home the 300 workers building it until Full Throttle can demonstrate that it will be used.

Here's hoping the parties can resolve their dispute and get back to business. Otherwise we'll have to wait another year for the Grand Prix of America to arrive in New Jersey. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Construction on Austin's Circuit of the Americas has stopped

Construction on Austin's Circuit of the Americas has stopped originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin texascircuit of the americasf1formula 1formula onefull throttle productionstexasunited states grand prixWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107763/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/construction-on-austins-circuit-of-the-americas-has-stopped/20107763/article-detail.xml 20107763 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/cota-construction_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/cota-construction.jpg <![CDATA[Ecclestone casts doubts on Austin F1 race in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/ecclestone-casts-doubts-on-austin-f1-race-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/ecclestone-casts-doubts-on-austin-f1-race-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/ecclestone-casts-doubts-on-austin-f1-race-in-2012/#commentsFiled under:

Bernie Ecclestone

After a five-year absence, the United States is set to gain two Formula One races within the next two years: one in Austin, Texas, and another in New Jersey. But recent comments vocalized by F1's ever-outspoken commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone have cast doubt on the former.

Speaking at this past weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ecclestone has been quoted as saying that progress on building the Circuit of the Americas that's set to host the United States Grand Prix next year is lagging behind schedule. According to the ESPN report, Ecclestone says the relevant parties behind the project on the ground have "forgotten to talk to each other."

Does that mean the race won't happen? Hardly. Setbacks, of course, happen all the time with construction projects like this one, and similar concerns have been expressed over new venues such as the Indian Grand Prix, the Korean Grand Prix and the aforementioned Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that have been successively added to the calendar over the past three years.

The American race, however, isn't the only one who's future is in doubt. Financial concerns stand to cancel the Turkish Grand Prix next season, and after political unrest caused the removal of the Bahrain Grand Prix from this year's calendar, there's no telling what continuing tumult in the Middle East could mean for the prospect of F1 racing there.

Ecclestone casts doubts on Austin F1 race in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinbernie ecclestonecircuit of the americasecclestonef1formula 1formula onetexasunited states gpunited states grand prixus grand prixusgpTue, 15 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20106871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/ecclestone-casts-doubts-on-austin-f1-race-in-2012/20106871/article-detail.xml 20106871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/ecclestone-thinks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/ecclestone-thinks.jpg <![CDATA[Confederate flag license plate rejected by Texas DMV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/confederate-flag-license-plate-rejected-by-texas-dmv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/confederate-flag-license-plate-rejected-by-texas-dmv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/confederate-flag-license-plate-rejected-by-texas-dmv/#commentsFiled under:

Sons of Confederate Veterans

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has rejected a proposal by the Sons of Confederate Veterans for a license plate bearing the Confederate battle flag, according to The New York Times. Members of the governing board for the Texas DMV unanimously voted against the design after nearly two-hours of testimony from both sides of the issue. The Sons of Confederate Veterans had hoped to used funds from sales of the plates for memorial and history projects, but opponents said that the Confederate battle flag is a symbol of Texas' racist past. Shortly after rejecting the plate, the DMV governing body voted for a plate for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans, meanwhile, say that the group will likely sue to have the plates issued. The group has won similar lawsuits in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.

Confederate flag license plate rejected by Texas DMV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sons of confederate veteranstexastexas dmvFri, 11 Nov 2011 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20103817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/confederate-flag-license-plate-rejected-by-texas-dmv/20103817/article-detail.xml 20103817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/sons-of-confederate-veteran_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/sons-of-confederate-veteran.jpg <![CDATA[Texas senator proposes end to federal auto loans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/texas-senator-proposes-end-to-federal-auto-loans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/texas-senator-proposes-end-to-federal-auto-loans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/texas-senator-proposes-end-to-federal-auto-loans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

nissan leaf plugin

Back in 2007 Congress, created the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing federal loan program to allow the government to loan up to $25 billion to car manufacturers. The federal loans were created to help provide the money necessary to retool factories and build more fuel-efficient vehicles, but now some members of Congress are looking to end the program well short of the $25 billion mark.

The Detroit News reports that Texas Congressman Bill Flores has introduced a bill to end the loan program. The Republican representative from Texas says he is introducing the bill to "save additional billions in unused taxpayer dollars." Flores added that the funds should be provided for "an immediate need," adding that the dollars have been tied up in an "inefficient bureaucratic process that has made little progress in the past three years."

The bill is being supported by many Republicans, but Democrats, led by Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and Representative Gary Peters, are against the bill.

So far, the funds have been difficult to come by, though Ford received $5.9 billion to support 13 projects and protect 33,000 jobs. Nissan received another $1.4 billion, while Fisker and Tesla received over $1 billion in combined loans. But while those loans went through, Chrysler has been waiting for a $3.5 billion loan for over 18 months and General Motors has decided not to request any of the funds.

The loan money has come under increased scrutiny after solar panel manufacturer Solyndra LLC collapsed after receiving $528 million in loans. The White House last week launched a 60-day review of the program, likely delaying more loans until 2012.

Texas senator proposes end to federal auto loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced technology vehicle manufacturingbill florescongressdebbie stabenowfederal loanfloresstabenowtexasMon, 07 Nov 2011 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/texas-senator-proposes-end-to-federal-auto-loans/20099813/article-detail.xml 20099813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/nissan-leaf-plugin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/nissan-leaf-plugin.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet Silverado gets Texas Edition for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/chevrolet-silverado-gets-texas-edition-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/chevrolet-silverado-gets-texas-edition-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/chevrolet-silverado-gets-texas-edition-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Texas Edition Badge

General Motors will be offering up a new version of the Chevrolet Silverado HD next year. The Texas Edition Silverado 2500 and 3500 will offer buyers all of the standard equipment associated with LT trim, plus additional interior and exterior flare.

Outside, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, unique badging and a slathering of chrome over the door handles and side molding help distinguish the truck from the rest of the mall parking lot. It's worth noting that a trailering package and locking rear differential are also a part of the kit, and that 3500 HD buyers will have to cope with 18-inch rollers on single-wheel models and 17-inch wheels on dually trucks.

Inside, both 2500 and 3500 models are packed with dual-zone climate control, a six-way power adjustable driver's seat and a Bluetooth-capable CD player with MP3 input. Power camper mirrors with integrated turn signals are also included. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Chevrolet Silverado gets Texas Edition for 2012

Chevrolet Silverado gets Texas Edition for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet silverado hdchevrolet silverado hd texas editionsilverado hdsilverado texas editiontexastexas editionFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20070139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/chevrolet-silverado-gets-texas-edition-for-2012/20070139/article-detail.xml 20070139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/texas-edition-badge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/texas-edition-badge-628.jpg <![CDATA[Texas dumps nighttime speed limits, raises max to 85 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/04/texas-dumps-nighttime-speed-limits-raises-max-to-85-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/04/texas-dumps-nighttime-speed-limits-raises-max-to-85-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/04/texas-dumps-nighttime-speed-limits-raises-max-to-85-mph/#commentsFiled under: ,

85 mph limit

A new law is going on the books in Texas that will simultaneously eliminate the state's lower nighttime speed limits and raise the potential maximum speed limit to 85 mph. The 85 mph limit will be limited to rural areas, while most places will see a max of 75.

Apparently, increasing to 75 will require that a study be done to make sure it's safe to do so, but we can't imagine it being too exhaustive.

While there is some apprehension that the increased limit will make the highways more dangerous, the change means getting across the Lone Star State might not take three days anymore.

Texas dumps nighttime speed limits, raises max to 85 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawlimitspeedspeed limitstexastexas houseSun, 04 Sep 2011 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034298/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/04/texas-dumps-nighttime-speed-limits-raises-max-to-85-mph/20034298/article-detail.xml 20034298 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/85-speed-limit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/85-speed-limit.jpg <![CDATA[Ready or not, David Coulthard and Red Bull Racing arrive in Austin [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/ready-or-not-david-coulthard-and-red-bull-racing-arrive-in-aust/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/ready-or-not-david-coulthard-and-red-bull-racing-arrive-in-aust/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/ready-or-not-david-coulthard-and-red-bull-racing-arrive-in-aust/#commentsFiled under: ,

David Coulthard in Austin

The Circuit of the Americas isn't quite finished yet, and Austin isn't quite ready for the Formula One circus to roll into town. But apparently someone forgot to tell David Coulthard and the Red Bull Racing team.

David Coulthard in AustinLast week we reported on Red Bull's plans to run a demonstration event in downtown Austin over the weekend, but apparently their plans went a little further than that as their veteran driver took one of their F1 cars for a little spin in and around the Texas capital city.

The event included the foreshadowed run along city streets, but also took DC and the team out for a run through a good ol' Texas cattle ranch, and around the site of the grand prix track that is currently little more than a dirt road.

It's not every day you get to see an F1 car go off-roading, much less on a ranch or in America altogether, so check out the videos after the jump as well as the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Ready or not, David Coulthard and Red Bull Racing arrive in Austin [w/video]

Ready or not, David Coulthard and Red Bull Racing arrive in Austin [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincircuit of the americascoultharddavid coulthardf1formula 1formula onerbrred bullred bull racingtexasTue, 23 Aug 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024613/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/ready-or-not-david-coulthard-and-red-bull-racing-arrive-in-aust/20024613/article-detail.xml 20024613 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webdc-austin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webdc-austin.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull bringing F1 to Austin a bit early [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/red-bull-bringing-f1-to-austin-a-bit-early-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/red-bull-bringing-f1-to-austin-a-bit-early-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/red-bull-bringing-f1-to-austin-a-bit-early-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

David Coulthard RBR roadshow

If you live in downtown Austin, Texas, don't plan on sleeping in next Saturday morning. First of all, you won't want to miss this, and secondly, even if you did, something tells us the wail of an F1 car running past the capitol building will keep you from snoozing anyway.

Though completion of the new Circuit of the Americas is still a good year away, Formula One is coming to Austin this weekend when Red Bull brings one of its famous road show events to the state capital city. The event is reportedly slated to feature veteran driver and team ambassador David Coulthard driving one of the team's demo cars up Congress Avenue between 15th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from 7 a.m. to noon this coming Saturday.

A crew will be filming the event, which spectators will also get a chance to watch from the sidelines, though details on how many passes DC will make and whether he'll be meeting with fans after the demonstration remain undisclosed. For that matter, the team has reportedly yet to secure the necessary permits for the event, but assuming the paperwork comes together, Texas is about to get an earlier taste of F1 than they expected.

For an even earlier glimpse, follow the jump to see what Red Bull had in store when its road show hit Hong Kong.

Continue reading Red Bull bringing F1 to Austin a bit early [w/video]

Red Bull bringing F1 to Austin a bit early [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austindavid coultharddemonstrationf1formula 1formula onered bullred bull racingroad showtexasWed, 17 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20018881/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/17/red-bull-bringing-f1-to-austin-a-bit-early-w-video/20018881/article-detail.xml 20018881 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/dc-rbr-roadshow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/dc-rbr-roadshow.jpg <![CDATA[V8 Supercar Series coming to Austin in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/v8-supercar-series-coming-to-austin-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/v8-supercar-series-coming-to-austin-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/v8-supercar-series-coming-to-austin-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: ,

V8 Supercars series press conference in Austin, TX
Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Queensland, Australia Premier Anna Bligh celebrate V8 Supercars agreement

It's official - Australia's V8 Supercars series is set to bash fenders in Austin, Texas in 2013. The news comes hard on the heels of the Austin city council approving the United States Grand Prix Formula One race at the Circuit of the Americas.

The FIA-sanctioned touring car series has signed a five-year contract and the two 124-mile (200-km) races will be televised live on SPEED. The 3.4-mile Circuit of the Americas will also play host to MotoGP bike racing, having sewn up that series from 2013 to 2022. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading V8 Supercar Series coming to Austin in 2013

V8 Supercar Series coming to Austin in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anna blighaustincircuit of the americasrick perrysupercarstexastouring carv8 supercarsThu, 30 Jun 2011 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/v8-supercar-series-coming-to-austin-in-2013/19980789/article-detail.xml 19980789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/circuit-of-the-americas-v8-supercars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/circuit-of-the-americas-v8-supercars.jpg <![CDATA[United States Grand Prix gets key approval from Austin city council]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/united-states-grand-prix-gets-key-approval-from-austin-city-coun/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/united-states-grand-prix-gets-key-approval-from-austin-city-coun/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/united-states-grand-prix-gets-key-approval-from-austin-city-coun/#commentsFiled under: ,

Racing in Texas

Unlikely though it may have seemed just a couple of years ago, Austin, Texas, has become the site of a battle between Formula One racing and economic development on the one hand, and government spending restrictions and fiscal responsibility on the other.

The showdown is over the United States Grand Prix, set to be held on the new Circuit of the Americas on the outskirts of Austin next year. Holding an F1 race almost invariably involves government support in the form of public funds, and a vocal lobby has vehemently rejected to the notion of government coffers being opened up to support the race. However after weeks of deliberation, the Austin City Council has reportedly voted by a majority of 5-2 to support the event.

The rationale, as is common with other grands prix, is that the public investment - some $25 million per year in this case - will encourage a big boost in tourism. Those coming to Austin for the race - be they spectators or F1 personnel - are expected to spend around $700 per day per person.

Another element offsetting the naysayers revolves around plans to make the track complex currently under construction one of the greenest circuits in the world, with public transportation, bike lanes and some 800 trees planted around the grounds of the circuit.

A potential change of date, however, is being considered for the race. The race is currently scheduled to take place on June 17, one week after the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. But with temperatures in Austin reaching over 100 degree Fahrenheit in June, organizers could lobby to have the race moved later in the year, possibly to be twinned with the Brazilian Grand Prix in November instead.

United States Grand Prix gets key approval from Austin city council originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin city councilcircuit of the americasf1formula 1formula onegrand prixtexasunited states gpunited states grand prixus grand prixusgpThu, 30 Jun 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/united-states-grand-prix-gets-key-approval-from-austin-city-coun/19980176/article-detail.xml 19980176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/texas-racing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/texas-racing.jpg <![CDATA[Texas motorists a little overexcited about first In-N-Out Burger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/15/texas-motorists-a-little-overexcited-about-first-in-n-out-burger/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/15/texas-motorists-a-little-overexcited-about-first-in-n-out-burger/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/15/texas-motorists-a-little-overexcited-about-first-in-n-out-burger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In-N-Out Burger
The first Texas In-N-Out Burger draws a crowd - Click above to watch video after the jump

By all accounts, In-N-Out Burger makes a delicious sandwich. The chain has been a fixture in California for decades, but has only recently begun creeping its way across the country, bringing its much-lauded burgers to those who don't live in SoCal. In-N-Out's nostalgia for 1950s and '60s carhop burger joints and cruise night culture is another big consumer draw.

When In-N-Out opened up its first franchise in Texas last week, the restaurant's renown had people lined up for miles to get their hands on one of the joint's never-frozen patties. The line was so impressive that the cops showed up to deploy cones and direct traffic safely through the parking lot and drive through.

While In-N-Out makes a good burger, it can't possibly be worth voluntarily subjecting yourself to a mile-long traffic jam. Let's not forget that this is just the drive-thru line. We can only imagine the chaos inside the restaurant. Click past the jump to see the madness for yourself.

Continue reading Texas motorists a little overexcited about first In-N-Out Burger

Texas motorists a little overexcited about first In-N-Out Burger originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burgerdrive throughhorrorin-n-outin-n-out burgerlinetexastraffic jamSun, 15 May 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19940846/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/15/texas-motorists-a-little-overexcited-about-first-in-n-out-burger/19940846/article-detail.xml 19940846 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/in-n-out-burger-line_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/in-n-out-burger-line.jpg <![CDATA[Texans irked about lawmakers spending $25M to woo F1 while teachers are dismissed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/texans-irked-about-lawmakers-spending-25m-to-woo-f1-while-teach/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/texans-irked-about-lawmakers-spending-25m-to-woo-f1-while-teach/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/texans-irked-about-lawmakers-spending-25m-to-woo-f1-while-teach/#commentsFiled under:

circuit of the americas

Texas motorsports enthusiasts are no doubt excited about the Circuit of the Americas. Formula One racing, along with MotoGP, will have a new home in Austin, and the United States Grand Prix is sure to attract fans and fan money. Some, however, are not thrilled at the spending decisions being made by Texan lawmakers, as they apparently feel though the money being spent to bring racing to the state could otherwise be used to help teachers keep their jobs.

How much has Texas pledged to bring F1 racing to Austin? According to Bloomberg, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has signed off to shell out $25 million per year through 2022. That's a massive chunk of change, and some are not too thrilled at this idea as at the same time, 100,000 teachers could be losing their jobs.

That $25 million per year figure would not be enough to save 100,000 jobs. However, it could save the jobs of 500 teachers earning $48,000 per year. While CotA is bound to bring serious tourist and racing-fan money to the Austin area, should Texas be spending $25 million when teachers across the state are likely to find themselves out of work soon? Have your say in Comments.

Texans irked about lawmakers spending $25M to woo F1 while teachers are dismissed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin f1circuit of the americascotaf1formula 1formula onemotogpsusan combstexasThu, 12 May 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937892/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/12/texans-irked-about-lawmakers-spending-25m-to-woo-f1-while-teach/19937892/article-detail.xml 19937892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/cota-temp-banner-usf1-site_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/cota-temp-banner-usf1-site.jpg <![CDATA[Texas House approves nation's fastest speed limit at 85 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/#commentsFiled under: , ,

85 mile per hour speed limit sign

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and now it seems everything might be faster too. The House of Representatives in Texas has approved a new transportation bill, and it includes legislation that would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to raise speed limits to 85 miles per hour. The state's Senate is presently considering a similar measure.

The DOT cannot simply go out and slap up a fresh new set of 85-mph speed limit signs. Both engineering and traffic studies must be done before motorists are given a green light to those increased speeds. Don't feel too bad for those speed-restricted Texans, though. 85 mph wouldn't be much of a stretch for Texas, since the state already enjoys 520 miles of highway with an 80-mph speed limit.

[Source: Chron.com | Image: University of Michigan]

Texas House approves nation's fastest speed limit at 85 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>85 mphdepartment of transportationspeed limittexastexas dottexas housetexas house of representativestexas speed limitThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19905987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/19905987/article-detail.xml 19905987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/85-speed-limit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/85-speed-limit.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche buffs go searching for great German beer... deep in the heart of Texas?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/24/porsche-buffs-go-searching-for-great-german-beer-deep-in-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/24/porsche-buffs-go-searching-for-great-german-beer-deep-in-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/24/porsche-buffs-go-searching-for-great-german-beer-deep-in-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Texas beer run roadtrip in Porsches

A good roadtrip needs a few items for success; great people, interesting destinations and, of course, the right vehicles. We can't vouch for the people on a personal level in this tale, but Autoweek took on a Texas roadtrip and seems to have gotten the ingredients just right. How do six tuned Porsches, 800 miles and four breweries sound? As long as the drinking is done when the driving is finished (which of course it was), then you would be correct to say it sounds like heaven on earth.

Autoweek's Jeff Bolton embarked on a quest for good German beer, using good German sports cars to shuttle him around the Great State of Texas. Starting in Dallas, the crew moves about until they end up in Shiner, Texas, where they chat with long-time brewmaster Jimmy Mauric.

If roadtrips were eligible for awards, this Texas Porsche beer run would be an early front-runner for Best of 2011. Head over to Autoweek to read about the trip, and be sure to check out the video as well.

[Source: Autoweek]

Porsche buffs go searching for great German beer... deep in the heart of Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoweekporscheroad triproadtriprufruf porscheshinershiner bocktexastexas breweriesvideoThu, 24 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19854177/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/24/porsche-buffs-go-searching-for-great-german-beer-deep-in-the/19854177/article-detail.xml 19854177 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/aw-beer-run_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/aw-beer-run.jpg <![CDATA[Vanity plate auction puts dent in Texas deficit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/vanity-plate-auction-puts-dent-in-texas-deficit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/vanity-plate-auction-puts-dent-in-texas-deficit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/vanity-plate-auction-puts-dent-in-texas-deficit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Texas Vanity Plates Auction

In 2009, Texas launched a plan to raise funds by way of increasing fees attached to vanity plates. Through the website MyPlates.com, a Lone Star state resident could order the custom plate of his or her choice for a set fee. Hoping to bring in a few more bucks on the backs of license plates, Texas recently held an auction at Cowboys Stadium for some very particular vanity plates.

Thirty-three plates in all were on the block and around $140,000 was ultimately earned for their sale, though only $78,000 will reportedly go to reducing the state's debt. A plate bearing the name MICHAEL was the lowest sale of the evening with a winning bid of just $800. The big winner must be an Enzo fan because he or she paid $15,000 to own FERRARI. Many of the other plates had sports-related words on them like COWBOYS, RANGERS and GO HORNS. Those three sold for $11,500, $10,000 and $10,500, respectively.

The plates are valid for 25 years and each owner is given first right of refusal when it comes time to renew. Families can also hold on to the plates by transferring them to other family members. The custom plates can even be sold to new owners, which could earn a nice profit for the couple in the image above if the Cowboys win the Super Bowl.

[Source: Biz Journals | Image: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez]

Vanity plate auction puts dent in Texas deficit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari platemyplates.comtexastexas ferrari platetexas vanity platesvanity platesThu, 20 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19804944/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/20/vanity-plate-auction-puts-dent-in-texas-deficit/19804944/article-detail.xml 19804944 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/vanity-plates-auction-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/vanity-plates-auction-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Construction gets underway on Austin F1 track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/video-construction-gets-under-way-on-austin-f1-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/video-construction-gets-under-way-on-austin-f1-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/video-construction-gets-under-way-on-austin-f1-track/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Start of construction at Austin's F1 track
Austin's F1 track breaks ground - Click above to watch the video after the jump

How long does it take to lap the future site of the United States Grand Prix? 31 minutes, according to reports. But that's before any pavement has been laid down.

Organizers of the upcoming F1 race in Texas planned on breaking ground on the site - currently little more than a bumpy plot of wilderness - by December 2010, and they've apparently just made the target, as construction equipment was spotted there before the end of the year. Contractors for the $250 million facility have already been assigned for the project that is slated to finish construction by summertime 2012.

The Austin-based American-Statesman met the construction crews on the site and have compiled a report you can view after the jump, along with a written report available at the link below. Thanks for the tips, all!

[Source: American-Statesman]

Continue reading Video: Construction gets underway on Austin F1 track

Video: Construction gets underway on Austin F1 track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinf1formula 1formula onetexasunited states gpunited states grand prixus grand prixusgpvideoMon, 03 Jan 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19784260/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/03/video-construction-gets-under-way-on-austin-f1-track/19784260/article-detail.xml 19784260 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/austin-construction-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/austin-construction-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Top 20 metropolitan cities for alcohol-related driving violations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/#commentsFiled under: ,



Insurance.com just put its pencils to paper for some serious number crunching. The topic is alcohol-related driving violations and the data compiled paints a sobering picture, especially if you live in Texas or California. The land of fruits and nuts (and sobriety checkpoints) manages to claim four of the top 10 spots, with San Diego and San Jose claiming the anti-gold and anti-silver medals. The Texan cities fall further down on the list but overall the big state accounts for five out of the top 20 listed.

We'll give you the top five right now. The rest of the top 20 can be peeped right after the jump.
  1. San Diego, CA
  2. San Jose, CA
  3. Charlotte, NC
  4. Phoenix, AZ
  5. Columbus, OH
Drunk driving is a foolish thing to do, regardless of where you live. It's clearly more foolish, however, if you live in one of the above-listed cities.

[Source: Insurance.com]

Continue reading Top 20 metropolitan cities for alcohol-related driving violations

Top 20 metropolitan cities for alcohol-related driving violations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholalcohol-related violationscaliforniadrunk drivingduidwitexasMon, 04 Oct 2010 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19650805/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/04/top-20-metropolitan-cities-for-alcohol-related-driving-violation/19650805/article-detail.xml 19650805 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/field-sobriety-test-getty-point_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/field-sobriety-test-getty-point.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Austin GP lap rendered and run]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/video-austin-gp-lap-rendered-and-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/video-austin-gp-lap-rendered-and-run/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/video-austin-gp-lap-rendered-and-run/#commentsFiled under: ,

Click above to view the video after the jump

A sample lap has been rendered of the track in Austin, Texas that's set to host the U.S. Grand Prix come 2012. Another Hermann Tilke-designed layout, the 3.4-mile circuit has 20 corners and plenty of elevation change; in fact, in some areas it looks more like a Disney ride than a venue for driving upwards of 200 mph. Since we're going to lose some European races to make room for the USGP, we hope it's good. Check it out for yourself after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Austin GP lap rendered and run

Video: Austin GP lap rendered and run originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin texasAustinTexasf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnehermann tilkeHermannTilketexasusgpWed, 22 Sep 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19643706/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/22/video-austin-gp-lap-rendered-and-run/19643706/article-detail.xml 19643706 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/austinlaprender_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/austinlaprender.jpg -1 2