Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Final Recap: Days 2 and 3 notes, quotes, and takeaways from the US Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Texas grass no longer rustles with 2.4-liter V8 exhaust blown at 18,000 revs, the Texas dust is no longer raised by hard-compound Pirellis. We saw a lot and learned a lot while we were there as guests of Infiniti, and after our Day 1 and race recaps, here are the bits left over from our time spent with the carmaker and Red Bull Racing, including thoughts on a "wicked" race, Christian Horner's quest for a more level playing field, Infiniti "going longer and deeper," and why Mario Andretti should get a police escort at the beginning of a race but not a microphone at the end...

Continue reading Final Recap: Days 2 and 3 notes, quotes, and takeaways from the US Grand Prix

Final Recap: Days 2 and 3 notes, quotes, and takeaways from the US Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas siglaustinchristian hornerf1formula 1infinitilewis hamiltonmark webberred bulltexasus grand prixusgpTue, 20 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/20383894/article-detail.xml 20383894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/recap3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/recap3.jpg <![CDATA[2012 US Grand Prix, remember the <s>Alamo</s> Circuit of the Americas [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/#commentsFiled under:

F1 US Grand Prix graphic

There were 56 laps run in Austin's Travis County prairie to complete the inaugural United States Grand Prix at the newly minted Circuit of the Americas. Coming into the race, there were nothing but questions and calculations: Would the track be any good for Formula One? Could Red Bull Racing get the five points it needed to take the F1 Constructor's Championship? Would Turn One be the Golgotha everyone predicted? Would the race be the triumphal return to America that everyone was afraid to predict? Could Sauber get enough points to overhaul a struggling Mercedes-AMG Petronas team for fifth in the Constructor's Championship? Could Marussia manage a twelfth-placed finish to overhaul Caterham? Could official track ambassador Mario Andretti conduct a post-race interview?

And most importantly, could Sebastian Vettel put an end to the issue of the Driver's Championship? He would put up a Texas-sized fight...

Continue reading 2012 US Grand Prix, remember the Alamo Circuit of the Americas [spoilers]

2012 US Grand Prix, remember the Alamo Circuit of the Americas [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 us grand prixaustincircuit of the americascotaf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onelewis hamiltonred bullsebastian vetteltexasus grand prixusgpMon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/20383111/article-detail.xml 20383111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/usgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/usgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Grand Prix of the Americas, Day 1 Recap: a city arose in the fields, and it was good]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Circuit of the Americas is the miracle in the fields, the track that no one thought would be finished in time to hold its appointed race. But the Texans got past the turmoil, and even though the heavy machinery was still working on dirt roads as July, come November 18 there was a beautiful, and completed, Formula 1 facility for Travis County to call its own. It was dusty, sure. But it was done, and F1 could come to town.

Infiniti, sponsors of Red Bull Racing, invited Autoblog to watch the first grand prix in America since 2007, and the first GP on a dedicated F1 course since the Phoenix street circuit in 1991. Here's a little recap of what we saw and fount out on day one.

Continue reading Grand Prix of the Americas, Day 1 Recap: a city arose in the fields, and it was good

Grand Prix of the Americas, Day 1 Recap: a city arose in the fields, and it was good originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinf1formula 1grand prixgrand prix of americagrand prix of the americasinfinitimark webberred bullred bull racingsebastian vetteltexasus grand prixSat, 17 Nov 2012 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382618/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/20382618/article-detail.xml 20382618 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gpoa1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gpoa1.jpg <![CDATA[Party sponsored by Lamborghini tried to airlift yacht into Austin lake for F1 race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This was the kind of understatement we didn't expect to encounter in the Lone Star State: on our way into Austin to attend the Grand Prix of the Americas, the man sitting next to us on the plane - an Austinite born and raised - said, "There's gonna be a lot of wealthy people here." You know, as if Texas didn't have its fair share already.

Wealthy people need wealthy things to do and not-as-wealthy people to arrange such things for them. Case in point is My Yacht Club, which follows the Formula 1 parade and other rah-rah events around the globe, hosting guests and parties on yachts. In Austin the event group has had to change its schtick; there's no way to navigate one 150-foot motor yacht into Austin's Lady Bird Lake. MYC principal Nicholas Frankl told KUT News, "We spoke to the Army Air Corps. They couldn't lift it." We believe he meant the Army Corps of Engineers, but no matter, they couldn't lift it either.

So MYC has switched to a land-lubbers venue, The Long Center where Ballet Austin, the opera and the symphony perform. In case you readers are worried about how guests will manage without chiseled Italian deckhands in epaulets, not only has Frankl promised that "the elements of decadence and luxury and coolness and exclusivity are all there," guests will get to guzzle 24-karat gold-infused champagne. Because the stars at night just aren't as big and bright without it, obviously.

Party sponsored by Lamborghini tried to airlift yacht into Austin lake for F1 race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinf1formula 1grand prixlamborghinimy yacht clubnicholas frankltexasFri, 16 Nov 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/20381391/article-detail.xml 20381391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/img2187-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/img2187-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Texas' 85-MPH toll road opens weeks ahead of schedule]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/#commentsFiled under:

Texas 85 mph toll road

While it takes some municipalities months just to fix a pot hole, apparently all you need is a little revenue stream to get road construction done at a rabbit's pace. After years of work, the final portion of the Texas State Highway 130 toll road has been opened today weeks ahead of schedule. The newest segments have gotten this toll road national attention over the last several months for having a posted speed limit of 85 miles per hour along its 41-mile length from just south of Austin to I-10 near Seguin, Texas.

The road was constructed with no cost to the taxpayers by the SH 130 Concession Company, but almost as an added gift to local residents for finishing early, the tolls for the new portion of Texas SH 130 are being waived until November 11. After that, passenger cars and trucks will be charged $0.15 per mile, which adds up to a little over six dollars to drive the length of the new 41-mile, 85-mph stretch. The entire SH 130 toll road now spans 91 miles and acts as a bypass of Austin. Even better, the toll road uses a cashless system that can read either the TxTag decal or the car's license plate, which eliminates pesky toll booths and makes speedy transit even more convenient for motorists.

Texas' 85-MPH toll road opens weeks ahead of schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>85 mile per hour speed limit85 mphaustinroad constructiontexastexas 85 mph speed limittexas state highway 130toll roadThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/20359751/article-detail.xml 20359751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texas-toll-road_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texas-toll-road.jpg <![CDATA[Circuit of the Americas officially opens, Mario Andretti takes inaugural lap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/circuit-of-the-americas-officially-opens-mario-andretti-takes-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/circuit-of-the-americas-officially-opens-mario-andretti-takes-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/circuit-of-the-americas-officially-opens-mario-andretti-takes-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vintage John Player Special racer at Circuit Of the Americas opening

Mario Andretti and Patrick Dempsey were among many other racers on hand over the weekend for the grand opening of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. With the Formula One US Grand Prix set for November 18, the track surface is ready for action, but there is still plenty of work to be done before the track's opening race.

Andretti cut a ceremonial ribbon and then completed the track's first lap in the same Lotus 79 racecar in which he won six races and a World Championship in 1978. The legendary driver commented on how unique the elevated Turn One will be, calling it the track's "marquee corner." After Andretti hit the track, other vehicles also put laps on the newly finished course including a unique three-seater F1 car.

Formula One will kick off the racing at the new track, but COTA will also host races for MotoGP, American Le Mans Series, Australian V8 Supercars and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Cars Series. Check out the video of the news report below along with some additional videos showing cars in action around the brand-new track.

Continue reading Circuit of the Americas officially opens, Mario Andretti takes inaugural lap

Circuit of the Americas officially opens, Mario Andretti takes inaugural lap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin texascircuit of the americascotalotus 79mario andrettivideoTue, 23 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356526/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/circuit-of-the-americas-officially-opens-mario-andretti-takes-i/20356526/article-detail.xml 20356526 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/andretti-cota_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/andretti-cota.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Translogic visits Austin

Too often, discussions about how best for people to get around crowded urban environments turn into an argument, with cars pitted against bicycles, highways versus public transit and improving commute times challenging pedestrian safety. But not in Austin.

In this latest episode of Translogic, our sister publication looks at how the Texas capital has embraced multimodal transportation, choosing "all of the above" rather than picking any one idea on which to hang its transportation strategy. With as rapidly as the city and surrounding region has been growing - now boasting some 1.2 million residents - the need for forward-thinking transportation planning is acute.

From wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks to bike lanes, car sharing to public charging stations and light rail, Austin seemingly has it all. The city isn't sitting still, either, promoting such ideas as bike lockers in office buildings with shower facilities to encourage two-wheel commuting, and getting ready to launch a bike sharing program next year. Federal money to develop a high-speed bus system will further enhance Austin's transportation alternatives.

Scroll down to watch the full Translogic episode and see what they're doing to Keep Austin Weird... and green.

Continue reading Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure

Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosaustinbicyclebike lanescar sharingmultimodalmultimodal transportationpublic charging stationstexastranslogicSat, 04 Aug 2012 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20290191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/20290191/article-detail.xml 20290191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/xl-austin-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/xl-austin-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

London taxi hotel

We don't know what kind of person would want to be traveling in London right now. With the Olympics in town, the city has become besieged with tourists, athletes and officials. The price of hotel rooms have skyrocketed, and the presence of Olympic-only bus lanes have locked up everyone else, who must share the road. The length of a cab ride has jumped tremendously.

It must be a maddening experience, but one London taxi driver has found a solution that benefits both he and at least one tourist per night. David Weekes has turned his taxi into a hotel room, and for $75 a night one guest can stay in the back seat of his London Taxi TX4. It comes equipped with mattress, bedding, alarm clock, and a Paddington Bear.

Due to the difficulties of being a taxi driver during the Olympics, many have contemplated leaving town until the games are over. Weekes, on the other hand, offers tourists relief from the high hotel rates.

The taxi remains in his driveway overnight, and if you need to use the restroom, simply knock on his door. It's all part of the unique living experience. So is getting driven to your hotel room, in your hotel room. Scroll down to watch a video from CNN.

Continue reading Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel

Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinhackney carriagehotellondonolympicstaxitx4Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20288839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/20288839/article-detail.xml 20288839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab.jpg <![CDATA[Take a virtual lap of Austin's Circuit of the Americas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/16/take-a-virtual-lap-of-austins-circuit-of-the-americas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/16/take-a-virtual-lap-of-austins-circuit-of-the-americas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/16/take-a-virtual-lap-of-austins-circuit-of-the-americas/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Hermann Tilke designed the Austin F1 circuit, and no one is quite sure if he's recreated the magic of Turkey or the borefest of Valencia. With 133 feet of elevation change, though, the 3.4 mile Circuit of the Americas and its 20 turns should be closer to the former. The track will feature in Codemasters' "F1 2012" video game, and Motorworld Hype was given a virtual tour by Codemasters designer Paul Jeal at E3.

Aside from the overexposure, the track and the game both look worthy of further investigation. Scroll down to check it out, as well as a longer video of chief designer Stephen Hood doing three laps in Lewis Hamilton's McLaren Mercedes.

Continue reading Take a virtual lap of Austin's Circuit of the Americas

Take a virtual lap of Austin's Circuit of the Americas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincircuit of the americasdriving gamedriving simulatore3f1f1 2012f1 racingf1 simulatorformula 1formula onegamingplaystation 3sony playstationvideovideo gamevideosxboxxbox 350youtubeSat, 16 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255482/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/16/take-a-virtual-lap-of-austins-circuit-of-the-americas/20255482/article-detail.xml 20255482 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/f1austinlap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/f1austinlap.jpg <![CDATA[Austin's new F1 track will debut in video game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

F1 2012 Circuit of the Americas - Codemasters' F1 2012 game screencap

Workers outside of Austin are still hammering away on the new Circuit of the Americas Formula One track, but race fans and gamers will get a shot at driving the course before the first tire hits the tarmac. Codemasters' "F1 2012" will feature the track in all of its pixelized glory. The game will officially hit the market this September, but players will get a chance to grab the controller for the first time at E3 early next week. Codemasters has been kind enough to slip the world a few screen shots of 2012-specification F1 cars prancing around on the new course.

Players will be able to command every official team from 2012 on all of the official courses. Look for the game on multiple platforms, including Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft xBox 360, PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS. Head over to the game's site for more information.

Austin's new F1 track will debut in video game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincircuit of the americasdriving gamedriving simulatore3f1f1 2012f1 racingf1 simulatorformula 1formula onegamingplaystation 3sony playstationvideo gamexboxxbox 350Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20249358/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/20249358/article-detail.xml 20249358 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-f1-2012-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-f1-2012-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why did this Mini sell for over $65,000?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/why-did-this-mini-sell-for-over-65-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/why-did-this-mini-sell-for-over-65-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/why-did-this-mini-sell-for-over-65-000/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1959 Austin Seven sells for $65k at Bonhams auction

There's good reason this Mini more than doubled it's pre-sale estimate, and it's not because Neil Armstrong once drove it. No, Lot 307 at Bonhams' Hendon, U.K., sale was bid up to $65,100 because it's an exceptionally rare early Mini, just the eighth of the iconic cars ever manufactured, according to the auction company.

The seller was clearly able to capitalize on the current collector car trend of finding unrestored survivor cars - those gems that have somehow escaped not only the ravages of time and oxidation, but five decades of enthusiastic collectors armed with an attitude that tearing it down to the base metal and building it back up, "better than new," is the only way to enjoy vintage iron. The auction company advertised this 1959 Austin Seven (the Mini name wasn't applied to the Austin version until 1961) as the oldest unrestored Mini, saying that only three earlier cars are known to exist, one of which is in the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust museum.

Unrestored cars have achieved their recent popularity in part because they serve as records of how the cars originally came from the factory. Production standards in the '50s and '60s were much more lax than they are now, and written records can be hard to come by, hence the need for cars like this to direct historians and restorers alike.

The Mini, of course, is one of the most popular cars of all time, remaining in production with few changes from 1959 through 2000. Over 5.3 million of the cars were produced over that period, before BMW shut down production to launch its modern version of the car.

Scroll down to read Bonhams full catalog description.

Continue reading Why did this Mini sell for over $65,000?

Why did this Mini sell for over $65,000? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1959 austin sevenaustinaustin sevenbonhamscollector car auctionsminioldest miniFri, 04 May 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/why-did-this-mini-sell-for-over-65-000/20229523/article-detail.xml 20229523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bonhams-1959-austin-seven-01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bonhams-1959-austin-seven-01-opt.jpg <![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[Red Bull and David Coulthard off-road Austin's Circuit of the Americas, again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/red-bull-and-david-coulthard-off-road-circuit-of-the-americas-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/red-bull-and-david-coulthard-off-road-circuit-of-the-americas-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/red-bull-and-david-coulthard-off-road-circuit-of-the-americas-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Red Bull at Austin Circuit of the Americas

If you don't think David Coulthard has the coolest job on the planet, that's just because you haven't seen this video yet.

As you may recall, the Formula One driver and Red Bull recently headed down to Austin to display their excitement over the sport's return to American soil. Coulthard and his Red Bull racer got the chance to play with a few cowboys on Red McCombs' ranch before taking to public streets in the F1 car. That included a quick stop for doughnuts in front of the capitol building before heading off to the dirt bones of the new track for a little fun.

As far as we know, Coulthard is the first driver to have a crack at the track in any state or form, and we have to say that watching his carbon-fiber beast skip across the dry Texas dirt is enough to bring a smile to our eyes. From the looks of things, the Texas facility will provide a plenty challenging course for the world's best drivers. We can't wait to see it completed. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Red Bull and David Coulthard off-road Austin's Circuit of the Americas, again

Red Bull and David Coulthard off-road Austin's Circuit of the Americas, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin grand prixaustin texascircuit of the americasdavid coulthardf1formula oneformula one austinred bullu.s. grand prixWed, 21 Sep 2011 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048953/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/red-bull-and-david-coulthard-off-road-circuit-of-the-americas-a/20048953/article-detail.xml 20048953 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/red-bull-texas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/red-bull-texas.jpg <![CDATA[FIA confirms 2012 Formula 1 calendar, United States GP set for November 18]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/#commentsFiled under:

grand prix starting grid

Finalizing the calendar for the Formula 1 World Championship can't be an easy task. Each race organizer has its own demands, as do the teams. The FIA has its say, and so does Formula 1 Management. Logistical considerations need to be taken into account, as well as projected weather conditions. So it strikes us as reasonable enough that the schedule should need to be tweaked and adjusted here and there. Now, after releasing the initial calendar back in June and receiving input in August for changes, the FIA has announced what looks set to be the final calendar for the 2012 Formula 1 World Championship.

So what are we looking at? A jam-packed 20-race calendar, for starters. After its anticipated premier this season, the Indian Grand Prix is slated to return next season. Turkey is back on the calendar (and no longer with a tentative asterix), as is Bahrain which was famously canceled this year due to clashes between protestors and the royal regime there. Finally, the return of the United States Grand Prix is confirmed for November 18, teaming up with the season closer in Brazil the following weekend. Follow the jump to view the full calendar.

Continue reading FIA confirms 2012 Formula 1 calendar, United States GP set for November 18

FIA confirms 2012 Formula 1 calendar, United States GP set for November 18 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 formula one world championshipaustinf1federation internationale de lautomobilefiaformula 1formula oneunited states grand prixusgpThu, 01 Sep 2011 10:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20032394/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/01/fia-confirms-2012-formula-1-calendar-united-states-gp-set-for-n/20032394/article-detail.xml 20032394 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hkg3488395_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hkg3488395.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 -1 2