Circuit of The Americas has reached an agreement with Formula One Management ensuring the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix remains on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship race calendar for 2012.
Red McCombs, chairman of McCombs Enterprises and founding partner of Circuit of The Americas said: “Mr. Ecclestone received his check today. We want to thank the fans supporting us, the local officials and businesses that have encouraged us, the State of Texas, Circuit of The Americas’ staff and Bernie himself. I want to thank and commend Bobby Epstein for getting us across the finish line. Bobby’s perseverance and leadership kept the project on track despite unfair and unfounded criticism.”
“Our investors have believed all along that this project has tremendous benefit for our region, and provides a strong economic engine for the future,” stated Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas. We remain committed to reaching our goal of being valuable community partners as we establish a platform for sports and entertainment. We’re glad that Tavo [Hellmund]’s vision of bringing F1 to the people of Texas will become a reality.”
Hellmund has been pitching Formula 1 boss and life-long friend Bernie Ecclestone on holding an event on a purpose-built course in the Austin, Tex., area since at least the late 1990s. HIs most recent push had to hold of challenges from New York, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Miami.
As recently as Nov. 17, however,
some outlets had declared the race dead amid reports of a
disintegrating relationship betwteen Epstein and Hellmund and
difficulty meeting the terms of a contract with Formula One Management.
Engineering and construction teams working on the track will resume immediately, ensuring completion for the 2012 race date, CoTA said.
Fans interested in receiving information about tickets for next year's United States Grand Prix can register their contact information at
www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com. Ticket sales information will be communicated to those registered prior to general public notification.