• US Grand Prix

Austin reveals site and principal backer

ESPNF1 Staff
July 27, 2010 « Yamamoto confirmed for Hungarian GP | »
Tavo Hellmund has announced the location of the US Grand Prix © Sutton Images
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Promoters of the US Grand Prix have revealed the location of their circuit and named a principal backer in American business man Red McCombs.

As expected, the location of the circuit is south east of Austin, near the city's international airport on a site formerly known as Wandering Creek. The first race will be in 2012 on a track designed by Hermann Tilke within the 900 acre plot of land.

Alongside McCombs, who made his name in the automotive industry, promoter Tavo Hellmund held a press conference to announce the news.

"This project has been a tremendous undertaking," Hellmund said. "But for at least the next decade, Texas will host a global sporting event on an annual basis in a new world-class multipurpose facility. Knowing that our hard work is being rewarded and that my dream is becoming a reality is extremely gratifying.

He added: "I wanted to make sure that we were the best location for the United States Grand Prix. How you do that is by having the right location and the right connectivity - and the location is something we have been working on for at least a year and a half.

"People have been commenting that F1 hasn't stuck in the United States, but that is actually completely inaccurate. F1 was immensely successful from 1960 to 1980 when it was at a permanent road course facility. From 1980 up until 1999 it was always on temporary street circuits and, as wonderful as the IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) is, it was basically an adaptation. It was an IndyCar track that NASCAR was able to have success there."

Texas-born McCombs has proven success backing American football and basketball teams and in 2005 featured in Forbes Magazine's top 400 American rich list.

"Bringing Formula One back to the United States represents the opportunity of a lifetime and one that any city in the world would want," McCombs said. "The size and scope of an F1 event is comparable to hosting a Super Bowl and will bring substantial economic benefit to Austin, San Antonio and the entire State of Texas.

"We know Tavo has a clear vision for developing Formula One into a major event with year-round opportunities. Over the past few years, he has built a solid business foundation and has assembled a great team - one we are proud to be part of. We are ready to roll-up our sleeves and work alongside Tavo to make this project a huge success."

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