Differences between Formula 1 and Circuit of the Americas

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One response to “Differences between Formula 1 and Circuit of the Americas”

1. admin

   November 12, 2012

   Differences between the ownership/management of the two entities are also quite substantial. Much has been said about Bernie Ecclestone, not all of it favorable. However, it is undeniable how much the sport has grown and prospered under his direction. Moreover, although he has been described as shrewd, calculating, or worse, he does have a reputation as a man of his word, and a man to whom a handshake deal bears the same weight as a lengthy contract. He is known as a powerful enemy, but an even more powerful friend.

   Current ownership and management of the Circuit of the Americas at this moment does not seem to be at the same level as Mr. Ecclestone, and has been plagued with problems both external and internal. Moreover, it seems like some at the Circuit of the Americas have not dealt squarely or fairly with their own partners, employees, investors, the City of Austin, local Austin residents, and local businesses.

   Please note this blog post is just opinion, although it is one shared by many throughout the community. There are several examples to cite of less than favorable behavior on the part of current CotA leadership, some newsworthy, others less so, but telling nonetheless. Some of these examples include the lawsuits with former partners/designers and long time Austinites Tavo Hellmund and Kevin Schwantz. Another example is how CotA requested several street closures without alerting local businesses. To participate in the festivities sponsored by CotA, fees and/or profit sharing were so slanted in CotA’s favor that it would be virtually impossible for many small businesses to participate. CotA is even renting out and encouraging party goers to come to the Austin Convention Center. There are hundreds of various bars and nightclubs throughout Austin that will have their doors open to guests from all over the world, and renting out the convention center seems superflous. The prohibition of pedestrians and bicyclists “for safety reasons” would seem to encourage the purchase of a $200 parking pass, as does the prohibiltion against coolers. No coolers or ice chests at the track seems very un-Austin like. In fact, prohibiting coolers is not very inline with a long racing tradtion of partying in the infield at races all over the world, including other Formula 1 venues and our racing neighbor to the North, Texas Motor Speedway.

   The people of Austin were told how Formula 1 would be good for Austin and its inhabitants, not only through increased tax revenue, but through spending at local businesses and hiring of local employees. So far it seems that the local involvement has been seriously underrepresented. It is our sincere hope that Formula 1 will have a great sucess at the Circuit of the Americas, and that Austin will become a city synonomous with World Class racing. It is also our hope that the partners at the Circuit of the Americas will live up to their promises of including local businesses and hiring local employees rather than kowtowing to international interests in the sake of increased profits. While we want to Keep Austin Racing, we also want to Keep Austin Wierd.

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