United States Grand Prix - Formula One (F1) - Austin

[aggie97]

are you just guessing 40,000? i don't have numbers, nor do i care, but an article said an estimated 120,000 fans will be in attendance.

either way i'm headed down tomorrow... though im sure tv coverage is probably better, it should be a good time, great atmosphere.

so divide his number by 3...$1700.

Grape, not trying to be confrontational but where did you find the $900 million figure? If that is the case, the Owner/promoter are f'n morons. Miller Motorsport supposedly cost $120 Million and this track is NOT 7 times bigger or better.

Personally, I think in the long run, this track will have a 3 to 6 year run. With the economy tanking in the next couple years, ticket sales here and at every track are going to go WAY down. Spectators can save a lot of money by just sitting at home and get an acceptable experience.

That being said, I do hope it finds a way to stick around for many years and then open it's doors to Club racing events. I know there are a few Grand Am events, a NARRA event and an SCCA double national scheduled. I have V8 supercar tickets near turn 15 for May and can't wait. I just don't see those events filling the stands if at all because those series are designed for TV coverage. AV8SC does put on a hell of a live show though.

eh, time will tell overall but I am NOT looking forward to the traffic problems even at the MAY event.

[bird_dog0347]

Guys, they will cover their operating costs by leasing the track to track day organizations as well as driving/riding schools. The once a year F1 race will sell out at least for the next few years, and Moto GP will sell out as well for at least the next 5 years. As for Bernie not renewing the contracts, that all depends on the global economy as much as the local economy. They won't have less than 17-18 races a year, and I don't see too many new tracks being built in the next 4-8 years given the current global economy, so the ones that are here, new, state of the art, and in a good location will continue to be on the schedule until something better comes along to replace it. In the end, Bernie will get his money, and we will get to watch F1 racing. I am watching on TV this year, but plan to go next year after they have done it once and get some of the bugs worked out. There will still be no less than 100k people there this year.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Guys, they will cover their operating costs by leasing the track to track day organizations as well as driving/riding schools. The once a year F1 race will sell out at least for the next few years, and Moto GP will sell out as well for at least the next 5 years. As for Bernie not renewing the contracts, that all depends on the global economy as much as the local economy. They won't have less than 17-18 races a year, and I don't see too many new tracks being built in the next 4-8 years given the current global economy, so the ones that are here, new, state of the art, and in a good location will continue to be on the schedule until something better comes along to replace it. In the end, Bernie will get his money, and we will get to watch F1 racing. I am watching on TV this year, but plan to go next year after they have done it once and get some of the bugs worked out. There will still be no less than 100k people there this year.

truth


many of my customer's are in Austin, and Ive been getting the 'round Austin goings ons, hotels are all booked up, there are no rental cars available, and traffic is a nightmare. Oh, and there will be a ton of people flying in tonight and tomorrow. Ive got some folks that I race with that live out of state that are flying in to San Antonio and driving up and back both days, because it was the closest place to get a room.

[aggie97]

Guys, they will cover their operating costs by leasing the track to track day organizations as well as driving/riding schools.

Not likely.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Not likely.

I thought that they already announced that they would be doing driving schools and manufacturer events?

[bird_dog0347]

Not likely.

I thought that they already announced that they would be doing driving schools and manufacturer events?

They will HAVE to lease out the track on a regular basis just to cover costs... There is simply no other way, even by hosting a concert per night at the amphitheater once it is done, they still have to keep revenue coming in regularly just to stay afloat. Now, I am not saying it will be cost effective for most people to drive/ride there as it will very likely be $500/day (or more) cost for a track day or more for the first 5 years at least, and likely even more for the schools that will operate there. Now I won't be doing track days there regularly at that cost, but I damn sure will make it for at least one a year even at $500/day...

[momo]

Just enjoy it while it lasts. Bernie's business model doesnt include financial concearn of the promoters.

i agree with you here.

i think bernie is the same scum that is jerry jones, rodger goodell, and david stern. the league of decrepit sports thieves.

[aggie97]

They will HAVE to lease out the track on a regular basis just to cover costs... There is simply no other way, even by hosting a concert per night at the amphitheater once it is done, they still have to keep revenue coming in regularly just to stay afloat. Now, I am not saying it will be cost effective for most people to drive/ride there as it will very likely be $500/day (or more) cost for a track day or more for the first 5 years at least, and likely even more for the schools that will operate there. Now I won't be doing track days there regularly at that cost, but I damn sure will make it for at least one a year even at $500/day...

It will have to be some sort of permanant school like Bondurant or Skip Barber to draw nationally and those two schools are shutting down locations as they just aren't packing in customers. Local groups cannot front the $50k-70k for a weekend rental and hope to sell 80-100car event at $1000 each. Half of your customers will only want the $500 for a one day event and you are screwed. Drivers Edge might be able to pull it off but track rental for driving school type stuff ain't going to happen unless they rent the track at a competitive rate with other tracks in the state. That competitive rental with EMS staff and insurance is about $17,500 per weekend. I don't see them chasing that market for a couple of years and may not be able to under contract Terms from Bernie. Insurance for an HPDE event may be problematic as well. At most tracks, I can buy a rider as an additionally insured entity for around $800 or less for the weekend. Depending on how COTA has been covered as a Major Event Facility, you might not be able to do that. If my school had to buy a separate policy for the event, they start around $15k for the year...if I can even get one.

I would love to see Bondurant or Barber open a school there so I can do an arrive and drive with less hassle. I know Cadillac is doing an event in December that I missed getting signed up for (limited seats and free), but I am sure others will show up there as well. I also may have an inside line on free track time there with another group I am trying to get details from. The NARRA event in 2013 will be another way for us to get track time during their race weekend.

I'm stoked about the prospect of the track but they are going to have a seriously tough go at it in this economy. I wish them the best of luck.

[bird_dog0347]

It will have to be some sort of permanant school like Bondurant or Skip Barber to draw nationally and those two schools are shutting down locations as they just aren't packing in customers. Local groups cannot front the $50k-70k for a weekend rental and hope to sell 80-100car event at $1000 each. Half of your customers will only want the $500 for a one day event and you are screwed. Drivers Edge might be able to pull it off but track rental for driving school type stuff ain't going to happen unless they rent the track at a competitive rate with other tracks in the state. That competitive rental with EMS staff and insurance is about $17,500 per weekend. I don't see them chasing that market for a couple of years and may not be able to under contract Terms from Bernie. Insurance for an HPDE event may be problematic as well. At most tracks, I can buy a rider as an additionally insured entity for around $800 or less for the weekend. Depending on how COTA has been covered as a Major Event Facility, you might not be able to do that. If my school had to buy a separate policy for the event, they start around $15k for the year...if I can even get one.

I would love to see Bondurant or Barber open a school there so I can do an arrive and drive with less hassle. I know Cadillac is doing an event in December that I missed getting signed up for (limited seats and free), but I am sure others will show up there as well. I also may have an inside line on free track time there with another group I am trying to get details from. The NARRA event in 2013 will be another way for us to get track time during their race weekend.

I'm stoked about the prospect of the track but they are going to have a seriously tough go at it in this economy. I wish them the best of luck.

All of those listed things are exactly why I think they will do more days at a lower price. If they can't sell the track days at $1k/person/day, then they will have to do twice as many at half the price... They will be forced to do it just to make money. But as you said, it will only be limited by the contact terms with Bernie.

As for motorcycle track days (mainly where my interest lies) I know a few TD orgs are already working on it but haven't announced it yet.

[aggie97]

All of those listed things are exactly why I think they will do more days at a lower price. If they can't sell the track days at $1k/person/day, then they will have to do twice as many at half the price... They will be forced to do it just to make money. But as you said, it will only be limited by the contact terms with Bernie.

As for motorcycle track days (mainly where my interest lies) I know a few TD orgs are already working on it but haven't announced it yet.

Tell you what, I'll have the wife contact our buddy at COTA and ask what the real rental price is and I will report back. I do know they are trying to keep the actual number quiet but we will see.

[bird_dog0347]

Tell you what, I'll have the wife contact our buddy at COTA and ask what the real rental price is and I will report back. I do know they are trying to keep the actual number quiet but we will see.

That would kick ass, but I wonder if they even have that price set yet?

[Slowhand]

To anyone concerned about traffic being an "issue":

Have you ever heard of SXSW? Or even ACL for that matter.

[suckerdin]

To anyone concerned about traffic being an "issue":

Have you ever heard of SXSW? Or even ACL for that matter.

while not quite the same scale the football games should be included.

[Sick88lx]

Ran into one of the Ferrari challenge teams last night. They were from LA and were very impressed with the track and Austin itself. Lol they kept saying your gas is $3 your gas is $3....he'll you can afford to drive a truck here. Another guy was like are your drink prices normally this cheap, after he paid $12 a round for 2 rum/coke and a dos xx. I told him had he got there an hour ago it would be half that. He nearly hit the floor and said 1 rum/coke would run him $12 wherever the hell he's from. They did have Ferrari of Beverly Hills on their shirts so one can only imagine what country clubs they were used to, lol.

[Bputacoma]

I've been there the last few days working (roller shades in the media section) and it is nowhere near done for the facilities, but the track and pits are all done. I got a tour of the Toro Rosso team today and that was pretty cool..

You bastard! I'm jealous!

Who's gonna be in town for the race?