76 replies to this topic

[cmgoodman]

Now that FOTA And FIA have come to a compromise allowing F1 racing to continue as a united series, and now that Bernie Ecclestone remains supreme (along with CVC),
and now that we can get back just plain racing, perhaps it would be time to discuss the idea of racing in North America, indeed the USA.

Let us consider where we should go racing:
1) Indianapolis, IN - world-class facilities with a new track layout, yet untried by F1, but well-like by MotoGP. currently midway between east and west coasts, and in the middle of sunny Indiana, where the deer and antelope play. Perhaps under a little controversy over who controls the George family; nonetheless, the site of the last 10 F1 races in America. The fans there might be more open to F1 racing with US team with hopefully worthy US drivers participating.

2) Watkins Glen, NY - out in Northern New York State, site of the early Grand Prix races in America. Close to Ithaca and other upstate cities for housing, in the same vein that Magny-Cours' location in France.

3) Long Beach, CA - site of the west coast Grand Prix for F1 in American during the 1980's, a good place for warm weather, fast women, and fast cars, but currently under contract for annual race in the spring with IndyCar racing.

4) Las Vegas, NV - home of the infamous Vegas Strip with a surreal facade and landscape, lots of sand, and faster women and warm weather. Site of two previous Grand Prix many years, but would bring a warm feeling to Bernie's heart to see Ferrari racing alongside the MGM Grand Hotel Casino.

5) Daytona, FL - home to NASCAR racing's mecca, with higher banked curves than Indianapolis, a full-road course, close to plenty hotels, warm weather with the occasional hurricane, and warm women.

6) Road America, WI - in the middle of "sunny" Wisconsin, near lots of hotels in the area of the Wisconsin Dells and Elkhart Lake, a well-established road race course, and near the current home of David Hobbs, and of course plenty of cheese. Close to Chicago, IL, which may be the site of Summer Olympics in 2016, if chosen.

7) Atlanta, GA - home of the petits LeMans for ALMS, with low banked turns and good road course, near plenty of hotels in Atlanta with good southern living style.

8) Laguna Seca, CA - in Northern California, with a challenging road course, but may be limited for passing. Track is well appreciated by MotoGP and road racers. In the middle of the wine country of California, and hence the inspiration for the corkscrew turn.

9) Detroit, MI - with road race course on Belle Isle, near the former home the big 3 auto companies of america, and with Fiat taking over Chrysler, perhaps may be open to development with money from Maranello, Italy.

10) New York City, NY - to be developed at an undisclosed location, for an undisclosed track layout in an area, where real estate prices have alway been at a premium, and under financial conditions, which are currently challenging to say the least.

Also - let us not forget - it would be good to get the race in Canada and perhaps Mexico reestablished, to allow the teams to divide the costs of travel over two - three races and allow for full North American experience. The Canada race would likely be in Montreal, ON at the Gilles Villeneuve speedway, although Mosport would be one alternative.
The Mexico race would probably be in Mexico City at the local race track there.

[Ross Stonefeld]

If they pay, they get to play. But given the amount of money it will take to compete with the other races, I can't see it happening.

[peroa]

No grand prix for you!

[Scotracer]

I've always liked Watkin's Glen...

[BMW_F1]

my vote goes to .....

10) New York City, NY - to be developed at an undisclosed location, for an undisclosed track layout in an area, where real estate prices have alway been at a premium, and under financial conditions, which are currently challenging to say the least.

I also would like to see Montreal back on the calendar and Indy,

[27GV]

Now that FOTA And FIA have come to a compromise allowing F1 racing to continue as a united series, and now that Bernie Ecclestone remains supreme (along with CVC),
and now that we can get back just plain racing, perhaps it would be time to discuss the idea of racing in North America, indeed the USA.

Let us consider where we should go racing:
1) Indianapolis, IN - world-class facilities with a new track layout, yet untried by F1, but well-like by MotoGP. currently midway between east and west coasts, and in the middle of sunny Indiana, where the deer and antelope play. Perhaps under a little controversy over who controls the George family; nonetheless, the site of the last 10 F1 races in America. The fans there might be more open to F1 racing with US team with hopefully worthy US drivers participating. So a Minnie Mouse track this time?

2) Watkins Glen, NY - out in Northern New York State, site of the early Grand Prix races in America. Close to Ithaca and other upstate cities for housing, in the same vein that Magny-Cours' location in France. Seems rather too unsafe

3) Long Beach, CA - site of the west coast Grand Prix for F1 in American during the 1980's, a good place for warm weather, fast women, and fast cars, but currently under contract for annual race in the spring with IndyCar racing. A go-er

4) Las Vegas, NV - home of the infamous Vegas Strip with a surreal facade and landscape, lots of sand, and faster women and warm weather. Site of two previous Grand Prix many years, but would bring a warm feeling to Bernie's heart to see Ferrari racing alongside the MGM Grand Hotel Casino. No thanks, track would probably be terrible.

5) Daytona, FL - home to NASCAR racing's mecca, with higher banked curves than Indianapolis, a full-road course, close to plenty hotels, warm weather with the occasional hurricane, and warm women. Infield track isn't all that great, as Mickey mouse as Indy.

6) Road America, WI - in the middle of "sunny" Wisconsin, near lots of hotels in the area of the Wisconsin Dells and Elkhart Lake, a well-established road race course, and near the current home of David Hobbs, and of course plenty of cheese. Close to Chicago, IL, which may be the site of Summer Olympics in 2016, if chosen. Hell yeah

7) Atlanta, GA - home of the petits LeMans for ALMS, with low banked turns and good road course, near plenty of hotels in Atlanta with good southern living style. Road Atlanta is a nice track but may need safety upgrades.

8) Laguna Seca, CA - in Northern California, with a challenging road course, but may be limited for passing. Track is well appreciated by MotoGP and road racers. In the middle of the wine country of California, and hence the inspiration for the corkscrew turn. Best track here.

9) Detroit, MI - with road race course on Belle Isle, near the former home the big 3 auto companies of america, and with Fiat taking over Chrysler, perhaps may be open to development with money from Maranello, Italy. Never liked this track really.

10) New York City, NY - to be developed at an undisclosed location, for an undisclosed track layout in an area, where real estate prices have alway been at a premium, and under financial conditions, which are currently challenging to say the least. Doesn't exist.

Also - let us not forget - it would be good to get the race in Canada and perhaps Mexico reestablished, to allow the teams to divide the costs of travel over two - three races and allow for full North American experience. The Canada race would likely be in Montreal, ON at the Gilles Villeneuve speedway, although Mosport would be one alternative. We only left Montreal because Bernie is a tight arsed wank.
The Mexico race would probably be in Mexico City at the local race track there.

Edited by 27GV, 25 June 2009 - 15:43.

[Rob G]

The Las Vegas track that Champ Car used in 2007 was surprisingly good. I think it would be feasible for F1.

[raiseyourfistfor]

Road Atlanta is too short, I'm hoping that either Sebring or Road America gets it but it will be back to Indy most likely.

[eff1fan]

Now that FOTA And FIA have come to a compromise allowing F1 racing to continue as a united series, and now that Bernie Ecclestone remains supreme (along with CVC),
and now that we can get back just plain racing, perhaps it would be time to discuss the idea of racing in North America, indeed the USA.

Selection of race venues was not a FIA issue, but based solely on Bernie's (CVC) unending appetite for money.

And unless FOTA has also won concessions from Bernie on the management/financial side of things, nothing will change in terms of where races a held and we will continue to see races auctioned off to the highest bidder.

[iMacUser]

Agreed!! but only a street race at Long Beach !!

[pingu666]

what about utah or salt lake, whatever its called where wsbk go ?

there could be a massive event potentialy, ALMS IRL Indylights and f1

or nascar and f1 at the brickyard

[Atreiu]

It'll be more likely once Bernie, if ever, is gone.

[OfficeLinebacker]

No grand prix for you!

[Berner]

Montreal is in Quebec (QC) not ON. Sorry, but of some import to us!

[Dragonfly]

I don't see any near prospects for USA and Canada.
That's why I say the FOTA victory is somewhat hollow. They had the momentum to make greater changes.

Edited by Dragonfly, 25 June 2009 - 17:51.

[Lada Lover]

No.

[iMacUser]

No.

Yes

[ForeverF1]

Yes

Maybe.

[Buttoneer]

'Max out' isn't a silver bullet to cure all F1 ill's. I'd love to see two races in North America again if only because I love the place and want the chance to go and watch, but I don't see it happening any time soon, sadly.

[Seanspeed]

What does any of the recent goings on have to do with having a N.American race?

Quite separate issues, it seems.

'Now that Vettel has won his first dry race, can we get rid of those green stripes on the option tires?'

[iMacUser]

Maybe.

Quick -?Email President Obama and demand a 'stimulus bag of mega-cash for a US. F1 Race now that the USA has a team. Bernie will say thanks if you do!

[ForeverF1]

Quick -?Email President Obama and demand a 'stimulus bag of mega-cash for a US. F1 Race now that the USA has a team. Bernie will say thanks if you do!

Consider it done.

[Blythy]

BRISTOL!

(That and talledega )

[fastlegs]

I'd like to see an F1 race in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park which would include the oceanfront along Hwy 1 at the west end of the park.

I also think Long Beach and Las Vegas would be great places to host an F1 race.

Edited by fastlegs, 25 June 2009 - 19:37.

[wide-front-wing]

Quick -?Email President Obama and demand a 'stimulus bag of mega-cash for a US. F1 Race now that the USA has a team. Bernie will say thanks if you do!

Killing KERS destroyed any chance of this happening...

[MellowBob]

what about utah or salt lake, whatever its called where wsbk go ?

there could be a massive event potentialy, ALMS IRL Indylights and f1

or nascar and f1 at the brickyard

Miller Motorsports Park. World class facility and track. Just need minor updates to make it FIA approved for F1.

[sblick]

Indy is the only place that has the money. Long Beach would require a whole new surface since it is way to bumpy. Laguna is to short and would have no passing prospects. The people who live around Laguna Seca would throw a fit also. There is already a sound ordinance at Laguna Seca. The other tracks would be just as boring as Indy. I'm biased though, I live south of Indy.

[noikeee]

What does any of the recent goings on have to do with having a N.American race?

Quite separate issues, it seems.

'Now that Vettel has won his first dry race, can we get rid of those green stripes on the option tires?'

It's not that unrelated. FOTA has more power now, and they have more interest in having a USA race than the other parties.

As for the track, I don't really like Indy, but it's the only realistic possibility right now.

Edited by paranoik0, 25 June 2009 - 20:05.

[TecnoRacing]

Very few of the tracks mentioned (besides requiring massive safety upgrades that might ruin the character of the circuit anyhow) have the facilities required to host a GP (i.e. the garages etc).

I think Barber Motorsports Park is one of the best modern circuits in the USA and is probably fairly close safety wise, but I don't think it has the Garages...

Utah does - right?? It looks pretty bleak there though - under facility-ed, very few grandstands, very little shade...

[Phucaigh]

It seems FOTA have become the most powerful influence in F1 after they won their battle.

It looks like they will have influence on where they race, Montezemolo had this to say "Flavio will also be working with the commercial rights holder to improve the show and the interest in the sport."

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/76517

If Flavio is to work with FOM/Bernie/CVC and it seems CVC just wanted a deal with FOTA to save their investment, so I think some of the compromises would be races in North America, it is something the manufacturers have been looking for ever since they stopped going to Indy and losing Montreal really was the last straw.

I'd go odds on for the return of Montreal and the probable return of a race in the US.

I love Indy, some don't but it is one of the great racing venues in the world.

[Madras]

Bring back Mexico please Flav.

[Alexis*27]

It's no good unless people turn up to watch. An F1 race near a small town, or in a tourist spot is no good.

I think it would have to be near LA or New York.

[raiseyourfistfor]

'Now that Vettel has won his first dry race, can we get rid of those green stripes on the option tires?'

lol what does Vettel winning in the dry have to do with the green option stripes?

[Seanspeed]

lol what does Vettel winning in the dry have to do with the green option stripes?

That was kinda my point. This thread doesn't really make sense to me.

This whole venture with FOTA and the FIA doesn't suddenly give FOTA the power to choose where they race. Thats still completely up to Bernie.

EDIT: Ok, well it didn't make sense to me. Until I read what Phucaigh just posted.

Edited by Seanspeed, 26 June 2009 - 02:34.

[Captain Tightpants]

An American Grand Prix probably won't - and certainly shouldn't - be a reality until the financial crisis is over. If it happens, I'd like to see it on the Daytona sports car course; there's a few configurations that could be used that combine nice, flowing corners to skip the first banked turn and re-join on the back straight.

[dgsg]

8) Laguna Seca, CA - in Northern California, with a challenging road course, but may be limited for passing. Track is well appreciated by MotoGP and road racers. In the middle of the wine country of California, and hence the inspiration for the corkscrew turn.

You really need to get another map!

[mkay]

You really need to get another map!

No, he is actually right.

[slideways]

Doesn't really bother me that much one way or the other. There are some great tracks in the states though.

[cmgoodman]

You really need to get another map! :drunk:

Sorry, I stand corrected, Laguna Seca is closer to Carmel-by the sea, rather than Napa valley, but I still think it appropriate that a corkscrew turn has a reference to winemaking, since the track is in California.


At this point with Max's flip-flops, I am not sure what is going to happan, and I beginnning to tire of it all.
Max Moseley should be concentrating on closing the deal with FOTA, and not trying to inflame things further.

Edited by cmgoodman, 26 June 2009 - 04:32.

[Chubby_Deuce]

No, he is actually right.

Well I mean, it's in the same state. Close enough.

Why is everyone so eager to see a USGP when there's nothing but **** for tracks? Miller would be okay but it's not exactly accessible. Or is everyone just looking for a reason to bitch about yet another GP at a **** track?

[cmgoodman]

Well I mean, it's in the same state. Close enough.

Why is everyone so eager to see a USGP when there's nothing but **** for tracks? Miller would be okay but it's not exactly accessible. Or is everyone just looking for a reason to bitch about yet another GP at a **** track?

While I can't speak for everyone else, but I would prefer to see at least one F1 Grand Prix in person, having been to all the Grand Prix races at Indy, along with most Indy 500 races since 1964. There is nothing to compare with the sound of an engine revving up to 19K rpm, or to see spontaneous track action, and not just relying on slow motion replay.

Contrary to opinion, I don't thing every track in america is unacceptable; hence, my effort to bring up the subject. I think the motor course at Indy since they have eliminated the double hairpin and changed the segment involving the banked turn, not to mention that cars would race counter-clockwise, just as they do for the Indy 500 and the Brickyard. Try racing a race in the opposite direction, and it changes character completely. I think has all necessary equipment on hand for F1 safety, and offers new challenges like a 4-apex turn instead of the banked turn, which have not even been tested yet by an F1 car.

[Seanspeed]

Well I mean, it's in the same state. Close enough.

Why is everyone so eager to see a USGP when there's nothing but **** for tracks? Miller would be okay but it's not exactly accessible. Or is everyone just looking for a reason to bitch about yet another GP at a **** track?

Maybe some of us might actually like to have a GP that we can go see without travelling across an ocean?

Plus, I think its an exaggeration that we have nothing but **** tracks. We have quite a few really good ones. Its just the facilities for most of them aren't up to standards. I mean, Road America is probably one of the greatest tracks in the world. Up there with the best of Europe's. Just doesn't have the facilities to hold an F1 event.

Miller is definitely accessible, though. Its only 20/30 minutes from Salt Lake City.

Anyways, I think Indy is ideal. Its not the greatest track, but it does offer good racing and from what I hear, its a great atmosphere, with packed grandstands and everything.

[Gypsy]

Maybe some of us might actually like to have a GP that we can go see without travelling across an ocean?

QFT.

[Chubby_Deuce]

That's a rather selfish reason isn't it?

20/30 minutes from Salt Lake City isn't really accessible. First of all it's Salt Lake City. Secondly a majority of the people attending will have flown in, meaning that a trip to far from their hotel would be tough with no train or anything. The city would have to kick down for a mighty large bus operation.

[Kucki]

I think Sears Point would be great, I love the layout of the track, it has a very nice flow and alot of elevation changes. F1 cars there would look incredible.

But they'd might Tilkeize the track and make it boring in order to let F1 race there.

Road America would be amazing, one of the best tracks in the world.

Edited by Kucki, 26 June 2009 - 17:38.

[iMacUser]

Maybe some of us might actually like to have a GP that we can go see without travelling across an ocean?

How about we bring back the Canadian GP!!! No need to cross an Ocean. -Make the 'Pucks ' fix the track first of course-- and with the US $$ worth about 20% more up there It would be a great deal, even with Bernie's Ticket prices.

Edited by iMacUser, 26 June 2009 - 17:44.

[Chubby_Deuce]

I think Sears Point would be great, I love the layout of the track, it has a very nice flow and alot of elevation changes. F1 cars there would look incredible.

But they'd might Tilkeize the track and make it boring in order to let F1 race there.

Road America would be amazing, one of the best tracks in the world.

The problem with Sears Point is that turn 10 can never be made to have enough runoff because the road is only a few feet from the other side. The only way to fix it would be to push the track further into the infield which would of course alter the turn completely.

Of course the rest of the track has relatively less runoff as well but could be fixed to altering the seating rather than the track or a public road.

Oh and traffic would be a nightmare, ask any NASCAR fan. Hell even small events can cause the intersection to clog up.

[Chezrome]

There SHOULD be a US Grand Prix. Although I am European and would never travel to the States just for watching a Grand Prix.

It is shame FOM (read Bernie Ecclestone) doesn't have a contingencyplan for cities that can't pay 30 million bucks for a race. Why don't lease the race to the organisers, and take all the revenue?

[iMacUser]

Killing KERS destroyed any chance of this happening...

Naaaaaa , Just promise to do like GM. Did...

We promise to *not* spend the mega $$ on our selves & Friends
We Promise to Build an Electric car that -works- by no later than -3030-.
We Promise to not own a Fleet of airplanes that is bigger that the -"Entire Canadian Airforce-


Instanta Mega-Cash

[Gypsy]

How about we bring back the Canadian GP!!! No need to cross an Ocean. -Make the 'Pucks ' fix the track first of course-- and with the US $$ worth about 20% more up there It would be a great deal, even with Bernie's Ticket prices.

If that's your logic, there's still no good reason why they shouldn't bring back the US GP!