Nobody Threatens Texas...(Ecclestone Warns Texas!)

Listening to Local (DC) Radio yesterday and the name.... Bernie Ecclestone is mentioned - re a Possible New York Grand Prix.... They failed to mention Ecclestone's QPR role!

Then looking, see various stories re the possibility

ESPN - Ecclestone already has plans for a second US Grand Prix
Christian Sylt and Caroline Reid
July 6, 2010

» Bernie Ecclestone: 'It's hard to promote anything in America. It will either get a following or it won't' © Sutton Images

News: F1 set for New York state?

Just over a month after it was announced that there will be a United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas in 2012, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that a second race may take place in the country and his circuit designer Hermann Tilke is currently there investigating it. "Tilke is in New Jersey now looking into it," he said over lunch last week.

In March, Ecclestone first revealed that a race in New Jersey was being investigated. "It would be in front of Manhattan in New Jersey, with the skyscrapers in the background," Ecclestone said adding: "Fifteen minutes from the centre of New York to the circuit would be marvellous." A 3.6-mile track was scheduled to be built in the grounds of New Jersey's 600-acre park but it was vetoed for environmental reasons by the public and the Jersey City mayor.

Tilke is now believed to be looking for a location in New Jersey which would not face this opposition but would still enjoy the same view of the New York skyline in the background. It could be a reserve option if the Grand Prix in Austin falls through.

A new purpose-built circuit will be constructed for F1 in Austin and although Ecclestone says that "the land is bought," he adds: "My concern is that I don't know how quick they can build ... that's what I am worried about. I don't worry about anything else."

Ecclestone says he requested that Austin host F1 in 2012 to get the race on the calendar as soon as possible. He explains that "the government is supporting it," and is believed to have committed $25 million to cover the annual race-hosting fee.

Funding may be needed even if the Grand Prix doesn't take place as Ecclestone recently said that if Austin fails to host the race "we've got some penalty clauses, although I wouldn't want to use them".

He remains confident that this will not happen and says that the government "won't lose their money". However, he does sound one note of caution: "It's hard to promote anything in America. It will either get a following or it won't."

en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/22224.html


ESPN Editors Bernie's smoke and mirrors

The latest comments from Bernie Ecclestone regarding plans for the USA have answered none of the questions people are asking about the state of play in Austin, and by rekindling rumours of other sites being assessed, have actually increased the suspicion everyone is being taken for a ride.

Ever since the announcement of plans for a 2012 US Grand Prix in Austin there have been concerns over the lack of any firm details. Nobody knows much about the people behind it, the funding remains a mystery, and despite assurances land has been earmarked, nobody knows exactly where. Put simply, as it stands the venture looks at best speculative, at worst commercial kite flying.

But Ecclestone doesn’t make throwaway comments. Everything he says is done for a reason, and you suspect his letting slip Hermann Tilke is sniffing around New Jersey is aimed at putting pressure on the authorities in Texas to support the Austin proposal.

Or, knowing Bernie, it could be Austin was agreed to force the hand of serious contenders on the north-eastern seaboard.

Either way, nothing is as it seems and, as things stand, a US Grand Prix is as likely now as it was a year ago.

blogs.espnf1.com/editor_blog/archives/2010/07/bernies_smoke_and_mirrors.php