Veloce Raptor

http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/media-center/

Circuit of The Americas’ statement on track rental program

Circuit of The Americas™ today set the record straight on the venue’s track rental program and responded to questions raised in social media forums about the program’s future direction. “Circuit of The Americas currently offers a track rental program for organizations and clubs and private individuals that provides automotive enthusiasts with a world-class experience at the United States’ only purpose-built Formula 1™ facility,” Circuit spokesperson Julie Loignon said. “We have had inquiries and discussions with a number of organizations that are interested in renting our facility, and we’ve determined that we will not be able to work with all of them in the coming year. We have contacted organizations that did not have fully executed rental agreements to inform them of our decision. We regret not being able to assist them with a track rental in 2013 and hope there are other ways we can accommodate their interest in Circuit of The Americas in the future.”

The fact is, they cancelled groups that DID have fully executed rental agreements & deposits paid.

ltc

They built a track and hosted Formula One.

They have no (financial) need nor have any desire to expose themselves to liability, in order to deal with amateurs.

I would have been surprised if they did.

GuyIncognito

huh?

tracks don't make money hosting F1, Bernie sees to that

COTA absolutely needs other events, including amateur racing, DE/track days, and schools to stay afloat.

these guys are going to bury this track in 18 months at the rate they're making colossally stupid decisions.

mglobe

We should all take a big chill pill and wait to see how things unfold.

fatbillybob

It is funny that so many businesses do this. How can some really smart people wheel and deal and get a racetrack built in America today. This is no easy task. It takes hard work, dedication, smarts, and money. But what happens that causes such huge blow-ups? Everyone can see the writing on the wall but obviously they have no clue. Is there something fundamental in the business structure that causes this like entrepreneurs with a great idea see a project so far then hands off or what?

ltc

Well, if you're correct, the track will be for sale soon.

I doubt it, the principals involved can open the track to F1, ALMS, MotoGP...and even the IRL...and do OK.

If you have the money to build a track like COTA, you don't have to deal with amateur organizations.

Just my 2 cents...time will tell.

consolidated

10 club/DE rental events a year at $100K weekend is a measly $1.2M gross. We don't bring crowds, food and alcohol sales, gate....just our own gas and coolers.

Does anyone think a $1±M/year is going to make or break this $400M track? They'll get that renting to small events catered to the cars and coffee crowd, and they won't bend any walls or tear up the pavement.

No doubt a subscription type membership is in the cards. Keep the product in short supply, charge out the ***.

Assuming this means no Chumpcar race at COTA in 2013.

GuyIncognito

by that logic, nobody should do amateur racing/DEs.

and if they have 200 days a year that aren't used by pro racing or testing, that's ~ $10mm in potential revenue just from track rental...not something I'd want to turn down.

Eifeler

Costs and capitalism will fix the problem.

consolidated

They're renting the track, just to very small groups. We'll get our turn eventually I believe.

Sterling Doc

It's one thing to limit rentals, it's another to back out on agreements where you've already cashed the check, and are only a few weeks out. People have made reservations, shipped cars, etc. People who race at these events have the means, contacts, and expertise to make themselves a pretty big nuisance if you **** them off enough. Lawyer talk is already going strong on the COTA FB page.

gt2urbo

I could care less if they rent it out at this point they Lost my future business rather take my car to Germany and do many historic tracks not a brand new arrogant one.

uscarrera

If the folks at COTA do not believe there is a correlation between how they work with the "amateur" racing community and the overall success of the track I believe they are very wrong. Not only are we the most avid fans of pro racing but also the best ambassadors for the sport. My experience at F1 this year had me talking up COTA events to all who would listen, the reality is now my voice will be heard singing a much different tune.
Rich