Prepping For The Return Of F1

With so much chatter going on about the upcoming election, it's easy to forget that there is another reason the world is watching what's going on in this great land. In case you missed it, a group of investors have put their time, talents and personal resources on the line in an effort to bring back to America a Formula 1 Grand Prix race.

Now, at one time, the US GP was a big deal. It's roots run all the way back to 1908, but since leaving Watkins Glen, NY in 1980, the success of Formula 1 racing on these shores has failed to gain consistent interest. In fact, the 1990 event, held on a street circuit in Phoenix, AZ, was out drawn three time over by ostrich racing. In 2005, the event was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but tire problems reduced the starting field to just six cars. After the 2007 race, IMS called it quits.

Hopefully, those darker days are in the past as Austin, TX prepares to host the 2012 US Grand Prix at the purpose-built "Circuit Of The Americas" on November 18th. On Tuesday (9/25), Charlie Whiting, who directs racing, safety and technical matters for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the sanctioning body that oversees international motorsport, visited the venue and approved the circuit for “Grade 1” status, clearing the way for the circuit to conduct Formula 1 racing, less than 2 months away.

But now that they've built it, will they come? A check of the COTA website shows that most of the grand stand seats have already been purchased. What's left are the premium seats (good for the whole weekend), running from $400 to $800. Adding to the global focus of the event is that this will be the next-to-last race in the hotly contested 2012 F1 series. If that doesn't pique your interest, Aerosmith will be there to rock the weekend up a notch.