Interview with McCombs
http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_ ... t_id=41595
The headline is about promotion by Clear Channel (which apparently has a large European presence in outdoor advertising that I wasn't aware of before), but there are some other interesting details:
Another backer -
"former MotoGP World Champion Kevin Schwantz. ... Clearly, with Schwantz as a backer, MotoGP is also likely to be a target for the circuit and McCombs says that he views the circuit as being “a year-round activity and that is what we are hoping to capture. We would like other top level series to come too.” "
and I found this interesting -
"With his eye on the end-game McCombs says “I think there will be a big financial return but that will come because of the ancillary programmes that will be put in place and not the race itself.” "
Other suggested uses range from music festivals to joint research projects with area universities. McCombs is a big donor to the the University of Texas.
Interview with Helmund
http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_ ... t_id=41723
This is an older profile/interview before the site was announced, but he discusses Tilke and the track design a bit -
"Don't think I haven't been fully aware of all the criticism of Tilke and cookie cutter race tracks ... to be perfectly honest, with Tilke we had to dig in on a couple of ideas and fortunately Hermann has spent enough time working with us that he knows we don't give in very easily and we remind him that we are the client, not the other way around."
and promotion -
Hellmund says he has a "long and detailed plan" to get the US audience reacquainted with F1. "One of the things we are going to do is have grand prix parties starting early next year in parks with big screens, music and a show car programme across the United States."
Other investor news:
IRS is suing Red Mccombs for $45M from his cash out from Clear Channel. He's estimated to be worth $1.3B though, so minor setback.
Here's a profile of another investor -Bobby Epstein - who brings the land to the deal.
http://www.statesman.com/sports/formula ... 34501.html
"Kirk Rudy, chief executive officer of Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group, said his friend Epstein's involvement in F1 didn't come as a total surprise.
"He doesn't shy away from complicated things," Rudy said, adding that Epstein excels at executing complex deals with "a bunch of moving parts."
"With Bobby behind it, the chances of success are multiplied exponentially," said Bryce Miller, a managing principal with Endeavor, which is not involved in the F1 venture. "But just as importantly, it will be done responsibly and in a way that is good for Austin, Texas. He loves Austin." "
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