Track Layout Unveiled For Proposed Austin Formula One Race

F1 Track In Austin Could Hold Somewhere Between 130,000-140,000 Fans

Full Throttle Productions Managing Partner Tavo Hellmund yesterday "unveiled the track layout" for the proposed F1 race in Austin, according to John Maher of the AUSTIN-AMERICAN STATESMAN. The 3.4-mile track "has 20 turns, a maximum elevation change of 133 feet, a back straightaway that is three-quarters of a mile long and a width that will vary between 39 and 52 feet." Hellmund said that the track will be "fast, have a signature start, pay homage to some of the world's best Grand Prix circuits and offer plenty of good sight lines for fans." He added that F1 cars "should be able to reach a top seed of 200 mph on the track," and that fans "should be able to see plenty of action from most of the turns and straightaways." Hellmund: "They will all offer good viewing because of the (changes in) elevation." Maher notes the track is "slated to be built on a 900-acre tract southeast of Austin and could hold 130,000 to 140,00 fans." Austin's first race is "slated for 2012," and December "has been mentioned as a possible starting date for construction" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 9/1). Hellmund said that the track "will include grandstands near the start and finish line for at least 20,000 spectators with room for 50,000 or more around the rest of the track" (AP, 9/1).