The mayors of Weehawken and West New York, N.J., yesterday said that they are in "early stages of talks with a group of investors" led by former YES Network Chair & CEO Leo Hindery Jr. to "bring an F1 event to the area as soon as 2013," according to Darren Everson of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The race "would run on existing streets in these cities, with New York as the backdrop." Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and West New York Mayor Felix Roque in a joint statement suggested that the race "could prove to be a lucrative annual source of income for the area." They added that "no tax dollars would be involved in staging the race." Everson notes there were "discussions last year about bringing an F1 race to Jersey City, N.J." However, the "difference between that failed initiative and the new one is that public officials appear to be on board." Kevin Roberts, a spokesperson for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, said that reps from Weehawken and West New York "have had preliminary talks" with Christie's administration. If approved, the race would be the second U.S. event for F1, which will host an annual event in Austin, Texas, beginning next year (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/3).
TRAFFIC FLOW: A traffic management plan submitted to Austin officials Friday estimated that "about 20,000 cars and other personal vehicles carrying more than 72,000 people will descend" on next year's F1 race. In Austin, Dave Doolittle notes the plan is "not the final word on traffic control on race weekends" for the roads that lead to the Circuit of the Americas. But it "does offer more details from organizers' plans to move an estimated 120,000 people into and out of the circuit and where those people will likely park." Circuit organizers also submitted plans Friday to "widen about 3,000 feet of Elroy Road, north of the circuit, from two lanes to four lanes, including a bridge over Dry Creek" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 8/3).
