USGP - Weehawken??? EDIT-it's ON!

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Old 08-03-2011, 10:18 AM
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USGP - Weehawken??? EDIT-it's ON!

Bernie Ecclestone's desire to see a second race in the United States could yet be realised after fresh talks emerged about hosting a street race in New Jersey.

AUTOSPORT revealed in July that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was seriously considering a second F1 race in New York, having already signed a deal to race at Austin, Texas.

On Tuesday, the Mayors of Weehawken and West New York revealed that they are in the preliminary stages of talks with a group of investors, led by former YES TV Network executive Leo Hindery Jr., to hold a grand prix in the area from as early as 2013.

One proposed venue is to run the race along the banks of the Hudson River, using the waterfront and the iconic Manhattan skyline to create a spectacular backdrop.

Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and West New York Mayor Felix Roque said in a joint statement that they were investigating the feasibility, and potential economic gains, of hosting an F1 street race in New Jersey.

"In these uncertain economic times when every direct and indirect revenue source is vital, our own Formula One race could be a very positive boost to our citizens," the statement read.

"This said, we need to ensure that the financial benefits from the privilege of having these races in our towns are equitably shared and that no tax dollars are used.

"The investor group has already told us that our towns would be substantially compensated annually."

In recent years there have been several failed attempts to host a race in the US, notably in 2010 when a proposed event at Liberty State Park was soon withdrawn amid public protests.
Well, that would be great since I live just next to there. Unfortunately, I don't know how this is feasible. The area that I think they are referring to is heavily residential.
Old 08-03-2011, 06:35 PM
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The Weehawken Grand Prix.



:hmm: Just doesn't have that Formula One ring to it.
Old 08-03-2011, 07:30 PM
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espn f1 just had an aritcle on it saying that two mayors of new jersey is trying to get a race in the streets of NJ just outside of Manhatten.

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/56090.html
Old 08-04-2011, 07:38 AM
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The more I think about this, the less feasible I think this will be. It's all residential roads, so I can't see the residents will approve of this. Especially in West New York, the residents just park on the streets. All the parking will be displaced for a whole week.
Old 08-09-2011, 01:31 AM
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it will be cool if it happened though!
Old 10-21-2011, 11:30 PM
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WSJ reports Grand Prix of America to be announced

Formula One, the richest and most popular form of international motorsport, is coming to Greater New York in 2013.

According to two people familiar with the matter, the London-based racing circuit will announce next week that the Formula One Grand Prix of America will take place in June 2013 on a road course mapped out in Weehawken and West New York along the Hudson River—against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

Formula One has scheduled a press conference at Port Imperial in Weehawken Tuesday, where the announcement is expected to be made. The proposed race was first reported in August. The mayors of Weehawken and West New York issued a joint statement that they were in talks with a group of investors led by Leo Hindery, Jr., a former chief executive of the YES Network, to bring a race to New Jersey.

Formula One currently has a 19-event calendar with events in Monte Carlo, Shanghai and Sao Paulo, among others, on twisty circuits in the world's most advanced open-wheel cars. The last U.S. race took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007.

In May 2010, F1 announced a plan to return to the U.S. The Formula One Grand Prix of America will be held in November 2012 at a $250 million purpose-built racetrack in Austin, Texas. The Grand Prix in New Jersey will mark a second U.S. race on the 2013 calendar, these people said.[/QUOTE]
Old 10-21-2011, 11:34 PM
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This is crazy. I still won't believe this until I see the cars being prepped in the pit lane. But wow, if this happens, I'll be going bonkers.
Old 10-22-2011, 07:32 AM
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I'll believe it when I see it. I think Weehawken is getting played so another, perhaps more prestigious locale, will step up for a bidding war to get the race. That would be typical Ecclestone.
Old 10-22-2011, 01:49 PM
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that would be cool if it happens, a NYC trip and F1 race in one hmmm that'd be awesome! Especially since I have a uncle in NYC so room&board, check!
Old 10-22-2011, 02:05 PM
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Having worked in the Lincoln Harbor area for several years, the area is extremely upscale with fine dining, high price condos, several marinas and a great view of NYC. So, I can envision aMonaco type scene there.

However, the NYC area crowd typically has an aversion to anything related to motorsports.
Old 10-22-2011, 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
Having worked in the Lincoln Harbor area for several years, the area is extremely upscale with fine dining, high price condos, several marinas and a great view of NYC. So, I can envision aMonaco type scene there.

However, the NYC area crowd typically has an aversion to anything related to motorsports.
Its ok they can sit out. They won't notice the extra congestion anyway.

I would really really want this race to go through, I've been meaning to make a trip up to NY one of these days.
Old 10-22-2011, 03:12 PM
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lol. i remember taking my prom pics in weekhawken on the road overlooking the skyline.

if it comes here i will be celebrating and incredibly happy
Old 10-23-2011, 07:37 AM
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No more street races-period. Put the cars on real tracks as the city tracks are a major snoozefest.
Old 10-24-2011, 11:57 PM
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CNN just claimed that this is official. Will run on Blvd East in West New York, down 60th street to River Road, head south to Weehawken. However, CNN's article also states that there hasn't been a USGP in 30 years, so who knows how accurate this report is?

I drive through River Road every day, so needless to say, I'm stoked!
Old 10-25-2011, 04:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan
No more street races-period. Put the cars on real tracks as the city tracks are a major snoozefest.
Not monaco, but I guess that can always be an exception.
Old 10-25-2011, 06:11 AM
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of course not Monaco.
Old 10-25-2011, 11:47 AM
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So what time is this press confernce?



Edit:

Nevermind.


.... The official wasn't authorized to speak in advance of a news conference Tuesday in Weehawken.

The SPEED network, which broadcasts auto racing, says it will provide live coverage of the 2 p.m. EST news conference and that Gov. Chris Christie is expected to attend. The governor's office didn't immediately confirm his attendance.

....
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...3228eed95c6b9c

Last edited by Bearcat94; 10-25-2011 at 11:58 AM.
Old 10-25-2011, 01:09 PM
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sounds like its a go for 2013!

Last edited by fsttyms1; 10-25-2011 at 01:12 PM.
Old 10-25-2011, 01:28 PM
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Only 30 minute walk for me to get there.

Old 10-25-2011, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by F-C
Only 30 minute walk for me to get there.


After your earlier post, I went to google maps to see what a course might look like. Looks like I guessed pretty close.
Old 10-25-2011, 05:08 PM
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dammit
Old 10-25-2011, 05:20 PM
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Is it odd that there is nothing on the Formula1.com site? No news release, no mention of a deal, nothing.

Is Bernie stringing NJ/NY along to pressure another venue?
Old 10-25-2011, 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by NY Times
On Tuesday afternoon, with the Manhattan skyline behind them, investors and local officials met in Weehawken, N.J., to formally introduce a proposal to host a Formula One race along and above the banks of the Hudson River in 2013.

The Formula One Grand Prix of America, as it would be called, would run on public streets in Weehawken and West New York in a 3.2-mile circuit, taking in the rugged, steep New Jersey Palisades — a terrain feature that could, at least for drivers, evoke Monaco, where Formula One holds its premier race.

The press conference aired live on Speed TV from the Port Imperial ferry terminal, the proposed start-finish line. Speakers included Gov. Chris Christie; Mayors Richard Turner of Weehawken and Felix Roque of West New York; and Leo Hindery Jr., the New York sports media and investing magnate who has led the effort to corral investors for the proposal.

Mr. Turner and Mr. Roque announced in August that they were preparing a proposal, along with unnamed investors, to be considered by Bernie Ecclestone, the boss of the Formula One race series, and the F.I.A., the series’s governing body.

At Tuesday’s conference, Mr. Hindery said that Mr. Ecclestone and the F.I.A. had signed off on the proposal in the weeks leading up to the announcement.

Wait a minute, this is kind of confusing. So today's announcement was to formally introduce a proposal, yet it says Bernie has already signed off on the proposal a few weeks ago. Is this thing finalized? Like Bearcat says, there is no official word on Formula1.com.

I hope that all this means is that they are waiting for the agency approvals, like DOT and DEP. I'd be really upset if this is just a scheme for Bernie to get more money out of WG.
Old 10-25-2011, 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by speedemon90
Its ok they can sit out. They won't notice the extra congestion anyway.
Although this event is a go, just know: The NIMBY contingent in New Jersey is unlike ANYWHERE else. (These are the same people who build homes next to active rail lines and then file injunctions against NJT/Amtrak/CSX activity. These are also the same folks who caused the I-95 gap.)

This event may have a short shelf life on future F1 schedules. I plan on attending nonetheless.
Old 10-25-2011, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
Although this event is a go, just know: The NIMBY contingent in New Jersey is unlike ANYWHERE else. (These are the same people who build homes next to active rail lines and then file injunctions against NJT/Amtrak/CSX activity. These are also the same folks who caused the I-95 gap.)

This event may have a short shelf life on future F1 schedules. I plan on attending nonetheless.
As I said a few months ago, this is a heavily residential neighborhood. I wonder when the next mayoral election is here.
I'll be taking Friday off to see practice, but for the people that want to go to work in NYC, it's going to be a huge hassle that day.
Old 10-25-2011, 10:28 PM
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Another image (from F-C's story above).

Old 10-26-2011, 04:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Bearcat94
Is it odd that there is nothing on the Formula1.com site? No news release, no mention of a deal, nothing.

Is Bernie stringing NJ/NY along to pressure another venue?
I have been wondering precisely the same thing Bearcat. In fact, I just did a search on the F1 websites and only Autosport reporting the race
as a done deal. I predict no NJ race as there has been no talk of promotional fees or anything yet.
Old 10-26-2011, 06:00 AM
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Formula One will be making a stopover in New Jersey from 2013 after the state's governor confirmed it will join the calendar in two years' time.

The announcement means the United States will host two grands prix in future as the United States Grand Prix, to be staged in Austin, will feature next year.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the relevant authorities guarantees the Grand Prix of America for 10 years.

"I'm pleased that New Jersey will play host to Formula One beginning 2013, bringing one of the world's most popular and exciting sports right to our backyard," Governor Chris Christie said in a statement.

"The race will be a 3.2 mile road race, run on existing roads through Port Imperial and at the top of the Palisades in Weehawken and West New York.

"Up to 100,000 people are expected to attend each race, starting with practice Friday, qualifying on Saturday and racing on Sunday.

"People from the whole world will come to New Jersey to see this unique and exciting course."

Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has been advocating for a grand prix on the Northeast megalopolis of the US for years, but he is yet to confirm the new race.

That last bit sez it all.
Old 10-26-2011, 07:51 AM
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That's kind of my impression from the NYTimes story as well. Since it was vague whether promotor had obtained the the necessary funding or not. Looks like the announcement was made to help the promotors go out to solicit additional investors.

Did anyone watch the live announcement on Speed? I tried to follow it on streaming, but the video wasn't working, so I only got audio. But one of the person there (the promotor?) kept comparing this race to urban races like Valencia, Singapore, and Shanghai. I hope this guy isn't in charge of getting the additional funding, because he sounded like an idiot.

Well, at least Tilke's on board, that should help alot.
Old 10-28-2011, 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Bernie
F1 should drop some more European races and replace them with events in the United States, Bernie Ecclestone said.

The sport's chief executive confirmed to reporters in India that, by 2013, Formula One will have three North American races; two in the United States and one in Canada.

Asked if the New Jersey race endangers the Austin round, he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport: "Not as far as I know.

"We used to have three or four races in America, so we need two more. It is a big country. We have nine races in Europe and America is about the same size.

"So maybe we should have four in Europe and four in America," he said.
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. USGP East, South, North, West

Old 10-31-2011, 09:44 AM
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Photo taken today of the construction of the pit garage. The cranes in the back are installing the piles.

Last edited by F-C; 11-04-2011 at 07:47 AM.
Old 10-31-2011, 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Bernie
F1 should drop some more European races and replace them with events in the United States, Bernie Ecclestone said.
....

"So maybe we should have four in Europe and four in America," he said.

So which European venues have contract renewals coming up? They're gonna pay out the nose.
Old 10-31-2011, 03:16 PM
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Related??

Ecclestone: Korea future uncertain

Thu, 27 Oct 17:20:00 2011

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on the future of the Korean Grand Prix, after ruling out talks to renegotiate its contract.

The promoter of the Yeongam event, Won-Hwa Park, told AUTOSPORT earlier this month that he wanted to seek a cut in the race hosting fee because of the huge losses the event is facing.

Ecclestone has said that such an outcome is unlikely, however, after conceding that he has 'no idea' if the event would remain a part of the calendar.

"There are lots of things in life you can't afford, and you don't have to have them," he told reporters at Buddh, ahead of the Indian Grand Prix. International Circuit. "And it took us long enough to negotiate with them in the first place."

He added: "It was strange. They didn't really get behind it. That was a disappointment because it was a big enough effort to get it on in the first place."

When asked if the matter would be finished if the Koreans were unable to afford the race, Ecclestone said: "Yeah".
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/271020...uncertain.html


So it goes with Bernie "show me the money or lose your race" Ecclestone.
Old 10-31-2011, 04:19 PM
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Korea vs. Joisey
Old 11-01-2011, 02:45 PM
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im still incredibly skeptical this will come to fruition, after seeing the roads involved, and myself having driven on them many times, i just dont see them doing it because of all the residential areas. A race in liberty state park would have made WAYYY more sense. Stupid hippies and punk ass mayor...
Old 11-02-2011, 01:11 AM
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Track video . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m10_f...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcHr27KeBA8
Old 11-02-2011, 08:56 AM
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Sweet
Old 11-04-2011, 07:48 AM
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Pouring concrete for the slab on grade.
Old 11-05-2011, 08:34 AM
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Screen Capture from one of the video's above. Shows the elevation change.




Over all track shape is reminiscent of Monza and similar to Canada.
Old 11-05-2011, 02:40 PM
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impressive. Still wondering if this will happen.


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