Circuit of the Americas releases two statements regarding track rentals

Photo courtesy of Circuit of The Americas

Today the only purpose-built F1 circuit in the United States issued seemingly contradictory statements regarding the Circuit's policies on track rental for events not involving a sanctioning body such as Formula One, MotoGP, V8 Supercars and GRAND-AM Road Racing. The first indicated that the track would not be able to accommodate such events, but within hours a second release redefined the previous one.

While neither of these statements directly effect F1 or GRAND-AM racing at the facility, they do raise questions about the management policies of the circuit.

Here's the text of the first release:


AUSTIN, Texas (Dec. 22, 2012) – Circuit of The Americas today set the record straight on the venue’s track rental program and responded to questions raised in social media forums about the program’s future direction.

“Circuit of The Americas currently offers a track rental program for organizations and clubs and private individuals that provides automotive enthusiasts with a world-class experience at the United States’ only purpose-built Formula  facility,” Circuit spokesperson Julie Loignon said. “We have had inquiries and discussions with a number of organizations that are interested in renting our facility, and we’ve determined that we will not be able to work with all of them in the coming year. We have contacted organizations that did not have fully executed rental agreements to inform them of our decision. We regret not being able to assist them with a track rental in 2013 and hope there are other ways we can accommodate their interest in Circuit of The Americas in the future.”


 And the text of the second:

 AUSTIN, Texas (Dec. 22, 2012)  – Circuit of The Americas today announced that it would honor track rentals with four organizations that had booked track days and paid rental fees in advance.

“We are moving ahead with these agreements and contacting clients so they can share this information with their members and customers,” Circuit spokesperson Julie Loignon said. “The executed rental agreements will limit the number of vehicles we have on track at any given time to ensure a fun and safe experience for participants, including any amateur drivers who will be participating. We regret the confusion that was caused as we worked through these issues with our clients and look forward to providing a one-of-a-kind experience to auto enthusiasts coming to Circuit of The Americas through our track rental program.”

About Circuit of The Americas

Circuit of The Americas is a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and is home to the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX. Racing series joining the Circuit’s 2013 line-up include MotoGP, V8 Supercars and GRAND-AM Road Racing. The Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element is a 3.4-mile circuit track. Other support buildings include an expansive outdoor live music space, an iconic 251-foot tower with observation deck, an events and conference center, a banquet hall as well as a state-of-the-art medical facility. For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.