Austin track funders announced at a news conference that the 3.4-mile, under-construction racing venue will be officially known as "Circuit of the Americas". It was also announced that MotoGP will held a race there since 2013.
"Circuit of the Americas" will host the 2012 United States Grand Prix F1 event marking the return of F1 in the United States after a five-year break since the event took place in the Indianapolis Speedway, and it is estimated to accommodate a race attendance of 120,000 visitors.
Race promoter Tavo Hellmund, who is actually the living spirit of the track explained that they were looking for a generic venue name instead of just naming the track on behalf of a US racing legend like the "Circuit Gilles Villeneuve" in Montreal or the "Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari" in Imola.
"We are building a destination for entertainment and business, not simply a race track, and this brand reflects that entire idea... Right now we've got to be ready to go. That's really a Bernie (Ecclestone, F1 chief executive) and FIA question, but we're going to try to be ready when he wants us to.
"Circuit of the Americas" is another Hermann Tilke-designed track and is expected to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography, featuring dramatic elevation change of a total 133 feet (40.5 meters) and a steep, uphill run into the hairpin Turn 1, which is expected to become venue’s signature corner. Moreover, it is scheduled to be raced in a counterclockwise direction increasing the excitement for both the drivers and the spectators.
The venue will cost $250 million and it is expected to employ some 1,300 Texans before its completion, while 16 Texas companies have already been involved with the construction.
Texas businessman Red McCombs, who is the main investor of the Austin F1 project commented on venue's name as well:
“One of the most inviting aspects of the name is the word 'Americas'. It reflects Austin’s ideal location at the crossroads of North America from north to south, east to west. Also, it speaks to our state as a centre of commerce and cultural exchange in this hemisphere. I look forward to meeting many fans and visitors who will be coming from every country.”
