07-13-2007, 02:45 PM
VIR = doesn't have pit garages that open onto pit lane, track maybe not wide enough, access road too narrow, would probably need upgraded VIP areas and a dedicated helipad, not enough hotels in surrounding area
Road America = needs upgraded facilities and hotels
Sears Point = upgraded facilities and hotels, as well as track upgrades
Laguna Seca = too tight
Barber = too tight
With VIR, Road America, Road Atlanta, and Sears Point I think the upgrades could be made, the problem is finding someone to pay for them in addition to the sanctioning fee. If the sanctioning fee were $3-5 million someone could make it work, especially in the case of Road Atlanta or Sears Point which are relatively close to major cities.
But at damned near $30 million for just the sanctioning fee race you'd have to have $300+ tickets and that's going to be a tough sell. They can get away with it in Europe because F1 is established there, but not in the United States. And hell, even in Europe some of the established tracks are having trouble keeping up financially. France lost their GP for next year and England is in danger of losing theirs.
I agree though, VIR would be a great track for F1. I don't how easy it would be to pass but it would be pretty cool to see the cars take the uphill esses at 175+ mph.
Road America = needs upgraded facilities and hotels
Sears Point = upgraded facilities and hotels, as well as track upgrades
Laguna Seca = too tight
Barber = too tight
With VIR, Road America, Road Atlanta, and Sears Point I think the upgrades could be made, the problem is finding someone to pay for them in addition to the sanctioning fee. If the sanctioning fee were $3-5 million someone could make it work, especially in the case of Road Atlanta or Sears Point which are relatively close to major cities.
But at damned near $30 million for just the sanctioning fee race you'd have to have $300+ tickets and that's going to be a tough sell. They can get away with it in Europe because F1 is established there, but not in the United States. And hell, even in Europe some of the established tracks are having trouble keeping up financially. France lost their GP for next year and England is in danger of losing theirs.
I agree though, VIR would be a great track for F1. I don't how easy it would be to pass but it would be pretty cool to see the cars take the uphill esses at 175+ mph.
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com