Everything’s Bigger In Texas!

The Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, learning more about V8 Supercars from chairman Tony Cochrane at today's announcement in Austin, Texas.


THE V8 Supercars Championship will make its debut on United States soil in 2013.

An announcement was made early today (Australian time) outlining a five-year deal for Australia’s premier racing series to compete at the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

The new arrangement will make the United States the fifth offshore venue to host the V8 Supercars Championship in its history, joining New Zealand, China, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

Texas Governor Rick Perry, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, V8 Supercars Chairman Tony Cochrane and founding partner of Circuit of the Americas, Tavo Hellmund, were on hand for the historic announcement.

The Circuit of the Americas is under construction to host the 2012 Formula One United States Grand Prix and the 2013 MotoGP Grand Prix World Championship.

The 5.5km state of the art circuit is the first purpose-built Grand Prix Circuit in the United States.

There will be two, 200-kilometre races held on a regular Friday to Sunday race weekend for V8 Supercars with the date to be announced.

In a groundbreaking deal, the SPEED network will cover the event live throughout North and South America.

The network, which features the likes of Aussie Leigh Diffey among its on-air line-up, has embraced V8 Supercars over the last 18 months. SPEED is a member of the FOX Cable Network with more than 79 million subscribers in the US alone.

The new deal also advances V8 Supercars’ international expansion, with plans to stage up to six events each year outside of Australia and New Zealand.

“North Americans have embraced V8 Supercars through the SPEED network in a way that is beyond anything we could have imagined,” Cochrane said.

“It’s an amazing feat for an Australian-born sport, or business, to have such popularity in the world’s largest motorsport market. This is a huge deal for V8 Supercars and one that all Australians should be proud of.

“Our sport is delighted to have entered this partnership with Austin and the incredible Circuit of the Americas. This is a truly amazing place and one we hope many Australians will travel to.”

Governor Perry said: “While Texas has established itself as the nation’s place for business, it’s quickly becoming the nation’s place for big sporting events, as well. V8 Supercars now joins Formula One, MotoGP, NASCAR, the NFL, NBA, NCAA and USTA, among the many that have chosen Texas to host major events in the last few years.

“This is more good news for the Lone Star State, and will provide a significant boost to the economy of Central Texas.”

Steve Sexton, President of Circuit of the Americas said: “The addition of V8 Supercars into our lineup at Circuit of The Americas will add to what we already know will be a rich and exhilarating fan experience.

“We’re thrilled the racing world is so excited about our facility. Austin is poised to become the premiere North American destination for international motorsports.

“In addition to hosting the four wheel and two wheel world championships, the United States will now enjoy the world’s best touring car series here in Austin.”

The Circuit of the Americas master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use.

Its signature element will be a 5.5km circuit with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical trauma and care training facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference centre, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space.

Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event centre and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.

Austin is the capital city of the US state of Texas and the seat of Travis County. It is home to just under 800,000 people.

Located in central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States.

It is a sister city of Adelaide, home to one of V8 Supercars’ biggest annual events: the Clipsal 500.


you lucky bastages, I'd love to see a race in person.
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