What other track can host an F1 race in the US?

Answer 1

There are several tracks that with a little work could perhaps apply to host a US GP should it return. There is also the posibility of a street or other temporary course (I shudder at the thought of another Las Vegas parking lot circuit).

FIA specs demand a lot of tracks. Width, run-off areas, fencing, paddock space; all of these are key factors. I also think tracks are at least expected to be "long enough." Laguna in its present form, for example, is a bit short with the cars capable of something like a 1m06 lap (I cannot recall what that Toyota did, but I also know Bourdais broke that record with a 07 Champ Car).

I have thought for some years now that Road America would be a great circuit for a US GP. There are, though, some problems. For one, it is in the middle of nowhere. We've already seen Silverstone threatened to lose its race for the problems with access. The track would need complete resurfacing, I expect new walls and fences (and probably a lot of trees cut down to accommodate these).

Watkins Glen is a wonderful place to go (I only went once to watch a friend in a Formula Renault test day) but lacks some things for F1. Again, it is in the middle of nowhere. While that was fine in the previous run the track had as a F1 stop, today's F1 attracts a larger crowd that expects classy hotels, things to do outside the track, and so on. I doubt there are hotels to accommodate the numbers that would attend an F1 race there; they'd have to have people staying in Syracuse!

Road Atlanta is too bumpy. I don't see it as a track suited to F1 cars.

I wonder if Barber Motorsports Park could handle it? Certainly it is a wonderful layout, has a great paddock already. But I don't myself know much about the surrounding area.

I suspect, short of Indy luring F1 back, that Las Vegas will be the place. They will come up with something (better than what Champ Car used I hope) and they will have the money to 1) line Bernie's pockets and 2) do everything necessary to get going fast.

It's a shame that there is no US GP scheduled for 2008. F1 fans in North America went too long in the 1990s without a race there, and now it is apparently gone again.

RP

Answer 2

There are very few tracks (Indy, Daytona for example) which fulfill all the necessary criteria:

1. F1 safety standards
2. F1 track infrastructure standards
3. Proximity to a major population centre
4. Excellent local infrastructure
5. More than 2 miles long

Several tracks have two or three of these criteria and are also excellent, exciting road courses...with the right investment they could be the right place to showcase F1 in the USA:

Laguna Seca
Road Atlanta
Road America
Watkins Glen

are the ones I'd most like to see upgraded to F1 standards.

The main problem with all these tracks is that they are too narrow...if they could be widened without changing the essential character of the track then they would be the best option.

If not, then I wouldn't mind going back to Long Beach as a temporary measure. It's easily the best track that has been used in the US since the demise of the Glen.

Answer 3

as far as the best track for a race laguna seca by far, imagine watching them rocketing through the cork screw, (shuddering in delight) but the logistics of it are all wrong, its in the middle of no where, monetary isn't exactly the poster city of glitz and glamor, but los angelase and las vegas are,
long beach has all the logistical support centers needed be it sea freight or air freight, but the track is less than optimal, i have the feeling that the f1 money would be enough for the city to up grade it quick, the hard part would be keeping kimi sober in vegas or l.a.

Answer 4

On the west coast I would love to see Laguna Seca, but Watkins Glenn and Road America would be great also. All these tracks proably dont meet the FIA's requirements for track safety.

Answer 5

Other than Indy you mean. Past F1 races have been held at Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca. Any other road course in the country big enough could be used.

Answer 6

I think laguna seca is a very good race track in the US

Answer 7

Any track that is up to spec.for F1.

Answer 8

laguna seca, definitely. or ask mr tilker to design a new track.

Answer 9

u people have already got a race..

give others a chance (like india)

btw im an indian

Answer 10

Phoenix is an awesome track...I want it back.