Austin MotoGP in doubt?

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MotoGP's planned 2013 debut at the new circuit being built in Austin, Texas is reported to be under threat due to 'contract issues'.

A ten-year MotoGP deal with the Circuit of the Americas was announced last April and followed hot on the heels of an agreement with Formula One, which will see the four-wheel grand prix championship debut in 2012.

But both agreements were put in doubt by a series of 'complications', most significantly the departure of original promoter Tavo Hellmund. F1 subsequently reached a new arrangement with the circuit owners, but that appears not to yet be the case for MotoGP.

According to Austin newspaper Statesman.com, 1993 world champion and Texan native Kevin Schwantz has sent a letter to Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of the Americas, urging him to take action.

As well as advising on the design of the circuit, Schwantz is manager of 3FourTexas MGP, which closed the original ten-year deal alongside Dorna and Hellmund's Full Throttle Productions company. 

Schwantz wrote: "I urge you one final time to contact Mr. [Tavo] Hellmund about obtaining the rights to host a MotoGP race in Texas, after which I would be glad to open discussions with you as the new promoter. If you have not obtained such rights from Full Throttle, then unfortunately Circuit of the Americas will not be included as a round of the FIM Grand Prix Road Racing World Championship."

In an email to The Statesman, Sexton expressed confidence that a major two-wheeled championship would be on the circuit's 2013 schedule, but seemed to confirm that no deal is yet in place.

"We are in discussions with several major race series who have reached out to us, and our confidence is high that three to five major world-class events, including a two-wheel championship, will be on the 2013 schedule - and that these races will take place under terms favorable to the Circuit and the series owners."

Existing American MotoGP venues Laguna Seca and Indianapolis have a contract in place until 2014.

The inaugural Austin F1 Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on November 16-18.

source: crash.net

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MotoGP may not hit Texas in 2013

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Construction at the Circuit of Americas in Austin, Texas has been halted over contract issues, casting doubts over its addition to the 2013 MotoGP calendar.

The fallout has all stemmed from contract negotiations relating to the F1 race which was due to be held there in 2012.

Circuit organisers in charge of building the new venue have decided to stop construction after a falling-out with promoters, Full Throttle Productions. Bernie Ecclestone has now said the F1 race won't be happening in 2012, as the £16m sanctioning fee due to be paid to him by the Texas state government has not been paid.

The project will continue when a new contract has been agreed upon for the circuit organisers, including a guarantee that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will be held at Circuit of The Americas in 2012. Kevin Schwantz was pivotal in securing a 10-year deal for the Circuit of Americas to host a round of the MotoGP championship from 2013.

Bobby Epstein, founding partner of the Circuit of the Americas, said: "We have spent tremendous resources preparing for the Formula 1 and MotoGP Championship races, but the failure to deliver race contracts gives us great concern.

"We believe the United States is vital for the future of Formula 1 and its teams and sponsors. Given the purpose-built Tilke design, creating a unique fan experience and iconic challenge for drivers, we hope that Texas will not be left behind. More than 100,000 fans have expressed an interest in purchasing tickets for Formula 1 alone."

Race promoters, Full Throttle Productions released a subsequent statement: "After years of effort in getting F1 to Austin, Full Throttle Productions and city, county and state officials have done all we could. It is the responsibility of Circuit of the Americas to bring it across the finish line. For the sake of everyone, we are hopeful that they can reach an agreement with Formula 1."

"We've done everything we bloody well can to make this race happen," said Ecclestone.

source: visordown

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Texas For MotoGP

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Texas will host the 2013 MotoGP after Laguna Seca and Indianapolis circuit. This new circuit will replace on of those track. Laguna Seca holds the license until 2014m while Indianapolis only until 2011,

"We're pleased to learn of the addition of another MotoGP event to the United States,” said Belskus. “This can only help elevate the profile in America of this thrilling form of motorsport, which will benefit all existing MotoGP races in this country and enhance the global prestige of the World Championship. We're committed to the growth of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP and motorcycle road racing in the United States."

“Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca brought MotoGP to the United States in 2005 and we welcome the addition of a third venue in anticipation of expanding the World Championship to a broader audience,” said Campbell.

“There's no denying that our country's and state's economic condition the past two years has hindered attendance growth. I am hopeful that this expansion into a new demographic is a sign that fans and corporate sponsors are intensifying their support of the world's best motorcycle racers.”

This Texas circuit also scheduled for F1 race on 2012. With 3.4 miles length and 20 turns, Circuit of the Americas is the 3rd MotoGP circuits in United States. Spain is the top host country with 3 races, while Italy and United States, both hold 2 licenses on MotoGP race

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