KL20

iTrader: (18)

I cannot freaking wait! Austin is building a track due to hold all 3 classes of MotoGP for the next 10 years. Anyone wanna go see Elbowz, the Kentucky Kid, the Doctor, etc with me?

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

The track is not a done deal, although they are moving dirt there now.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...8c44465e0b.a61

Make sure you local congressman and senator know that you are for this investment in Texas' future.

KL20

iTrader: (18)

I thought it was a sure thing? What I just read on MotoGP's site said all was a go and the contract is complete. Man I hope, so much cheaper and closer than Laguna Seca.

gringo dfw

Its politics involved. Dont take anything for granted in this country anymore.

tmiller

I don't see why the State needs to be involved anyways, it should be a private investment. If the numbers work it should get built, if it doesn't **** it.

HTX

iTrader: (1)

Because the state is going to spend tax payer money to pay for it.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

EVERY industry that relocates to an area asks for tax abatements to help offset the cost of construction and relocation.

If the state can justify spending $25M today and it will generate 250M in tax revenue the next ten years, that's a pretty good return on investment.

The problem is that the state has been cutting funding to schools. Consequently teachers are being laid off in droves.

So it makes good press for a lawmaker to say I like teachers more than I like a race track owner. Guess who can give the lawmaker more votes?

speedracer2536

iTrader: (15)

The numbers do work..

onspeed

iTrader: (3)

The state money being used is part of a fund that allocated for sporting events. Not like tax money that would otherwise go to education or something.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

And you and I both know its not about what is right or wrong, rather what makes a good sound bite on the 6.

I honestly hope the track makes it because the group I race with has a very good shot at competing on it.

I remember all the hoopla surrounding Texas Motorspeedway back in the mid 90s. The track told the state and local governments that they needed to upgrade infrastructure to accomodate the influx and outflow of traffic.

Did they listen? No ... it took several years for ANYTHING to start building roads to get folks in and out of the track on race weekends.

And similar scenarios play out all the time ... the new Cowboy's Stadium comes to mind. That facility could be in Dallas county right now if the politicians weren't involved.

Now they are crying the blues about budget short-falls. Do we hear anything about the City of Arlington having financial problems?

KL20

iTrader: (18)

They seem to be basing the idea on the track in Indy not doing so good on the return investment. I personally think it will be a success and will bring more attention to the sport of MotoGP. Now the return may not be as great the first year, but I believe will be higher after each event. I just hope they decide to give it an honest attempt.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

x2

Hopefully they will see how successful TMS has been.

KL20

iTrader: (18)

It would be great to also see riding schools held there also, to breed new not only MotoGP riders, but also all AMA classes as well. That is just an additional bonus and more revenue to the city.

brokenfly

i would just like to be able hear those F1 cars screaming around once in my lifetime...

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

Ill put this subject to rest since my company is building the track(well doing all structural inspections). The track is being built, it will be done by March 2012. The project is funded, its not going to be stopped. Simple as that.

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

Pics of progress or it isn't true.

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

Im not the tech onsite so I dont go out there. Im in charge of the north Austin area and as Im sure you know, the site is in SE Austin.

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/sports/formu...rack-designers
Check the list of Austin based companies, I work for Terracon. Ive got a pic of my company truck


If I go out there to help out one day Ill get some pictures and post them in this thread for you. Not much to see right now though, Ranger is just moving dirt making the big cuts for all the select fill thats going in under the actual track.

KL20

iTrader: (18)

Nice, thanks for the reassurance!

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

LOL ... sweet ride. What mods? Any lap times from the track in question?

Pics would be sweet!

1slow01Z71

iTrader: (36)

Yeah its got mods, free gas, maintenance and I get to take it home so the best mods you can get

Something that I did find interesting that I heard about a month or so ago is theyre thinking about putting in a sprinkler system to simulate rain for some possible wet races. I dont know if I see that happening though as theyre already going to be having a difficult enough time finishing on schedule as it is much less adding in a lot more civil work with drainage and then the actual sprinkler system.

Its really going to be a sweet *** track though from the plans Ive seen. Im sure before its all said and done Ill have to go out there to help out on the soils testing and when I do Ill snap some pics for you guys.