Talks over a brand new contract to maintain america Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas are progressing, and COTA chairman Bobby Epstein says he’s “optimistic” about an settlement.
This season’s version is the penultimate race on the present contract, and RACER understands discussions may very well be finalized previous to subsequent month’s race however have but to conclude.
“Conversations are ongoing and I believe we’re optimistic,” Epstein stated. “I’ve little doubt that they wish to do something however proceed and likewise will we, so that may be a fairly good start line for dialog. However there hasn’t been a way of urgency on both of our ends, I do not assume and when it is time we’ll come to an settlement.”
Epstein says there have been no main modifications requested by F1 in relation to the subsequent settlement, though hospitality choices are more likely to develop on account of a longer-term dedication.
“I do not assume there’s many huge variations actually for us,” he stated. “I assume that they want to see an expanded Paddock Membership as a result of they proceed… our golf equipment this yr are all bought out. The Paddock Membership, the trackside, Membership SI – it’s been unimaginable, the demand for the hospitality.
“So I believe what they want to see is a much bigger Paddock Membership and we’re creating one thing extremely particular that I hope we unveil together with a contract extension. So it might be a Paddock Membership not like any Paddock Membership that anybody has at present. So that is what we’re and we’re speaking about, and we’re very enthusiastic about it – each of us.”
This yr’s race will probably be held throughout the weekend of Oct. 17-19 and demand stays excessive. Epstein stated it might show to be the best-attended USGP on the circuit, citing the F1 film as a possible driver of better curiosity.
“We’d get shut [to a new record] – it is early nonetheless,” he stated. “I simply know we’re already within the high three. I do not know that something’s lacking [to beat it], however simply after the pandemic there was such a build-up of demand between Netflix and other people had acquired checks from the federal government right here and had some extra money to spend. I believe that is the most important distinction. It is not the love for the game or the demand for the game, I might say it is the financial system.”
