USGP is the real deal – Hellmund

The man behind the United States Grand Prix is adamant his vision for the race is “no fairytale or witchcraft”.
The city of Austin in Texas is due to host what will be the first USGP for five years in 2012 after signing a 10-year deal in May with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

A purpose-built facility close to the city’s airport is due to be built, with the layout already close to completion and likely to be presented to the FIA next month.

Tavo Hellmund, a lifelong friend of Ecclestone and the managing partner of promoters Full Throttle Productions, has no doubt the race will happen and be a success.

“Austin has developed immensely over the last 15 years, in every aspect, so for me there was no better place to hold the United States Grand Prix,” said Hellmund.

“The state of Texas has developed into the 11th biggest global economy and many of the Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters there, and Austin is the capital.

“My fellow countrymen can reach it easily, as well as fans from central and south America. In this respect it’s perfectly central.

“My philosophy is you will succeed if you are at the right place at the right time, and for a grand prix in Austin, Texas, I considered it to be the right time.

“We have a contract for the next 10 years, but if you ask me we could race here for the next 40 years. We are planning something grand, something that has permanence.

“Bernie has brilliant ideas on how to inject thrills into the race weekend with support events, mega parties in the park. This is no fairytale or witchcraft. I know that we can do it, but hard work lies before us.”

Hellmund has one of America’s richest men on board in Red McCombs, a former owner of NBA teams San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets, as well as NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.

With McCombs on board, failure is not an option for Hellmund.

“Red’s legendary ownership experience in the NBA and NFL are huge assets, and we have hired various agencies and staff that are the best of the best,” added Hellmund.

“Their experience ranges from the entertainment/business world to being involved in the election campaigns of Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama.

“Their goal and ours is not only to establish the US Grand Prix at home, but also make it a worldwide event. America shall be proud of it. Therefore, we will build a track that will stand as a symbol.

“Bernie has given us the platform and you can be sure we will use it.”

But in a market that has been tough for F1 to crack over the years, there is speculation regarding the prospect of a second race in the US which could ultimately undermine Austin.

As a businessman, Ecclestone is far from dismissing the idea, if not suggesting it is a little far-fetched for now as he is firmly behind the Austin project.

“Let’s make one thing clear, Austin will be the US Grand Prix,” said Ecclestone.

“But that does not mean we cannot have another race in the US with another label. I would be insane if there were the option to race in New York and I said ‘no thanks’. But for now that’s nothing more than a pipe dream.

“The reality is we have a contract with Austin and it is there where the US Grand Prix will be staged.”