New Jersey set to host second US GP (?)

[Moxie]

http://www.crash.net/f1/news/174296/...ond_us_gp.html

[oldredracer]

Shivers are running up and down my leg in anticipation of the ticket prices for this one. Bernie too, I suppose, but for a different reason.
I KNEW we should never have moved out of Weehawken. There's a sweeping left-hander on Boulevard East leading to a 90 that would run right past our old place. Excellent passing opportunity. Turn-in would involve removing the statue of Hamilton, but as it's Al, not Lewis, that won't be a problem.

[rslonaker]

Possible track map?
http://twitpic.com/74p9t0

[oldredracer]

Originally Posted by rslonaker

Possible track map?
http://twitpic.com/74p9t0

By golly, it WILL run past the house. I thought Liberty Park was in the running.

[rslonaker]

And here is the elevation render. They must be planning to make a semi-permanent track in Liberty Park? Paul, is there a road in there like this?
http://twitpic.com/75pe2j

[cdh]

Mostly existing roads - street racers will be going crazy running it. I am "driving it" now in google street view. Some residents will have incredible seats, much work to do. I'm snapping screenshots, will post in a bit. Very cool

[oldredracer]

Originally Posted by rslonaker

And here is the elevation render. They must be planning to make a semi-permanent track in Liberty Park? Paul, is there a road in there like this?

Rob, it took me a while to figure out where Liberty Park was, especially because one report I read said the track was in NJ AND NY. When I lived there, Liberty Park had no name, just 3 or 4 trees and a fence. The major north/south road was just Boulevard East then also (pre-JFK. Heck. Pre-Hoover). Trio's first pic is looking down River Road toward the river, with a VERY big elevation change as it runs down to the river from the Palisades and then all the way north to Englewood.
While all racers must be excited about all this, I'm going to lay awake nights picturing all those roads WITHOUT potholes. With people trapped for days in their houses, separated from shopping by catch fencing and striped curbing, commerce (except Bernie's) at a standstill, although the little bodega on the opposite corner from the River Road pic must be pre-ordering beer by the truckload, F1 cars at full song roaring past the hospital and the Hudson ala Monaco. It should be noted that since my birth, every mayor from Englewood due south to Hoboken has been indicted or convicted of something nefarious.
Anybody got an over/under on how long this will last after the neighbors find out?

[dalyduo]

I believe Liberty Park is down near the Statue of Liberty. This location is directly across the Hudson from midtown Manhattan. The south end of the course is at about 50th street and the north end is about 74th street. It's looking out on the same area of the river where the "Miracle on the Hudson" took place.

The track area won't enclose any existing housing so they should be able to manage local traffic without preventing ingress or egress during the race.

Interesting logistics for sure but I'll bet they work it out. t's about three weeks of inconvenience locally but there will be a lot of jobs and money flowing their way so most will like it and there will only be live cars running for 3 days sd it's a once a year event not a year round racing facility.

I've no doubt the right palms will be greased to make some mostly undervalued property come alive for the people who've been sitting on it for decades.

Originally Posted by rslonaker

And here is the elevation render. They must be planning to make a semi-permanent track in Liberty Park? Paul, is there a road in there like this?
http://twitpic.com/75pe2j

[sydude]

Most importantly, who thinks that the NJ GP will take place BEFORE the Austin F1 race ever does? And who also thinks that the Austin F1 race won't ever happen at all?

[dalyduo]

Here's a decent synopsis of the current scuttlebutt. Hard to tell if it's the tip of a doomsday iceberg or just stirring the pot.
Considering all the money and infrastructure that must be put in place to first have the F1 dog and pony show arrive there for a couple of weeks a year and then to keep a flow of activities and commerce happening year round to maintain it... I'd probably bet on Jersey first seeing an F1 car. Hope I'm wrong though and we all get to see F1 in NJ and TX.

http://www.insideline.com/car-news/w...-f1-track.html

[cdh]

Large rendering of proposed circuit

good detail

was wondering what the space is for the grandstands at T5-6, checking satellite view, that is the Exxon station.
Wonder if there are plans to buy them out? If not it will be the world's busiest mini-mart

[rslonaker]

Good find Doug, all they need is a tunnel and a casino and it will be just like that other street race... you know... what's it called... its got a swimming pool, and a harbor, and hotels...

[cdh]

Originally Posted by rslonaker

Good find Doug, all they need is a tunnel and a casino and it will be just like that other street race... you know... what's it called... its got a swimming pool, and a harbor, and hotels...

right, the one with all the cafes and what not...

Of interest, the "F1 Temporary Concrete Wall with FIA-Fence" around the rail tunnel.

[coreymac]

So excited for F1 in New Jersey!!!

[cdh]

Interesting...

Five minutes with... Leo Hindery Jr.

and this

Three-day race hits local streets in 2013
Formula One cars in WNY, Weehawken could peak at 200 MPH

and in nearby Jersey City -

[cdh]

some good views in this vid...

[dalyduo]

Based on the preceding "5 Minutes..." article there is no question this is so going to happen. He totally gets what must be done to make it work both politically and practically. While I doubt there will be many owners and drivers rooming in New Jersey there will be thousands of hotel rooms and meals served there for race fans. It will bring a significant financial bounce for both states.

It's his long range view of what must be done to make the track viable and the event meaningful that gets you excited. He has the vision necessary to make it happen. Construction has already begun on a facility that won't be used for two years. By putting people to work building it before even announcing what it is makes it difficult to stop. They've got the land and the layout, people are already being paid to build the infrastructure and the all the politicians are on board. There may be some local land owners who will object to having their home turf invaded once a year but I suspect the vast majority will embrace it realizing the value of their investment will be up year round while the inconvenience of the race will only last a couple of weeks.

[cdh]

Pat, you sound like you are being defensive when you need not be. I have always said I want this, I hope it happens, etc. I brought up some problems that may well be encountered in such an undertaking in NY, NJ, as well as the unforeseen glitches that always come up in projects this large and unique (change order, my two favorite words as a contractor ), but never called any of them deal killers. As for the locals, the majority already embrace it, poll from 8/2011:

some local opinions

Hope I just misread your sentiments, but I wanted to clear this up. I love NY, grew up 20 minutes from mid-town, lived there for 6 years, a staunch defender always, just being realistic about it, that's all. Cheers mate

[dalyduo]

Thanks Doug... No I'm excited about this and pretty certain we're both on the same side here. I'm pleasantly shocked at how far ahead they are with this plan as it was brilliant to get it so worked out before going public with it. Tells me they see the big picture, have done their homework and know how to get it done. The NYC cynic in me keeps looking for the loopholes or possible problem that will trip it up but so far, there aren't any steaming piles to worry about or avoid. I want to go over and buy an apartment overlooking the course right now!

Originally Posted by cdh

Pat, you sound like you are being defensive when you need not be. I have always said I want this, I hope it happens, etc. I brought up some problems that may well be encountered in such an undertaking in NY, NJ, as well as the unforeseen glitches that always come up in projects this large and unique (change order, my two favorite words as a contractor ), but never called any of them deal killers. As for the locals, the majority already embrace it, poll from 8/2011:

some local opinions

Hope I just misread your sentiments, but I wanted to clear this up. I love NY, grew up 20 minutes from mid-town, lived there for 6 years, a staunch defender always, just being realistic about it, that's all. Cheers mate