Talks over a brand new contract to maintain the US 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 might be finalized previous to subsequent month’s race however have but to conclude.
“Conversations are ongoing and I feel we’re optimistic,” Epstein mentioned. “I’ve little doubt that they wish to do something however proceed and likewise will we, so that could be a fairly good place to begin for dialog. However there hasn’t been a way of urgency on both of our ends, I do not suppose and when it is time we’ll come to an settlement.”
Epstein says there have been no main modifications requested by F1 relating to the subsequent settlement, though hospitality choices are more likely to develop because of a longer-term dedication.
“I do not suppose there’s many huge variations actually for us,” he mentioned. “I suppose 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 unbelievable, the demand for the hospitality.
“So I feel what they want to see is an even bigger Paddock Membership and we’re taking a look at creating one thing extremely particular that I hope we unveil together with a contract extension. So it might be a Paddock Membership in contrast to any Paddock Membership that anybody has presently. So that is what we’re taking a look at and we’re speaking about, and we’re very enthusiastic about it – each of us.”
This yr’s race shall be held throughout the weekend of Oct. 17-19 and demand stays excessive. Epstein mentioned 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 mentioned. “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 obtained checks from the federal government right here and had some more cash to spend. I feel that is the most important distinction. It isn’t the love for the game or the demand for the game, I might say it is the economic system.”
