Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas Progressing

On November 16-18 the United States Grand Prix will take place on a brand new track being built in my home state. Only a few hours drive, and I will attend this world class racing event later this year. If you've followed the progress you know the path the Circuit of the Americas has taken up to this point has not been all smooth sailing.

The original organizer of the US GP was Tavo Hellmund, a former driver who put in place the plan to stage this race. Hellmund's plan was approved by Bernie Ecclestone, F1's top executive, but a lack of funding caused Hellmund to be forced out and led to delays in the construction of the facility. Present owners have moved forward and are confident the delays seen up to this point will not cause the postponement of the race again. The race's original date was for earlier in the year.

By contrast, the pavement being laid down at this time is checked for smootheness at a critical rate of no other paving project anywhere in the world, except for like racing circuits and test tracks built by the same design team building COTA just outside of Austin, Texas, USA.

Dr. Rainer Hart, along with Tilke Engineers and Architects, (and local contractors) have built Formula 1 tracks all over the world since 1985. Here in Austin, a unique formula of asphalt is being laid down with a precision suitable to support the most highly specialized and precisely built and operated racing machines the world has ever known.

Work on the asphalt surface has begun on non-critical areas, such as the four lanes in front of the paddocks. Once it is verified as acceptable, the actual track surface will commence and will continue without stopping to prevent surface discrepancies. Core samples are taken and analyzed for the proper constitution. Paving eveness is checked electronically with a specialized paving machine, along with a 13ft (4m) straightedge.

Check on the progress and read Dan Knutson's article here:

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/articles/asphalt-was-developed-specifically-for-the-circuit-of-the-americas

-katykarter