Circuit Of The Americas CEO Welcomes More North American Races On F1 Schedule

COTA

The return of Mexico City on next year's F1 schedule will help the sport grow in North America, COTA CEO Jason Dial said. The Mexico City race, which is scheduled for Nov. 1, a week after the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, will bring the total number of North American F1 races to three — the third one is the Canadian GP in Montreal.

Dial told SBD Global that for the long-term health of the sport in North America, it is only beneficial to have more races in time zones and viewing time periods that are more suitable for fans.

For COTA, which has attracted a large number of fans from south of the border over the past several years, the new race could result in fewer Mexicans making the trip up north.

Dial: "I think the reality is, yes, I'll hurt a little bit." However, he believes the unique backdrop of Austin will continue to entice fans to make the pilgrimage from Mexico or from across the pond. The racetrack has already been in discussions with its int'l fans, especially those from Mexico, and as Dial said ahead of Sunday's race, many have expressed their intentions to come back in '15.

SIN CITY
F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone's pursuit of a second race in the U.S. seems to have shifted from the N.Y. area to the Nevada desert. Recent media reports have suggested that F1's commercial rights holder is in talks with organizers to put on a race on the Las Vegas strip.

In comparison to a race in N.Y., the close proximity of Las Vegas could result in a potential loss of fans from California for COTA, according to Dial.

However, he added the vast differences between Austin and Las Vegas in terms of fan experience make either of the events very unique and would attract a different type of audience. "Vegas is one of the most unique cities we have, you either love it or you hate it," Dial said.

"I think folks that enjoy going to Las Vegas, they are going to be very intrigued with how they pull off a race there." COTA organizers are aware of potential competition on the North American continent, however, their focus is on what they can control.

Dial: "At the end of the day, what we control is the weekend experience that we create at both our Fan Fest downtown as well as everything we do here [at the circuit]." HJ Mai Sportsbusinessdaily.com