Austin organizers back New Jersey Grand Prix

Organizers of the returning United States Grand Prix in Texas have backed the addition to the F1 calendar of a second race, on the streets of New Jersey. The Texas event, staged at the brand-new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, will debut next year before the New Jersey event makes its first appearance for the 2013 season.

In 2013, F1 will stage two Grands Prix in the USA for the first time since 1984, when Detroit and Dallas were the settings. This time, Texas’ event will be government-funded whereas the New Jersey race will be backed by a consortium of investors.

“The announcement of a New Jersey-based Formula 1 race is great news for motorsports fans in North America," Steve Sexton, Circuit of the Americas President, comments via a statement. “It will be a unique street course race and is yet another acknowledgement of the viability, demand, economic benefit and prestige a Grand Prix brings to a region.

“The New Jersey race also demonstrates F1's strong commitment to elevating awareness of the sport, which can only help build the fan base."

At present, the Texas race is set to be officially labeled ‘United States Grand Prix’ whereas the New Jersey addition will be ‘Grand Prix of America’.