Austin GP track designers announced
Formula 1 United States™ developers announced today that Dallas–based HKS, Inc., a leading global architectural design firm and the premier architects of American modern sporting facilities, and Germany–based Tilke Engineers & Architects, the world’s leading designer for racetrack and test facilities, will lead the local and international team assembled for the construction of the world–class, multipurpose facility in Austin, TX, that will be home to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™.
Drawing from their collective experience and passion for sports around the world, HKS Sports & Entertainment Group – with more than 50 years of experience designing state–of–the–art sports venues – and Tilke Engineers & Architects – with more than 25 years of experience building modern–day racetracks – are part of a dynamic team that will construct the future home of the United States’ first purpose–built Formula 1 racetrack. Slated to host its first event in 2012, this much–anticipated Grand Prix facility will provide a fully–integrated architectural and entertainment experience for both event participants and visitors.
"The HKS Sports and Entertainment Group is extremely energized about our role in bringing the Formula 1 United States venue to life," said Mark Williams, principal with HKS. "We are honored to work with Tilke, a global leader in racetrack construction, and the entire Formula 1 United States team. Our design expertise, coupled with this world entity, will result in a destination environment that will elevate the face of Formula 1 United States on a global scale and further enhance one of America’s great cities."
HKS is recognized as a world leader in the design and architecture of sports facilities and their global project experience includes Estadio Maracana – Rio de Janeiro, Acapulco’s Mextenis, Torreon Mexico’s Estadio Corona, the English Premier League’s Liverpool Football Stadium and a plethora of United States football, baseball, soccer and collegiate facilities. In addition to their global architecture expertise, HKS has partnered with Dallas/Fort Worth’s professional teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers.
In addition, HKS is credited for the design and architecture of other professional sports team venues, including the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. HKS is committed to not only creating a world–class venue for sporting events, but also creating a facility that is a destination experience for visitors and enhances the overall brand.
"HKS’ leadership in the design and construction of Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas — the largest and most technologically advanced NFL stadium in the world — is a testament to the level of skill, experience and attention to detail they will bring to this facility," stated Tavo Hellmund, chairman of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
As a global leader in the construction of modern–day tracks, Tilke is credited for raising the bar in motorsports design with numerous track construction projects, including Bahrain International Circuit, Korean International Circuit, Sepang International Circuit, Shanghai International Circuit, Istanbul Park and YAS Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Combining Tilke’s experience in architecture and engineering, the Austin–based, modern–era Grand Prix track is sure to be an exhilarating experience for both drivers and spectators alike.
"Never before has a cast been assembled in motorsports history that has the combined wealth of experience and knowledge that HKS and Tilke bring to this project," said Hellmund. "Having industry leaders in sports facility architecture and design raises the bar for future motorsports facilities in this country and around the world. We are pleased that a collaboration of this caliber will take place in Texas."
Several other Austin and Texas–based companies – Rocket Red, 3 Point Partners, Walter P. Moore, Kimley–Horn and Associates, Miro Rivera Architects, Carlson Brigance & Doering, Inc., Terracon Consultants, Inc., Horizon Environmental Services, Inc., Michael E. James and Associates, Inc., Armbrust & Brown, Kaminski Interests, Inc., MBC Consultants, Inc. and Haynes–Eaglin–Waters – have been retained to work on the Formula 1 United States project and each play an essential role in the completion of this facility.
In addition to the 3.4–mile circuit that combines 133 feet of elevation change and 20 turns, the Austin facility will include additional visitor attractions such as a driving/riding experience and seminar/banquet building, motorsports driving club, kart track and a large multipurpose fan engagement area.
About HKS, Inc.
The HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, ranked as one of the top sports and entertainment designers by BD World Architecture, has ushered in a new generation of multi–revenue–generating, world–class facilities. The group’s portfolio includes Metrodome Next Venue, Liverpool FC Stadium, Cowboys Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Miller Park and major renovations and additions for U.S. Cellular Field and Dodger Stadium. These venues are known for enhancing and leveraging team brand, delivering an enhanced fan experience and serving as destination environments. HKS is ranked among the top–four architectural/engineering firms, according to Building Design+Construction magazine, and operates from 23 U.S. and worldwide offices.
11/22/10 Dallas-based architectural firm HKS Inc. has been hired to design much of the proposed $250 million Formula One complex on a 900-acre tract southeast of Austin, although not the circuit itself. HKS is perhaps best known for its work on the Dallas Cowboys' futuristic, $1.2 billion stadium that debuted this year.
German engineering firm Tilke GmbH is designing the 3.4-mile circuit at the site.
Mark Williams, principal with HKS, said in a statement: "We are honored to work with Tilke, a global leader in racetrack construction, and the entire Formula 1 United States team. Our design expertise, coupled with this world entity, will result in a destination environment that will elevate the face of Formula 1 United States on a global scale and further enhance one of America's great cities."
Tilke has done most of the recent design or redesign of the tracks used in F1 racing. Although sometimes criticized by F1 fans for producing predictable races, the Tilke tracks are usually dazzling.
So are the new digs for the Dallas Cowboys, featuring a 160-foot long, 600-ton video board as the showstopper.
Internationally, HKS is known for, among other things, its work on the English Premier League's Liverpool Football Stadium and Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
HKS was founded 71 years ago and now has 23 offices worldwide.
Tilke representatives have said they are not worried about missing the 2012 deadline.
Recently, the project has been getting the needed approvals from various city commissions.
Other Texas and Austin-based firms associated with the project include Carlson, Brigance & Doering; Kimley-Horn and Associates; Terracon Consultants Inc.; Rocket Red; Miro Rivera Architects; 3 Point Partners; Horizon Environmental Services; Michael E. James & Associates Inc.; Walter P Moore; Kaminski Interests Inc.; MBC Consultants Inc.; Haynes-Eaglin-Waters; and Armbrust & Brown.
Of the pairing of HKS and Tilke, Hellmund said in a statement: "Having industry leaders in sports facility architecture and design raises the bar for future motorsports facilities in this country and around the world. We are pleased that a collaboration of this caliber will take place in Texas." The Statesman