United States Grand Prix Group Brands World-Class Facility "Circuit of the Americas™"

AUSTIN, Texas, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Grand Prix group responsible for bringing Formula 1™ back to the United States in 2012, has officially named its Austin facility, Circuit of the Americas. The brand signifies that the center will be a premier destination in the western hemisphere where business leaders, entertainers and sports fans come to see world-class performances. The name draws on the history and tradition of motorsports racing globally and serves as an invitation to every fan seeking a premier entertainment experience.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110412/DA81834LOGO)

"We are building a destination for entertainment and business, not simply a race track, and this brand reflects that entire idea," said Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, L.P. and Chairman of Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. "Racing days will account for a total of about 30 days a year, but great performances and winning ideas will be inspired by this brand every day."

The new logo mark consists of the logo-typed name ornamented with red and gray streamers to evoke feelings of performance, competition and victory.

"One of the most inviting aspects of the name is the word 'Americas'," said Red McCombs, Founding Partner of the facility. "It reflects Austin's ideal location at the crossroads of North America from north to south, east to west. Also, it speaks to our state as a center of commerce and cultural exchange in this hemisphere. I look forward to meeting many fans and visitors who will be coming from every country."

Multi-purpose Facilities

The Circuit of the Americas master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. The paddock building on race weekends, for example, will also serve as a 500-person banquet hall for events such as private or corporate dinners and nonprofit fundraising galas.

The main grandstand plan includes luxury suites that can be used for business entertaining; and with a capacity of nearly 750 people and a commercial kitchen and cafe, the media and conference center will host business conferences, seminars and receptions. During race weekends, it will convert into an international media center, accommodating the world's traveling press.

The 5,400 square foot Medical Building is being built for year round use as a training facility for area emergency care professionals and medical school students. During races, it will serve as a trauma care location for driver-athletes who may be injured in competition.

Fourteen suites, each 3,600 square feet with elevators and kitchens, will be outfitted with the latest A/V gear and high-speed web connections to serve as business meeting suites for up to 75 people each. During race weekends, teams and sponsors will use the suites for meetings and hospitality.

Live music entertainment with world-class performers will be a staple at Circuit of the Americas during race and non-race weekends. The Grand Plaza is designed as an open stage area where performers can entertain thousands of people in a panoramic setting.  Permanent concessions, restrooms and other amenities will make the experience comfortable and memorable.

About Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and be the U.S. home to both the Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix World Championships.

The Circuit of the Americas master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include a medical trauma and care training facility, 14 executive meeting suites, a conference center, a banquet hall as well as an expansive outdoor live music space. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.

For more information, visit www.CircuitoftheAmericas.com.

SOURCE Circuit of the Americas