As expected, the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin has been saved thanks to state government action in Texas.
The race was put into doubt last winter when the promoter failed to file all the necessary paperwork to qualify for the reimbursement of tax revenues that has been used to fund the race in recent years. This cost a whopping $25 million, which meant that the race was struggling to pay the required fees.
The problem became public after a leak in the local Austin newspaper and the Governor’s Office said that, because procedures had not been properly followed, the payment could not be made. The only solution was to pass a bill that would make it possible to reapply for the reimbursement. This was put forward by a Republican Representative called John Frullo and passed through the House of Representatives and will now go through the Texas Senate before the session ends on May 27. It was fortunate that the state government was in session because that happens only once every two years.
Frullo said that he backed the bill because it made no sense to lose the Grand Prix as the result of a technicality. The race will go ahead on November 3 in Austin.
Source:JSBL
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