Austin 400 ultimate sprint race format unveiled
Australia’saction-packed V8 Supercars will put on a show for Texans to remember when thepanel slamming monsters make their U.S. debut at the Circuit of The Americas inAustin this May (17-19).
Circuitof The Americas and V8 Supercars has unveiled the race formats as well as the officialevent name and logo, with the V8 Supercars Austin 400 being raced on the 2.3-mileNational Circuit at the spectacular venue.
Inwhat is the ultimate Australian invasion, the V8 Supercars of Ford, Holden,Nissan and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG will take to the track with aggressive,do-or-die racing that is sure to have U.S. motorsport fans hungry for more.
V8Supercars will contest four 100km sprints at the stunning Austin track with theunveiling of the race formats for the weekend, consisting of two races onSaturday and Sunday, preceded by a qualifying session each morning.
Theultimate intent is showing the massive motorsport heartland what V8 Supercarracing is all about, promising to leave a lasting impact on the Texan andAmerican audiences. A very large contingent of Australians is lining up toattend with Sportsnet Tour packages being snapped up by Aussie fans.
“Wewant to put on an unforgettable show for Americans to remember,” V8 SupercarsCEO David Malone said.
“Ouraggressive style of racing is enormously popular in the states courtesy of ourcoverage on the SPEED network and online. There is a very large following amongstfans and U.S.-based categories, particularly the teams and drivers of NASCARand IndyCar.
“AsAustralia’s premier motorsport category U.S. fans will be entertained and can expectthe unexpected when 28 cars take to one of the world’s most challenging roadcourses ever designed.”
Teamsand drivers are all but packed and eager to tackle the state-of-the-art trackand four-time V8 Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup said he is pumped to get toTexas.
“Wego out there and race hard, if it means bending a few panels here and therethen so be it, I am sure fans won’t be disappointed. Everyone is out there toprove a point and take home that very first V8 Supercars Austin 400 trophy,”said Whincup.
“TheCircuit of The Americas has been compared to Bathurst and if that is anythingto go by, then people are going to love the action that is sure to unravel overthe weekend. I can’t wait; it’s going to be an amazing experience.”
FormerAussie Champion and NASCAR stalwart Marcos Ambrose said the short track was ideallysuited to his former category and he looked forward to watching his beloved V8Supercars break into the American market.
“TheV8s are running the short circuit and that is somewhat unknown… but I think itmight be the better choice. It is going to be very technical,” Ambrose said.
“Thefirst corner will be interesting. I was so, so afraid of a crisis situation atthe start of the Formula 1 race but I guess they took care of each other andgot through it.
“Theproblem is that you almost do a 180 (degree turn) and, with the wide entry, youcan go in there four abreast, but four abreast cannot come out.”
Circuitof the Americas President Steve Sexton said preparations are well on track forthe May event.
“Circuitof The Americas is excited to bring the V8 Supercars Austin 400 race to our newworld-class venue in May,” Steve Sexton said.
“Theseries has a remarkable overseas following and a solid fan base here in theUnited States. The charismatic teams and drivers put on a great show, and with28 cars fighting it out on track, the series offers the kind ofrough-and-tumble competition that keeps race fans on the edge of their seats.
“Webelieve V8 Supercars is a great addition to our first full year of sports andentertainment programming in Austin, and that the series will be a hit withfamilies looking for an action-packed weekend that is fun and affordable.”
Three-daytickets for the V8 Supercars Austin 400 started at $69 and can be purchased at http://circuitoftheamericas.com/v8-supercars/or www.ticketmaster.com. Children under 12 are admitted free with a parent orguardian.
Australianfans are invited to lap up all the Texas action with a range of packages onoffer through Sportsnet Holidays. Visit sportsnetholidays.com/v8texas or freecall 1300 888 858 for more information.
