Officially Official: New Jersey will play host to Formula One in 2013
Formula one fans rejoice! In just two short years time, there will be not one, but two Grand Prix races here in America as Texas has already finalized a nine-year F1 deal, with the inaugural race scheduled for November 2012, and now the garden state New Jersey will host a Grand Prix race in June 2013. The last race to occur in the States was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007.
The race will be contested on a 3.2-mile street circuit that stretches between Weehawken and West New York in the shadow of the Hudson River and New York’s Manhattan skyline. In recent months, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and West New York Mayor Felix Roque have pushed hard to make sure the F1 race landed in Jersey. The race is expected to be dubbed the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial notes Automobile Magazine.
“In these uncertain economic times when every direct and indirect revenue source is vital, our own Formula One race could be a very positive boost to our citizens,” the mayors said in a joint statement back in August. “This said, we need to ensure that the financial benefits from the privilege of having these races in our towns are equitably shared and that no tax dollars are used.”
Steve Matchett, a commentator on Formula One races for the SPEED network, called the course layout and views “absolutely staggering” and compared it to the famed Monte Carlo course for its proximity to water and its steep climb.
Leo Hindery, a founding chairman and former CEO of the YES Network who is promoting the race, said that aside from a pit area being constructed in front of the terminal, only temporary structures such as bleachers, 10- to 12-foot-high fences and concrete barriers will be erected and then removed after the race. Work will begin next year to resurface the road along the course, he said.
No public funds will be used to stage the race, Christie said.
“Once again, this proves to everyone that the New Jersey comeback continues at full tilt,” he said. The state hosted an NCAA regional basketball final this year, and will host the Ironman triathlon competition next year and the Super Bowl in 2014.