Martin H

A petition's been started for anyone who believes the funding should be maintained: https://www.change.org/p/greg-abbott-save-circuit-of-the-americas-from-slashed-government-funding?recruiter=8611413&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

This is not good news... http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/state-regional/why-the-future-of-austins-f1-race-is-in-doubt/npKxM/ And for once, it seems it's not down to Bernie, although I'm sure he has the power to drop the race fee if he really wanted to keep it. But with tracks on such slim margins, and COTA taking a battering on income at this year's race due to the weather, I fear the worst...

Feeling somewhat embarrassed and stupid not to have picked that up! My apologies - I only tend to dip into this forum on an infrequent basis. Shane - hope you continue to improve, and that the car follows soon behind!

So how was the circuit? Saw the Indycar race there on TV last week and the track looks fantastic!

Should also have mentioned (for Charles' benefit on Blatchat, should he read this) that the best location to watch is probably the grandstands at the end of the back straight and into the complex (turns 12 through 15), as you get the overtaking under braking into the complex, and some side by side action through the complex. The best view is probably the turn 15 grandstand as you can see all the way down the straight as well. However, those are obviously also the most expensive grandstands, and there are no general admission zones there with a similar view. I've gone for general admission and will probably watch the F1 race from turn 1. You can glimpse some of the other parts of the circuit from there, and there's also a video screen opposite. I'm not too sure about the other general admission zones - will probably scout a few out on the Saturday, but I think they have more restrictive views. Martin

Hi Steve/Blokko Not sure we did meet when I was in the UK. I was near Basingstoke in Hampshire. My main Caterham activities were on track with the Graduates back in 2001/2002, followed by a few years on track with the 7 and then a 'blade engined Fury. I moved to Dallas in 2010. By the way, if funds are an issue, do watch out for the accommodation costs in Austin. At the weekend I found some budget hotels not too far away that were still charging under $100 a night, but many of the better known hotels are sold out or at double their normal rates already. Martin

Blokko - saw your post on Blatchat about rounding up some members at the Grand Prix, and referencing me as an ex-Blatchat member based in Dallas. In fact I've just booked tickets. If you weren't aware (and this might be worth posting on Blatchat as well), there are some early purchase deals on the COTA website, running till the end of January. I picked up two three day general admission tickets plus park and ride parking for $259 for example, but there are some other pretty good deals there as well. Would be great to meet up - although I will be with my 6 year old son (who's known what a Caterham looks like since the age of 3!). Martin

Voted - registration required but doesn't take long

Not sure I've seen anyone else post this, but when Blatchat was migrated to the new format, TechTalk became members only - however it seems to have been opened up to the public again now: http://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk

Unfortunately can't make it down, but best of luck to both of you - sounds like it'll be a great race to watch!

An even more satisfying win then, if he wasn't reporting a significant mechanical problem! Well done again! By the way, my son was really pleased to see the photos on the sight "It's Mr Andrew!!!", and was pleased to heard you'd won, so thanks for posting. I've now been instructed that I need to buy another Caterham to go racing again...

Thanks James Out of interest, what happened with the Miata - did he have problems in the Sunday race? It looks like he finished only just ahead of the Mustang. Martin

Hi James - great news to hear Andrew won on Sunday! Many thanks for letting us know the event was running - it was good to meet you on Saturday, and my son certainly got a kick out of seeing Andrew overtake the Mustang for second. We look forward to seeing the video if you manage to get it up on YouTube!

Perfect - thanks. I'd looked at the Apex site before, but hadn't seen the reference to renting cars. Will let you know if I make it that day, and if not, will certainly watch for future Apex events.

Thanks James - sounds like you'll be hard to miss with a car that colour Shane - will have to see if I can get a motorsport pass for two weekends running . Sadly would be to watch rather than drive, as I've been without a race car since emigrating to the US, and finances don't allow just at the moment. I don't suppose you've heard of any driving schools that hire cars out for trackdays? Martin