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In Surprise Move, Texas Reduces Funding for US Grand Prix

Lars Baron
/
Getty Images

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office appears to be backing out of its support for Formula One racing in the Lone Star State, reports Car & Driver.

The United States has had a long history with Formula One racing, formerly known as Grand Prix racing. With events in such far-flung corners of the world as Shanghai, São Paulo and Sochi, Russia, it seemed fitting and desirable that the NASCAR-loving U.S. would continue to join in the fun. But when the Indianapolis Grand Prix ended in 2007, many feared Formula One would not return to the States.

Then Texas came to the rescue. A track called the Circuit of the Americas was built outside Austin, and the State of Texas entered into a ten-year contract to support the U.S. Grand Prix. But now Governor Abbot’s office seems to have changed its mind about giving the money it promised to the racetrack. And now Formula One’s future in the States is in jeopardy once again.

Eric Dexheimer of the American-Statesman writes that Abbott has cut the state’s contribution for the 2015 race by 20 percent from previous years. The reduction could lead Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone to cancel the U.S. Grand Prix. The fund reduction came as a “major surprise” to race organizers, according to USA Today.

In a response, the governor’s office blamed legal restrictions and the state Legislature. Fans from all over the world have started a Twitter campaign asking the governor to save the race. However, Abbott retweeted one user who called the Twitter campaign “pathetic,” perhaps showing how the governor feels about the issue.

For an in-depth look into the controversy, check out the Statesmans' coverage here.