So Bernie Ecclestone has a heart, after all. The Associated Press reports Ecclestone extended the deadline for Circuit of the Americas execution — of a contract that is.
The new deadline for officials trying to build a Formula One track near Austin to prove that they have the financing to hold a race is Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day (it's too ironic not to include).
The AP quoted Ecclestone from a phone interview Wednesday:
"The deadline hasn't been met so we are still trying to make it happen. They need to get some money and a pen . . . as soon as possible. They know full well. Deadlines are terrible things because people always go to the end of the deadline. But if it isn't all signed before the World Motor Sport Council meeting it can't happen."
So the old deadline is now the new deadline — that's the way Bernie Ecclestone rolls.
The World Motor Sport Council sets the final race schedule on Dec. 7. That date was the original assumed deadline for everyone up until Monday when Ecclestone suddenly announced he was setting the deadline for the last day of November. So the old deadline is now the new deadline — that's the way Bernie Ecclestone rolls.
"We can live with it until then," he said. "I don't want any more last minute deadlines because it has been going on for months."
So the executioners song plays on for Circuit of the Americas (COTA) which made no official comment in response. In fact, COTA president Steve Sexton and co-founder Bobby Epstein have remained virtually silent preferring to send out short press releases rather than answer questions from reporters.
Meanwhile the track construction remains on hold and given the length of the halt, even if the race were to be approved for next year, there could be trouble getting the track completed in time.
That's the least of COTA officials' worries right now. They will happily find a way if they can find the money and, then, the will to sign the Formula One contract offered three weeks ago.
Pit stop
