Epstein optimistic about new USGP deal for COTA

Talks over a new contract to keep the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas are progressing, and COTA chairman Bobby Epstein says he is “optimistic” about an agreement.

This season’s edition is the penultimate race on the current contract, and RACER understands discussions could be finalized prior to next month’s race but have yet to conclude.

“Conversations are ongoing and I think we're optimistic,” Epstein said. “I have little doubt that they want to do anything but continue and likewise do we, so that is a pretty good starting point for conversation. But there hasn't been a sense of urgency on either one of our ends, I don't think and when it's time we'll come to an agreement.”

Epstein says there have been no major changes requested by F1 when it comes to the next agreement, although hospitality options are likely to expand as a result of a longer-term commitment.

“I don't think there's many big differences really for us," he said. "I think that they would like to see an expanded Paddock Club because they continue… our clubs this year are all sold out. The Paddock Club, the trackside, Club SI – it’s been incredible, the demand for the hospitality.

“So I think what they would like to see is a bigger Paddock Club and we're looking at creating something incredibly special that I hope we unveil along with a contract extension. So it'd be a Paddock Club unlike any Paddock Club that anyone has currently. So that's what we're looking at and we're talking about, and we're very excited about it – both of us.”

This year’s race will be held across the weekend of Oct. 17-19 and demand remains high. Epstein said it could prove to be the best-attended USGP at the circuit, citing the F1 movie as a potential driver of greater interest.

“We might get close [to a new record] – it's early still," he said. "I just know we're already in the top three. I don't know that anything's missing [to beat it], but just after the pandemic there was such a build-up of demand between Netflix and people had received checks from the government here and had some more money to spend. I think that's the biggest difference. It's not the love for the sport or the demand for the sport, I'd say it's the economy.”