Formula 1 in America.

It is still several weeks away, November 16-18. Four races separate then from now. This weekend the speed is in Japan. Fernando Alonso carries a 29 point lead on the way to the Land of the Rising Sun, thanks to three season wins combined with other good finishes…

The American race is one before the finale in Brazil. If points are tight it could be a game changer. The track is not just new to the F1 schedule it is new to everything. Everything from the race surface to the bathrooms is shiny, brand new. It was just last week the facility was “race certified” by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which is the sanctioning body that oversees international motorsport.

Racing on a brand new circuit, with unfamiliar characteristics, is bound to be interesting. Combine that with the possibility of a tight points situation with one more race to follow and the break-in period could break someone’s chances.

The United States Grand Prix is set to be a good event for F1 and for American racing. So good, in fact, that discussions for racing in New Jersey / New York seem to be on track with both sides working to resolve any issues.

Austin and the Circuit of the Americas are certainly throwing out the stops. Beyond Formula 1 racing, there are big music events surrounding the weekend.  Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Flo Rida and Enrique Iglesias are set to perform. Other parties and fan events surround the USGP offering something for all aspects of race fans.

For now, drivers and fans are looking forward to the race in Japan. The circuit is popular across the board and Japanese fans embrace the race and the culture of it with a fever.

Following Japan, the schedule rolls through Korea, India, Abu Dhabi and then to America. The final F1 race of the season closes the championship in Brazil.

The year has been an exciting one for Formula 1. There has been good racing throughout the schedule. Who would have guessed that Alonso would be leading deep in the series…? Especially after the pre-season discussions on the ugly duckling that was the current F1 Ferrari? It is apparent that ugly duckling as grown into a very graceful swan…

It’s been well worth getting up early Sunday mornings to watch! It will be odd to watch the United States Grand Prix with a beer instead of coffee…