Sebastian Vettel drives the NJ F1 circuit. Image: Infiniti
In 2013, Formula One racing comes to Weehawken, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Those of us who know the area understand what a challenge it will be to pave streets smooth enough to allow safe running of F1 cars at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. Add in significant elevation changes and near-zero runoff room, and you have a temporary street course that resembles Monaco, without the beautiful rich people and nice weather.
Sebastian Vettel recently became the first F1 driver to lap the proposed course, but not in an F1 car. As the roads exist today, we’re pretty sure that even getting an F1 car around a complete lap would prove challenging, since the minimal ride height doesn’t handle crowned roads or transitions in pavement very well. Vettel was given an Infiniti G37 Coupe for his reconnaissance drive, and managed to thrill crowds (and annoy local police) with a batch of freshly spun donuts on closed city streets.
If all goes as planned, 2013 will see two Formula One races on U.S. soil, at venues that will prove far more interesting that the last attempt to run an F1 race in Indianapolis. Frankly, we can’t wait.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
