'Historic Grand Prix' to be part of F1

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Officials at Circuit of The Americas track announced Friday that the unique "Historic Grand Prix" is the first support series for the first Formula One U.S. Grand Prix race set for November.

HGP includes more than 50 owner-drivers of authentic, vintage Formula One T cars from the FIA 3-litre Formula model that ran from 1966-1983.

The focus of the organization is to preserve the historically correct presentation and on-track performance of the cars. HGP gives spectators the opportunity to see these classic racing cars up close and immerse themselves in the history of Formula One racing. Some of the cars' original mechanics continue to prepare and maintain these unique vehicles, while the drivers take pride in honoring the original pilots of these iconic cars.

HGP currently races all over North America at circuits such as Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Quebec, Canada, and Watkins Glen Raceway in upstate New York.

"The cars of Historic Grand Prix encompass Formula One's Golden Era of the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s when the dramatic on-track action and distinctive personalities captured the imagination of a fast-growing, world-wide audience," said James King, director of Historic Grand Prix. "HGP honors the brave drivers of these cars and the innovative designers and fabricators who crafted them without the aid of computers or wind tunnels by showcasing the authentic original cars in an exciting and colorful race at the Circuit of The Americas."

"Historic Grand Prix is a great compliment to the USGP as it allows our fans to see the technical and innovative progression of Formula 1 racing cars," said Circuit executive vice president Bruce Knox.  "Many of the HGP cars are legendary and include Mario Andretti's Lotus 79 that won the 1978 World Driving Championship, Niki Lauda's 1976 Ferrari 312-T2 that finished 2nd in 1976 and was part of his 1977 World Championship and Gilles Villeneuve's 1980 Ferrari 312-T5.  Historic Grand Prix is a series that was widely requested by our customers and we are pleased that it will be included as a USGP support race."

Information was not released from CoTA when the cars will race or if they will only be on display for the public to see. Ticket information was also not released about HGP, specifically.

Tickets are yet available for Nov. 16 - 18 F1 race weekend at the new track under construction east of Austin. View ticket pricing here.