2016: Break from The Bash

Hello Dear Friends,

Thank you all for your messages and inquiries about a 2016 Buxton's BIG TIME Bash. The support that we've received, with enthusiasm, is why we started The Austin Grand Prix on May 25, 2010, when Formula 1 announced that Austin would be the home for Formula 1 in the United States beginning in 2012. We saw an opportunity to connect Formula 1 fans with the great city of Austin, and we knew Austin had a lot to learn about the sport and business of Formula 1. Our initial goal was to bridge the gap between the two, and The Bash has been our culmination and celebration of those efforts, which we have gladly grown with your support.

Since then, it's been nothing short of an extraordinary experience. And we can confidently say that we've accomplished our goal of making Formula 1 good not just for the sport, teams, drivers, media, and businesses that jet set into Austin annually. Since our initial Bash at Fado Irish Pub in 2012, with your overwhelmingly gracious giving and support, Buxton's BIG TIME Bash has raised over $80,000 for charity. This includes over $60,000 directly raised for Meals on Wheels Central Texas and over $20,000 for Justin Wilson's Children's Fund alone in 2015.

Your support has arguably kept us going and The Bash has become THE Grand Prix weekend kick-off event that we never imagined could be possible. Will Buxton somehow gets Formula 1 drivers, past and present, motorsport personalities, legends (Thank you, Mario Andretti, 2014!!!), media, and more to step away from a jam-packed weekend of sponsorship, team, and personal obligations during their short stint in America to join us on stage for candid chats, Q & A, and storytelling that you simply can't get elsewhere. Will obtains the most amazing, unspeakable mementos donated from Formula 1 teams and sponsors, and also manages to wrangle up the entire NBC Sports Formula 1 Broadcast Team to join him on stage for arguably the most accessible, conversational, and social fan-friendly event during the Formula 1 US Grand Prix weekend. We all do this because we believe that Formula 1 has an important role in America, and more importantly, we want it to succeed in Austin.

For 2016, we are taking a break, but we want everyone to know that we are already focusing on coming back with a bang in 2017. While we will not be physically gathering in Austin, we want to share two important fundraising opportunities with you and if you are able to contribute, please know that your giving will go a long way and continue to make an immediate difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

We invite you to support the following (click on the name to follow the link):

Meals on Wheels Central Texas

In Loving Memory of Bill Buxton

Thank you, sincerely, for making this more amazing than we ever could have imagined. We hold your enthusiasm, support, and kind words very near and dear to our hearts. THANK YOU!

-Kerri Olsen and Kevin Olsen

The Austin Grand Prix

Auction Shows View Through the Lens of Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton snaps a photo from the cockpit of his McLaren for the Zoom Auction (Image Courtesy of Zoom Auction)

Would you like to own a photo taken by your favorite driver or team principal?  What if your bid for a piece of F1 history went to help a charitable cause, would you join in to help those in need?

Sebastian Vettel's favorite view in the Alps (Image Courtesy of Zoom Auction)

This is the concept of the Zoom Auction, a competition between the biggest names in Formula 1 to test their photography skills and auction their images to raise money for charity. Over 50 images make up the collection, all taken by the biggest names in Formula , including Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hil, and Sir Frank Williams. 

In partnership with motorsports auction specialists, Coy's of Kensington, the Zoom auction will be held tomorrow in the ballroom of the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour in London, England.  The evening event includes a 250 person VIP reception and live auction to be attended by many of F1's biggest names.  Though only a small group of Formula 1's fans will attend the event, anyone interested in participating in the auction is invited to bid remotely. More information about remote participation is availible on the official Zoom Auction website.

The auction is a unique concept, offering the chance for fans to obtain a special piece of Formula 1 history and see the world through the eyes of a Formula 1 driver or team principal. All proceeds from the event go to support the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, a favorite of the Formula 1 Group and official charity of the British Grand Prix.

Alexander Rossi Talks About F1 In America

Alexander Rossi was in Austin last week for the Austin Fashion Week kick off event, "Shift Into Style." Before he took to the runway Friday night, we sat down with Alexander and got a deeper understanding of his appreciation for the new American home for F1, Circuit of The Americas.

What we really like about this interview is Alexander's in-depth analysis of a 3D model of the Circuit, explained to us through the experienced eyes of a driver.

Alexander also autographed some COME AND RACE IT stickers and shirts - keep your eyes peeled for this great giveaway!

For a more in-depth look into Alexander's role as American racing driver, check out: ALEXANDER ROSSI TO JOIN AUSTIN FASHION EVENT.

// A TEXAS-SIZED THANK YOU TO ALEXANDER ROSSI AND TEAM FOR THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH AUSTIN & F1 FANS WORLDWIDE!

 Alexander also autographed some COME AND RACE IT stickers and shirts - keep your eyes peeled for this great giveaway!