Proposed California road course targets 'Silicon Valley F1 GP'

The California town of San Juan Bautista has been targeted for the creation of a new 550-acre "Motor & Technology Center of Excellence" facility that aspires to put on a "Silicon Valley Formula 1 Grand Prix," among other major events. The concept, floated by WY2M, Inc owner William F. Yao, was presented to the County of San Benito in late July and met with a positive initial response. Multiple approvals from a variety of local agencies would be required before anything moves forward.

If accepted, it would place a new racetrack approximately halfway between the Bay Area city of San Jose and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey. Located in the somewhat featureless farming region near Hollister, Calif., the circuit would find itself a fair distance outside of two popular tourist destinations. San Juan Bautista, with a population of under 2000 residents, is part of a local economy driven by agriculture and livestock.

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According to the WY2M proposal, which would see housing and other country club-style amenities included in the build, "this venue will be the epicenter of innovation – from the beauty and sophistication of the racecar to the ever-evolving technology landscape – we will showcase both racing and the tech industry in a seamless fan experience."

Yao envisions the facility will serve as a popular destination for the nearby Silicon Valley crowd and tech-related businesses in need of a test track. Yao also claims to have two significant commitments from former Circuit of The Americas executive Tavo Hellmund and renowned circuit designer Herman Tilke to create a Formula 1-grade property.

"During our highlight event, the Silicon Valley Formula 1 Grand Prix, we will utilize the spectacle of Formula 1 to create a fully immersive fan experience around automotive innovation. The latest technology will be on full display, from electric to self-driving cars, we will create a secondary experience that attracts the attention of the world.

"With both Tavo Hellmund and Tilke on board, we have scoped and sequenced this project completely. The entire track could be easily reconfigured on need basis and to accommodate multiple concurrent events."

In addition to F1, WY2M also listed "GP Moto racing" among the desired forms of competition to be showcased at the San Juan Bautista circuit, along with concerts and other festivals.

It's unclear whether WY2M has the funding or approvals from F1 or others series to bring the concept to life.