Other than a new name, organizers at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin have confirmed that the track will host a round of the MotoGP series from 2013, having signed a 10-year deal with promoters Dorna Sports. The agreement includes the three categories of the Championship.

Meanwhile, students from four Texas schools are playing an important part in building the Circuit of the Americas. Texas A&M University, St. Edward's University, Huston-Tillotson University and Del Valle ISD are all participating in unique partnership programs linking classroom learning to practical application work occurring at the construction site.

"With Circuit of the Americas we are building a small city," said Tavo Hellmund. "It offers an incredible opportunity for students in a variety of disciplines to put their classroom lessons to work building what will be a premier business and entertainment destination. At the same time, we benefit from the fresh perspective, creativity and the enthusiasm they bring."

Del Valle ISD has adopted Race to Learn, a cross-curricular teaching resource developed by Formula 1, the AT&T Williams Racing team and the University of Cambridge. Students will also participate in their own Green Racing Research program to explore ways energy efficient technologies may be used at the site.

Huston-Tillotson University is putting its students to work at Circuit of the Americas through a summer internship program. Three of the school's students in the Business School will be providing support to the marketing and finance departments.

Students from the St. Edward's Humanities School Photocommunication program are bringing their keen eyes and cameras to Circuit of the Americas. The images they capture of the construction process will be used to create a commemorative table book.

Texas A&M University, already home to the state's Formula Hybrid Race Car Program, is bringing students from its School of Landscape Architecture to the construction phase of Circuit of the Americas as early as Fall 2011. Students will work hand-in-hand with professional landscape designers to install a number of landscape features.

A number of other area schools, including Texas State University and Austin Community College, as well as Austin's Partners in Education non-profit organization, are also exploring opportunities with the circuit.