Circuit of The Americas Appoints Phunware to Build Mobile Application Venue Experience

Circuit of The Americas, pills the soon to be home of the 2012 US Formula One Grand Prix, sale has selected Phunware, Inc., the leader in enterprise branded mobile application infrastructure, to build its branded mobile application venue experience.

Phunware creates powerful anytime, anywhere solutions for mobile consumer engagement for many of the largest and most recognizable brands in the world.

Geoff Moore, chief marketing and revenue officer for Circuit of The Americas, said: “Phunware is a leader in the industry for creating amazing branded mobile experiences. We look forward to working with them in our continued effort to bring fans the ultimate race experience leading up to the 2012 US Formula One Grand Prix.”

Phunware is an Austin-based company whose work includes developing mobile applications for some of the most recognized brands in sports, including NASCAR, the National Football League and ESPN. Applications developed by Phunware have received multiple awards, including two People’s Choice Webby Awards, two CableFAX Awards and a feature as CNN and Time Magazine’s Top 10 iPhone Apps of the Year.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to bring Circuit of The Americas and the 2012 US Formula One Grand Prix to life through the Circuit’s mobile application,” said Alan S. Knitowski, chairman and CEO for Phunware. “Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class venue providing an unparalleled race experience in the United States and our aim is to create an application that complements and enhances the fan experience.”

The Circuit of The Americas mobile application will feature a 3-D interactive map and virtual tour of the venue, a guide to Austin with area information and news, alerts and videos highlighting activities throughout race weekend. The appeal of new technology in connection to Austin is evident as the city hosts thousands of visitors for the SXSW Interactive conference, which began Friday, March 9.

The 2012 US Formula One Grand Prix, along with the SXSW conference, are two of Austin’s biggest draws for visitors from around the world. In a recent meeting held in London with several politicians and diplomats, including the office of the London Mayor, the Honorable Boris Johnson and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, these two events were the key topics of discussion.

“Austin continues to be recognized around the world for its leadership and innovation in the technology industry,” said Gray Hancock, Head of Trade and Investment for the British Consulate-General in Houston. “The upcoming Grand Prix is just one more example of Austin’s growing importance on the global stage.”

In addition to general excitement for race weekend, Mayor Leffingwell and representatives from the City of London reviewed the possibility of a direct flight between Austin and London to support the Formula 1 teams as well as travelers to the event. The creation of such a nonstop flight could result in accelerating a permanent route, one of the many benefits on the horizon as a result of Formula 1 returning to the United States.

“Austin is making tremendous strides as a destination city and world-renowned center for technology,” said Mayor Leffingwell. “I look forward to the inaugural 2012 US Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas and to downloading the app to go with it.”

by Ismail Uddin