Opponents Of Texas F1 Race Funding Sue State

AUSTIN, TX – Opponents of taxpayer funding for a new Formula One race in Austin are suing Texas Comptroller Susan Combs to try to block a $25 million subsidy for the event.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday in state District Court in Travis County claims Combs promised race promoters the money before she was legally authorized to do so.

The funding comes from an economic incentive program the comptroller’s office uses to attract major sporting events to Texas, including the Super Bowl.

A spokesman for Combs defended the agency’s role, telling the Austin American-Statesman that regulations were followed and saying the race would create jobs and spur economic development.

The three plaintiffs are represented by Bill Aleshire, a former Travis County tax collector who has opposed using public money on the project.