Internationally Recognized Physician Joins Circuit of the Americas™ Team

Dr. Stephen Olvey Brings Decades of Motor Sports Experience to New Role 


Press Release: AUSTIN, Texas – April 21, 2011 – Circuit of the Americas has a new Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Olvey, M.D. Dr. Olvey is considered one of the most distinguished experts in motor sports medicine with more than four decades of experience.

Olvey served as Director of Medical Affairs for Championship Auto Racing Teams from their inception in 1978 to 2003. He is the author of two books including Rapid Response, an autobiography of his career in motor sports medicine. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Motor Sports Safety Task Force, is a Founding Fellow of the FIA Institute for Motor Sports Safety, serves as a Medical Consultant to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and is a Member of the Media Referral Network of the American College of Sports Medicine.

“Stephen Olvey is without question, one of the foremost experts in this arena,” said Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions L.P. and Chairman of Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. “The rapid response system he designed with Dr. Terry Trammel, saved Alex Zanardi’s life at Lausitzring in 2001 after a devastating crash amputated his legs. Every driver and team wants Dr. Olvey at their race.”

Steve Sexton, President of Circuit of the Americas said, “Dr. Olvey’s appointment demonstrates the high value we are placing on having the best possible care in place for the athletes that come here to compete and visitors who come to spectate that may for some reason require medical attention.”

Dr. Olvey’s responsibilities include securing medical equipment, personnel and resources for facility and event operations as well as building relationships with local hospitals, medical facilities and public safety officials. He will oversee a professional team of doctors, nurses, paramedics, technicians and volunteers. Dr. Olvey plans to be present at major races and events, commuting often to Austin prior to the first race to oversee the development of the medical operations.

“I jumped at the chance to be in on the ground floor of developing what promises to be one of the most advanced rapid response trauma care systems in the world of sports.” Dr. Olvey said. “I believe Circuit of the Americas will become not only a center where sports injuries will be effectively treated, but also a center for research into the issues that can affect all athletes such as concussion, spinal chord injury, and severe traumatic brain injury.”

Dr. Olvey will continue to practice at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and teach at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine while working with Circuit of the Americas to design and establish the site’s medical facility.