Everything’s Larger than life in Texas: the people, the beef, and the sporting spectacles. To visit the Lone Star State is an experience like no other, which leads us neatly on to the return of Formula One at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) 21-23 October.
Set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside downtown Austin, COTA is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world’s most exacting competitors, while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences. It’s safe to say, it has succeeded – and won the respect of the global racing elite.
The 20-turn, counter-clockwise circuit takes advantage of the naturally undulating landscape, including an intimidating 133-foot hill at Turn 1 that rattles the nerves of even the most experienced drivers. Little wonder it is celebrating its fifth anniversary as the location of America’s only Formula One race, as well as hosting ESPN’s X Games, MotoGP and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Construction of Circuit of The Americas began in 2010 and now contributes almost $1bn to the local economy – not bad for a race track. The circuit is also a leader in environmental awareness and sustainability, and has helped make advances in educational and scientific fields, including solar car technology, as well as racing and consumer automotive technology.
Set on 1,500 acres, COTA was designed to challenge the world's best drivers and wow crowds
This is more than just a formidable circuit, however. Also within the perimeter of the track is the Austin360 Amphitheatre, the largest permanent outdoor amphitheatre in Central Texas (which is saying something), complete with its very own 251-ft signature observation tower. This unique treasure in the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including KISS, Kanye West, Kenny Chesney, Drake, Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson.
No other event in the Grand Prix series could pull off a Taylor Swift concert as a crescendo to the day’s driving festivities but here petrolheads and pop fans will unite in a culture clash worthy of the trip in and of itself.
With plans for more world championship racing, new amenities and more events, COTA is set for more excitement in the years to come. But there’s no time like the present. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will no doubt clash once more on this testing track – and you could be there to see it in the flesh. Start your engines…
For more information on tickets to the US Grand Prix or any other thrilling events at COTA; circuitoftheamericas.com
