Formula 1 Austin vacation, tips for a first timer?

First timer… General admission !

You don't need to be tied down to any particular area! You get to walk around the entire venue and truly experience the best of each corner.

If money is no issue, I would strongly suggest purchasing Suite access , either Main Grandstand or Pit Side!

That way, no matter the weather, you will have an air-conditioned oasis to retreat to, plus the food and drink is slightly better is well.

The above is obviously my opinion only and I am sure you will get several shared here over the next several days !

Allow extra time before or after race day to explore all of the barbecue options in the area as well! ( Lockhart , Taylor, etc )

Link to BBQ discussion in the Texas section :
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/texas-sponsored-boardwalk-ferrari/539936-bbq-tour-help-request.html



Andy

 

Went to COTA 2012. All 3 days. We had tickets for turn 4($360ea.) plus parking in Lot L i think...they bused us to the track... but next time I would get general admission for the roamability and prices are bout $200 less. Take seats. Food is expensive...i.e. Turkey leg $15, water 20oz $8 etc. so pack some sandwiches/water if thats your forte. We stayed in San Antonio as hotel prices were not thru the roof(Motel 6 in Buda was $350) and drove up to San Marcos and took the back way...bout an hour if you beat traffic and arrived at 6:30am to the gate...every day if your an early bird. Turn 12 is at the end of the long straight or Turn 1 is up the hill. They had the Porsche Cup/Ferrari Challenge(458's) to fill in the time. Alot of vendors selling clothes which you can get on-line. Look to see who is playing concert-wise if you want to stay after the GP. Enjoy and good-luck.

 

First 2 years the hotel rates were inflated. Now they are reasonably priced.

 

My recommendation is turn 1 or more favorably turn 12. I'd definitely recommend picking a grandstand so that you have a good view of the action. With the grandstand ticket, you still have all the same GA access as well.

 

Plenty of great viewing with GA. Bring a blanket or chair of course.

I've been every year and I'll be there again this year. Sit on the wall between turn 10 and 11, great view of exit of 10 and the braking zone into 11 (passing zone) then the run towards 12. There is a big screen there as well so you can see the rest of the action.

 

Can anyone tell me how far 9th and Trinity is from the downtown action during the race weekend?
What streets exactly do all the action happen on?
Thanks

 

6th Street is where the action is.......you're not far from it and its better to walk-it as it will be bumper to bumper on all lanes and then trying to find parking if you take a vehicle on 6th.

 

Watch the weather carefully before you come. Texas weather in October can be warm, to very cold. You never know.

And as happened two seasons ago, the potential for massive downpours is present.

 

They have a strange toll system I was totally unfamiliar with. There are no places to actually pay but the signs implied there was. They take your license plate photo when you go through all the gates. No mention of a website or how to pay anywhere! Finally found out you can pay on-line later, but it is cheaper to get a pass before you go. I got lost a few times and tolls were about $25 for the three days. I was a track marshall and stayed at the track for the three days or it might have been more.

 

Justin Timberlake to perform at US Grand Prix in Austin Mar. 29, 2017

source: News from The Associated Press

 

Joe,
What cross streets on 6th does the action happen at?
I am looking to book a hotel at 7th and Congress.
Would I be close and in walking distance/
Thanks
-Dominic

 

Dude, your fine there too. Just walk down Congress as you will be able to see the capital building then turn on 6th St. towards I-35...and pick your poison either right or left. Anywhere on 6th St. between Congress and I-35....you cannot miss it due to all the noise and bands playing at different bars. Enjoy and stay thirsty my friends.

 

Perlas' seafood and the Bar at the Driskill are great places... We had drinks with Bob Varsha at the Driskill, one night and then met the guys from Mercedes hospitality the night after the race... that was 2 years ago. also met Eric Boullier from Lotus there in 2013 for drinks. Jenson Button was having dinner next to us at Perlas on the Thursday night before the race.. he and about 8 others at a large table.