Could somebody post a picture/map of the track with locations for the parking and the shuttle drop-off sites? I'd love to know what my options are and how far the walking really is. Thanks.
Last year, we parked at the Convention Center. The bus took us to the grey lot right under the words McAngus Road on the map. Dirt path from there to the main entrance. A little up hill at the end; you can see it on Google Maps, satellite view.
There's an entrance at T15, which is where you'd go to pick up tickets if you opt for will call. The buses drop you off a good half mile out. You'll be walking a ways just to get to the entrance. Bring those walking shoes and sunblock too!
GA all the way. Planted in Turn 2 grass for F1 and MotoGP. We walk the perimeter of the track first then hang around Turns 1 and 2. Here I am at Turn 2 for F1 (bright yellow shirt) and MotoGP (bright orange shirt) Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yeah it's at least 1/2 mile from shuttle drop-off to the Grand Plaza entrance. Unpaved paths. It doesn't matter where you're sitting. The shuttles only drop off & pick up at the McAngus lot. From the Grand Plaza it's still a pretty long 15-20 minute walk to the Main GS, Turn 1, or the esses, and even longer out to T9 & T11. Also unpaved most of the way. Bring comfortable, supportive walking shoes, water, a hat, & sunscreen. There is effectively zero shade outside the Main GS.
Oh, I don't just get sunburned. I get really sunburned. As an office jockey, when I wear shorts, I blind everyone around. Here's a tip: Coppertone oil free SPF 15. Comes in an off white bottle with a blue cap. That's it. Nothing else needed. Trust me, I spent 7 days on the beach in and out of the water in Curacao and didn't get a lick of sun.
Where can I buy tix for the Shuttle? Right at the bus? I'm thinking about taking a cab to the track and a shuttle bus back. Could I buy the ticket for the return trip right at the bus?
If it is the same as last year, your ticket is your shuttle admission. Three day GA ticket includes admittance, parking at Convention Center, and shuttle. Closer lot parking is extra, but if you have a race ticket, you have free shuttle rides all three days. My opinion is that you would not gain a lot with the cab, other than less walking and privacy. The shuttles were very efficient and well organized. However, they are school buses, no A/C, small seats, and bumpy ride. As mentioned above, this is an F1 race, but facilities, parking, walking, portable toilets, shade, food vendors, etc, are more "down home" and less luxury, so prepare like you would for an outdoor concert or state fair. No complaints; the Texans are friendly!
Thanks for all the answers, much appreciated. When landing at Austin, which side of the plane should I sit to be able to see the track? And same question for departure.
Look on Google maps at the track and the airport you are flying into. No way to predict circling, winds, weather, and other things that may affect the plane's approach course. Flip a coin; looks like the track may be under you. Best guess for arrival, sit right.
I did all that and couldn't figure it out. I realize that changing winds might flip the approach but was going for an average. Just like NY is on the left when approaching LGA or Chicago is on the right when leaving eastbound I figured the track would on average also be on the same side.
I would sit on the right for arrival. I seem to remember a flow of planes to the south of the track heading in from east to west. As I sat on the grass at turn 2, I was looking left (south) at planes passing my left to right towards the airport.
Thanks, will do! Final question: Are there folks outside the track trying to sell tickets? I need a plan B for when my ordered ticket doesn't arrive on time.
If you are trying to make sure it gets shipped to you in time before your departure, I think you are in the clear. But if it is any concern, you can ship them to me and I can hand deliver to you. Scalpers will exist down the road. Just always iffy. They scan tickets going in, and if you plan on returning, will scan on the way out. Otherwise, they don't scan. See the catch?
Last year's race didn't sell out & it looks likely that this one won't either, so you can likely buy tickets at the gate if something goes wrong. There will also likely be some for sale on Craigslist as there were last year.
It's no guarantee, but sitting on the right probably gives you your best chance on arrival. On the left for takeoff. The runways run due north & south at ABIA, so you'll land or take off to the north or the south depending on the wind. That time of year it's not so predictable, but best bet is that you'll be landing from the south. If from the north, you won;t see the circuit.
What's the catch (as you see it)? Just curious because we think there may be shenanigans in their system, but I'm curious about your take on it.
Someone can enter the gate, get scanned, exit, not get scanned and sell the ticket. They are not torn or ripped in any way. That's the only catch. Because of the race times, it is least probable, but still possible. Only if available. For F1... doubtful. They want to sell 3 day passes only. With other races, it is not a problem.
So far, no. At least not for F1. They have offered them as special deals near race date for other races. I don't understand why they don't. Seems like a missed opportunity.
OK, that makes sense. It also looks like that's a loophole whereby they might be counting every entry as a person attending the event, even multiple entries with the same ticket...thus exaggerating attendance figures. Otherwise I can't decipher the logic of only scanning people out if they say they intend to return.
