Sexton Out as CEO of COTA.

There were GA tickets in 2012. Personally I think the organization did a good job during race weekend, they just need to work on communication and ticket processes.

 

maybe they will put signs in the highways so this old geezer can find the place next year. or is that asking too much

 

I didn't think about that at the moment, but i didn't see my a sign for COTA until I was on 183 heading for the yellow lot.

 

Yeah but that's a recent development only. Originally it was 3 day passes only which is why I went with scalpers instead

 

I had a fantastic time at the event. I have no complaints at all, I think it was a well organized show. I can't wait for next year.

I had limited cell service and I experienced a wait to buy merchandise too. But, paying cash resolved the merchandise wait and sending text pics just had to wait a day. No big deal, I have experienced worse elsewhere at concerts (ACL and SXSW).

The only small change that I would hope to see in the future would be the city, county or state to make road improvements near the track.

Awesome event!

 

I guess I am in the minority but I feel like the track is unfinished. When you pay $600.00 for a ticket and $200.00 for a parking pass I don't like walking on gravel and having to use a porta potty. While it is clear the track is well done, rented bleachers, temporary suites and dirt sidewalks are not conducive for attracting corporate and well-healed big spenders that help pay the bills.

General admission tickets help but it is not going to turn the track profitable.

 

HA! you should go to Spa

 

Or any other F1 track. Austin is as good as it gets trackwise.

Corporate sponsors are chauffeured to the Paddock club which has all amenities.

Also the VIP boxes are top notch. I was in Gov Perry's box and it was very nice, just like any skybox in a football stadium

 

At least Spa has a rich history for everyone to relish. COTA has no history and it wont have one in the future. The sagebrush will take over faster then Bernie can say goodbuy.

 

As a person who has studied the economics of race tracks in the US in depth, I have yet to determine the business model within the realm of reality that works for a track cost of $450M. COTA's metrics only grow worse if the $25M state payments come to an end with the current political support from the governor and comptroller. Perhaps I will learn something new with COTA, or perhaps they are dreaming.

I would love it if they grow and become self sustaining and successful, but their current path is never going to get them there based on my math.

 

A whoopin' and a hollerin' - Comment - United States Grand Prix | United States Grand Prix | F1 features | ESPN F1

 

Not sure there is too much to read into the position swap a the top at COTA.

It's a new venture, they're obviously still working out the bugs and getting people
into positions to improve the overall conditions.

Given the start-stop-start-stop nature of how the circuit's construction began and then
those at the top began suing each other, they've made seemingly one of the most
successful F-1 events of the year happen. According to the articles, COTA hosted the
second largest crowd of the season behind Silverstone.

The WEC/ALMS and GrandAM events were horribly attended however. Perhaps down
to the confusion over having to purchase three day tickets vs. walk-up one day tickets.
There was at lot of mention of ticket buyers only being able to buy seats for the WEC/ALMS
event, etc. which didn't make any sense either.

Let them iron out the kinks, they're heading in the right direction it seems.

BHW

 

Why the hate?
COTA is one of the best circuits on the calendar. It already made history with two successful US GPs and (unlike Spa) it has logistics that actually work.

In fact I was talking to a fan over the weekend who also (like me) has been to Spa and he loved COTA a good deal more for the many conveniences it offers.

 

The average atendee will compare it to other US sports venues not to other F1 tracks.

 

I didn't meet Perry (bad timing on my part) but his staff.

I was very tempted by Randy's offer but already had tix. Maybe next time, those were great seats he offered

 

talking to a couple people over the race weekend, I got the impression that a lot of American fans, in particular those from the east coast, want to see COTA fail. I am not sure why that is, or I could be wrong on that. Sure there are a few things that could be done better, but compared to other F1 races I have attended it offers the most amenities and accessibility.

 

Probably because they want NJ to happen. Cota/Austin is getting positive press - regardless of the race. If they get a nascar race, which there are a lot of rumors they will, it will be a gold mine.
I'm already booked for next year

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/sports/autoracing/encouraging-signs-in-us-grand-prixs-second-year.html?_r

 

COTA doesn't need to worry about NY. Their competition will be Mexico.

 

Very good point; forgot about that

 

Have not heard the rumors about a Nascar Street race at COTA, does anyone have further info on that? Not personally interested in the race, but in the positive financial effect it could have on the track.

 

We attend the F1 race and had a brilliant time. SV did his doughnuts right in front of us at turn 11!

Having attended F1 races in the US (Indy) and in Europe I can attest to the fact that COTA is far and beyond the best F1 venue in the world. It doesn't have the history of Monza but it make it up in some many other ways. For example: Expense wise its very affordable when compared to what it costs to attend a F1 race anywhere else....down right cheap actually.

The folks running the event were beyond friendly and helpful. Very easy to get to (and away from) the track. The international airport is near....lots to do in Austin that make the F1 weekend more of a family affair vs just car stuff...

You guys who are focusing purely in the economics of the track are missing the larger picture. Think about the money that is following to the overall Austin economy. From a financial and political perspective the F1 race is a massive home run. Not to mention that this event puts Austin Texas on an international stage.

Overall, we loved it. No doubt that COTA/ F1 will be here for the long run.