2016 COTA F1 thread

Well, I just heard from Mitchell Barnes (bundas), so I thought it well time to crank up the F1 thread!!

I even rejoined FCA!!

I always said: "If you want friends, it's going to cost you!!" $$$

He wants "Cajun" on Wednesday night after arriving.....
That dude is unstoppable!!!

Looks like the FCA kicks off Thursday, followed by FNA event, Friday night!
....and of course my Happy Hour Friday 6PM, at Saxon Pub

It's on.....

*tearing the Calendar page off my desk blotter, to see October*

 

..AND....Taylor Swift is SINGLE again...

Maybe she will find me, at the Broken Spoke.....

 

If I go it will only for practice, too much of a circus on race day.

 

Being a diehard NASCAR/NHRA fan, this will be my first F1 race and I am not sure exactly what to expect in regards to parking and the event itself. Not to be crude, rude, or naïve, but all I have to compare this to is my experiences at Texas Motorspeedway, Houston Raceway Park, and the party track itself...Talladega!

I already purchased my tickets following the Ferrari Challenge race at COTA earlier in the year. Turn 9 and parking in lot L. It wasn't until I joined FCA last week that I saw there was "special" areas being held for those peeps with prancing horse memberships...well crap!

So, here are my questions for those that have attended past events....

What to drive....right now, I've got parking in Lot L right behind T9. Looking at my past experiences attending NASCAR and NHRA events, my 4WD truck may be more of an advantage than my Ferrari, for two reasons...easier to drive in mud/dirt, and less conspicuous. But, I would consider parking buying parking for the F lot where the Ferrari Corral is if there is a benefit. Which brings up question #2....

Where to park....I would consider buying another parking pass if I drive my car but how do I get to my seats at turn 9? Can you walk from Lot F to Turn 9 or is there a tram? Not sure how my wife would like walking that far....

The next question ....if I don't sit in the FCA designated areas or park in the designated lot, or stay in the recommended hotel, can I still crash the Ferrari events???

Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie

 

I would not be too worried about mud/dirt. CotA is redoing a lot of the parking lots to either pave them with asphalt or at least make them harder, smoother, and less susceptible to rain. My main concern would be the fans. I will never forget seeing a McLaren 12C parked in Lot D near Turn 15, and some random fan laying on the hood getting her picture taken. When I told her to get off the car, she responded by asking if it was mine, when I said no and that it shouldn't matter, she disregarded me and continued. Livid.

Yes you "can" walk, but it is quite a hike. There are plenty of fan shuttles driving people around the circuit that you can use. Turn 9 is on the opposite side of the track from the main boulevard. To get from that side to your seats, you can either take a shuttle or walk down to Turn 16 and across the bridge to Turn 4 and then North to your seats. The shuttle will be easier, but the area behind Turn 16 is where most of the vendors and activities are.

My advice: park downtown and use the shuttle. That is, if you cannot get into the corral, or Lots A, L, or N. The first year they had F1, they used the shuttle scheme; and they are using the same plan this year. There's a bit more walking, yes, but the hassle is gone.

 

Hi All,

While I'm not a newbie to live F1 races, I am new to COTA so thanks to everyone for their feedback and recommendations. I'm coming in from California on either the Friday or Saturday and am staying at the FCA reserved hotel. I also plan to get a ticket this week at Turn 12 via the FCA. Besides what the FCA has planned for Friday and Saturday evenings, what other events and places are worthwhile attending?

I look forward to meeting some fellow F-chatters and FCA members!

 

Thanks Mr. Different.....the "fans" were my biggest concern as well. More than likely, I will take another vehicle anyway as I am thinking about dropping off my car for it's annual as I drive through Houston.

 

Sad about the 12C, but that could happen in any lot. It's gotta be a rare occurrence. I've seen a 599GTO parked in the dirt at COTA during a race. No one bothered it one bit.

Need any local tips, hit me up.

 

From my experience, the $100 for three days in F is a good deal, no matter what you park. Do agree about idiots damaging the car.

 

The hassle is the shuttle line itself, IMO

 

Look me up, in addition to the parties there are some great live clubs, C&W, blues, whatever you like...South Congress South Lamar...

Get across the river, downtown will be packed with the scenesters!

 

Thanks for the info BigTex - will do!

 

I think I just bought the LAST Three day FCA Section ticket!!

There was ONE black dot left in the entire grandstand!!!

Anyway the FCA sales PROMO ends today!
So anyone using that code better get the wallet out and lay it down!!

See you there...

 

Monday Morning update, from COTA insider:

ALL onsite parking SOLD OUT!

And total sales ticket wise are UP, year to year.
Anyone trying to sort issues, I have Paige's office number on Speed Dial.

I think she is coming with me to the FCA Country Club thing, Thursday.
I did not buy FCA Corral, as my car not yet ready.

What would be the point of a black Caddy CTS???

Any questions?
All PMs responded to except the one bounce back....
Sorry for that!!

 

I just cancelled my hotel reservations @ $109/night. My niece decided that that weekend would be good for her wedding. 2 years in a row I've had to miss the race after making the first 3.

 

Hey guys,

I have access to 2 killer Loge seats. Right above the start/ finish. Absolutely killer seats. I believe the tickets are for Friday and Sunday (race day). With these tickets you also get access to the club. Price is $2100...if you want the connection send me a PM. I will connect you with the owner.

Images: Loge Box - Circuit of the Americas

 

Just in case someone wants some gas money (enough to cover a pair of T12 tickets) I have a vehicle that needs a lift to Austin.

Pm for details, thanks.

 

We can't make this year's USGP at COTA ...

Anyone need a great pair of seats, Turn 12, Section 6, Row 35?

 

leave your Fcar, McLaren, Porsche at home....i have been every year and always see morons acting disrespectful to all nice cars....jumping and laying on hoods, keyed, spit...you name it.....i drive my Ford, i get there early, tailgate with mimosas and breakfast tacos and make a day of it...

 

I didn't buy FCA tickets. But I did buy Turn 12 tickets a few months ago. We will be Section 7, Row 18 Seat 15-16.

I need to get a Turn 12 ticket for Friday for my son. Anyone happen to have one?

Aaron

 

Sounds like a plan. We just need one Friday ticket.

I'm flying to Miami tomorrow and will also be back Sunday night.

Aaron

 

No. It's work. Functional Medicine CE event at the W Hotel.

Aaron

 

I may not be able to attend, so if someone is looking.....

2 tickets for Fri through Sun T9 Row 36 Seats 19 & 20
Parking pass for Lot L for the event

Paid 710. Take any reasonable offer, and I'll overnight them to you.