I am planning a trip to this year's GP in Austin I already have tickets. This is not my first time attending a GP..I have attended races at Watkins Glen, Indianapolis and in Brazil. I am looking for special events associated with this race. Does Will Buxton still host an event? Any local Ferrari events? Any tips on what to see or where to go at the track? Any advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks
Oh my Yes! Friday evening the Austin Chapter of the Ferrari Club is hosting its annual F1 Gala at the Austin Country Club. Dinner, music and dancing. 250 people, F1 notable personalities and special Ferrari's on hand to drool over. It's always sold out, but tickets are available at the moment. I have a club event in a few minutes but will post a link and answer some of your other questions later today.
The gala is great, we really enjoyed the last one we attended! I wish I wasn't so far out this time, otherwise I'd drive in to see it. Not sure how crazy it will be to try to fly in that weekend.
To F-Chat folks... Y'all are invited to register On Friday October 22nd, Hill Country Chapter, Ferrari Club of America will host a fun-filled evening of dining, music and dancing at the Austin Country Club. There’s always something special going on at the Gala - from a line-up of special Ferrari’s, to notable personalities in the F1 racing world, to music by the best musicians in Austin, Texas, the live music capital of the world. Clicking the ticket link will take you to the Gala webpage where you’ll be able to register for the fanciest, toe-tapping musical evening of race weekend. Seating is limited so don’t wait too long to make your reservation. The event sells out every year. https://fcascr.regfox.com/annual-us-grand-prix-gala-2021 Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Things to do trackside... The Paddock is off limits unless you are a team member or VIP No. 1: Wear walking shoes Read COTA rules for what you can bring in to the track and what you can't Get a map from the volunteers as you enter. Ask them questions. Visit the vendors, buy COTA paraphernalia Between races the food vendors get VERY busy. Best to grab something during track activities. Have a cheap rain poncho available Wear your Ferrari stuff Ask questions about parking if needed Have a great time, because everyone else is Things to do elsewhere SOCO: South Congress Ave. Dozens of shops and restaurants 6th Street: Bars Saltlick Bbq in Driftwood - about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Music everywhere downtown Broken Spoke Bar. Austin Country music icon Im sure I'm forgetting lots, others can chime in. Most important, sign up for our F1 Gala
I will try to blog more as it gets closer. Thanks for the link I think I have Gala Passes. So Co is great and for sure see the Broken Spoke. I was in Austin last weekend ad I hope "things" are more clear by October. Me and Jimmie Vaughan will try to "make it" until then!!! He's doing a two night thing at C Boys...expensive and worth it! Are you still on Volunteers Bob? I have not heard a thing from the previous manager.
I’ve heard nothing from COTA about volunteers this year. Not sure what they are doing. I’ll post if they send something out. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
I guess they have it covered...... Two things I thought of in Austin: The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, and The Bullock Museum down by UT where they put "LaSalles Boat"... Both interesting item s that have nothing t do, with cars!!
OK, this is gonna be my blog thread, like for MotoGP.. Was rather stressed and packing clothes today, until I realized there's another week before they come in!! How are ticket sales to the Gala??? Asking, for a friend!! Austin is trying so hard to get back to normal but it's clearly divided.... People feel "safe with the shot" or others like me, don't have the shot but mask and try to follow the Rules. Other places that come to mind off the beaten path: The White Horse East 6th.....stays late and the girls dance hard!! Anywhere Sophia Johnson is playing... Stampede on Saturday night with Danny B. Harvey Red Rose Strip Club, South Congress, as well as the Landing Strip, closer to the Track.. Black's Bar B Que LA's Bar B Cue Franklin's if you have all the time in the world..LOL! Most likely to find me, at the Broken Spoke, C Boys, or the Continental Club Casper Rawl's early show on Thursday 6:30 is one of my favs, hope to get there on time!!
Ticket sales for the Gala are within a few seats of being sold out. We’re going to have to close out the reservation website shortly. Large contingents from NY, GA AND FL booked seats along with Texans and a whole bunch of other folks who are flying in from other states for the race. And this year in particular we’ll have some really great cars on display. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
I am really looking forward to it, as always! Thanks for the feedback....so, not as much International guests as years past, understandably.. Lots of chatter (here and elsewhere) about race ticket availability.. I feel a ton of them are in the hands of scalpers... Rob Lay says no more GA sales?? Do you think the eats at COTA are Sold Out. or they are going to sleep in Stub Hub vendor's hands???? It's curious to me as for MotoGP and F1 I have had tickets "transferred" via Ticketmaster, but apparently there's a Sell option there too.
MotoGP was using the scary specter of "the Fire Marshall" to push people around ...(long story)... But I said wait, the Building Occupancy was set by design, and unless they go to "Percentage of Occupancy" under a County Covid related mandate, this in point made no sense!! And it was costing them goodwill, along with huge catering delivery problems. I personally told the President of Ducati North America I could get him some Black's Bar B Que from 34th, delivered in 45 minutes! He was handing me an apology voulcher for not fulfilling his package for Ducati Island. Of course then three hotties from Bubba's Wild Game came by in hot pants, and I folowed them back to some good food! Turn 3 this year, for Bubba's Wild Game....
Might have been faster to order it, from Lockhart!! Point being, the captive food concessions of COTA are strained to breaking....Failure in delivery. What I had at MG was fine, once it was on the table.
I wish I had read this before Sunday's Concours. One of our Ferrari judges is a VP at COTA and I could have asked.
Paddock seats /package final bid goes soon: https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/auction-2-paddock-club-passes-more-to-us-grand-prix-in-2299802?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=transactional_watching_closing_3_hour_notify_eventable&utm_content=transactional_watching_closing_3_hour_notify_eventable+ID_b101e52e-5d60-4a07-a0e8-ec798beafc31&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=lot_title_watching_2299802
I met the Head Accountant....they are all "pretty busy"!!!! Still, he graciously gave me a lift in his golf cart!! They are certainly trying, all the staff is!!! Image Unavailable, Please Login
How much did that sell for?? That was a similar package that scammer on the COTA FB page in maybe 2018, got my $1600USD. ..and I got a feather up the azzz. We were both tickled, I suppose...
Thursday Agenda: At some point (mid day) arrive and pick up hard tickets, Main Entry Box Office. I plan to check in up on Lot N and Lot M, which puts your entry into Gate 4. Early show at Continental Club on South Congress is a "do not miss" as Casper Rawls and his smokin' band simply NEVER disappoint! After that we traditionally gather at the Broken Spoke for a few drinks, and a toast to Bundas, who "went out, in real style"...IMO Friday: Full day of COTA Track operations, but seriously IF you have tickets to the FCA Gala...leave the track early, get changed and head to the Country Club. Hwy 71 back thru town will clog up with work day traffic, as well as 360 and Mopac, and expect traffic delays as you approach the Club exit (stop light). The reason I stress this is THE CARS are the stars, as the day fades into darkness, and the lot outside will be a full display. Once dark, head in to view the Auction items and get a drink and meet everyone....I suppose dinner is at 8PM but don't GET THERE then! This is something "two hours early" is actually "about right".... Saturday....I have not planned Saturday.....LOL! Best plan is "No plan"! Gates open at 7:30 or 8AM..... This is Go Time, no day to dawdle.....
Looks like the Gala is a SELL OUT! Congrats to Andy Fish and Bob and the Hill Country FCA..... COTA is announcing NEW tickets available as singles Saturday and Sunday, so I guess they are going to sell more General Admission....
The Gala is a sell out. Andy has some REALLY special surprises in store for Gala attendees this year. 6:30 cocktails and browse the display cars, 8 dinner, entertainment begins at 9. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
I don't know I didnt follow it and it has ended. Oh no. Buying the electronic tickets can be very tricky!
