Discussion
Hi, I'm going over to Austin to watch WEC at COTA in September, anyone been before and has any helpful tips for staying in Austin, getting to COTA (is a hire car a must?) and any tips for the circuit? I gather it is similar to Spa in that all the grandstands are open to all and you can move around the circuit as you wish but is that correct? Thanks.
Been there twice for F1, here's some hints:
1) Austin will be VERY HOT -- dress accordingly and bring SPF50 as you'll get burned
2) If you can pay for premium parking do so, it's right up in front of the main gates if you hire a car
3) Food and drink prices are crazy -- better to drink water
4) Staying anywhere near central Austin on a race weekend expect exhorbitant prices. We stay out by the Arboreteum in NW Austin for ususally ½ or less central prices. Then use Uber to get into downtown / come back from and you'll still be quids in savings!
If you don't hire a car, then make sure to park somewhere there's park-n-ride straight to the circuit as the coaches drop/collect right at the front gates.
Last F1 we went to in 2023 we were on T-19, wouldn't sit there again. Recommend T-15 as you can see 4 turns there and in the afternoon you're facing east, in the shade!
1) Austin will be VERY HOT -- dress accordingly and bring SPF50 as you'll get burned
2) If you can pay for premium parking do so, it's right up in front of the main gates if you hire a car
3) Food and drink prices are crazy -- better to drink water
4) Staying anywhere near central Austin on a race weekend expect exhorbitant prices. We stay out by the Arboreteum in NW Austin for ususally ½ or less central prices. Then use Uber to get into downtown / come back from and you'll still be quids in savings!
If you don't hire a car, then make sure to park somewhere there's park-n-ride straight to the circuit as the coaches drop/collect right at the front gates.
Last F1 we went to in 2023 we were on T-19, wouldn't sit there again. Recommend T-15 as you can see 4 turns there and in the afternoon you're facing east, in the shade!
Hi,
Whilst not WEC, we went to the Austin MotoGP earlier this year . . . stayed in the super cheap 'Super 8' in downtown/East of Austin. It's a tiny bit rough, but had a certain charm, and great location. The East side of Austin was my favourite and I would personally avoid 6th and Rainey Street (unless you want to get hammered and listen to loud dance music). If you like live music - head to https://mohawkaustin.com/ and see if anything takes your fancy. If you like BBQ - go here for me will ya https://franklinbbq.com/ . . . . it was always shut when we went (was gutted)
We had a hire car, but mainly because it was the end of a bigger road trip. We also booked the better parking as suggested and used turn 15 grandstand.
I remember looking at the shuttle service (I imagine it would be the same for WEC - although double check) and was considering using that, so I could have a drink. If I recall, I think it picked up at 15th Street and Trinity Street (and I was looking at another cheapy hotel called La Quinta Inn, Austin Capital - just was a very short walking distance from there). I need not have worried about drinking at the circuit, as at $15 a can, I was pretty much sober.
I did a few (fairly rubbish) youtube videos when there (Le Mans also on my channel if interested):
https://youtu.be/KXJDYxv6SG0?si=HDlQnco2axiXP2Oo
https://youtu.be/53WOWEt-UBY?si=KdPGAOcP_iHl-mFA
https://youtu.be/sqOWces1cx0?si=KbsCZ5vmRJ0D5HB5
Here's a a link to the crappy hotel we stayed it (which I have weirdly fond memorises of).
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/austin-texas...
Whilst not WEC, we went to the Austin MotoGP earlier this year . . . stayed in the super cheap 'Super 8' in downtown/East of Austin. It's a tiny bit rough, but had a certain charm, and great location. The East side of Austin was my favourite and I would personally avoid 6th and Rainey Street (unless you want to get hammered and listen to loud dance music). If you like live music - head to https://mohawkaustin.com/ and see if anything takes your fancy. If you like BBQ - go here for me will ya https://franklinbbq.com/ . . . . it was always shut when we went (was gutted)
We had a hire car, but mainly because it was the end of a bigger road trip. We also booked the better parking as suggested and used turn 15 grandstand.
I remember looking at the shuttle service (I imagine it would be the same for WEC - although double check) and was considering using that, so I could have a drink. If I recall, I think it picked up at 15th Street and Trinity Street (and I was looking at another cheapy hotel called La Quinta Inn, Austin Capital - just was a very short walking distance from there). I need not have worried about drinking at the circuit, as at $15 a can, I was pretty much sober.
I did a few (fairly rubbish) youtube videos when there (Le Mans also on my channel if interested):
https://youtu.be/KXJDYxv6SG0?si=HDlQnco2axiXP2Oo
https://youtu.be/53WOWEt-UBY?si=KdPGAOcP_iHl-mFA
https://youtu.be/sqOWces1cx0?si=KbsCZ5vmRJ0D5HB5
Here's a a link to the crappy hotel we stayed it (which I have weirdly fond memorises of).
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/austin-texas...
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