Boot Scootin'

Having freely expressed my reservations along the up and down saga of the The Circuit of the Americas and their highly unusual approach to staging The United States Grand Prix, it's only fair that I now share my enthusiasm for the amazing weekend that eventually transpired in Austin.

US F1 fans should thank Tavo Hellmund for his vision, courage and belief in the idea that F1 not only belonged here, but that a worthy home could be created on Texas hill country just outside of Austin.    

Those who marshaled this incredible venue into existence did so in the face of staggering skepticism.     Merely weeks ago, the media remained rife with chatter dissing F1 in America and likening the effort to a train derailing in slow motion.  Manufactured conjecture and cynical commentary also suggested there could be some who did not want F1 back in the US.     

Despite the doubts and the naysayers, the grand spectacle which is F1 finally arrived at the newly constructed circuit under three spectacular crisp fall days.    The inaugural USGP far exceeded the expectations of many, including my own.   CoTA managed to pull it all together, and I gladly give them their due credit.    

Here are my impressions on the weekend from a spectator standpoint.    My observations will probably read as a litany of nitpicking, but work does remain at the circuit.  I hope my report serves to support those striving for long term success in Austin and remind US F1 fans that we have much to be thankful for.     

Friday morning arrival for shuttle transit to the circuit

Prior last week, one of my graver doubts surrounded the lack of transportation infrastructure.    The dilemma thus required fans to be shuttled in and out of the circuit from points around Austin.

Having been fortunate enough to purchase a reasonably priced shuttle ticket for the Airport Cargo location before they sold out, we enjoyed relatively painless transfer to and from the Grand Prix.    That is, until Sunday evening following the Grand Prix, where we encountered a rather long wait (over one hour).    

In hindsight, it is inescapable that CoTA and the City of Austin will have further work to do on this front.   News that next year's race already conflicts with Texas Longhorns football demands that.

Buses were plentiful (until race day) and comfortable

A bit of walking across protected lands was required from the shuttle drop to the circuit.    The distance was described as close to one mile, but to be honest I doubt it was quite that far.    No big deal.    Walking is a common prerequisite among the fabled Grand Prix circuits in Europe.    Spa and Monza especially.    

The park, shuttle, stroll to the circuit was somewhat complicated by an unexpected shift in session times.     I've no idea why morning practice, which normally starts at 10 am was moved ahead to 9 am, but we really missed that single hour.    I would suggest that if these times remain set for the future USGP, that CoTA get the shuttles up and running a little bit earlier.

due piedi

Approaching the circuit for the very first time, 7:30'ish Friday morning

First trek across the Grand Plaza, which lies between turns 15-19 

Unfortunately concessions proved to be one of the initial snags.     There were simply not enough vendors to handle the crowd.    Lines were long and required commitment.    

There were also chronic issues with credit card readers . . . apparently the CoTA site was not yet capable of handling the data traffic.    Ironically, the problem was probably more evident on Saturday, when the attendance was well below Sunday's race day quota. 

Given the obvious profit potential, I'm certain this will be much improved next year.   

. . . before the lines

Friday's stunning weather provided a glorious backdrop.     The tower is a nice touch, but a bit pricey at $ 35.00 (as we were told) for an hour or so on the viewing platform.    Perhaps the price will drop and I'll catch a practice session up there next year.

Beautiful, but overpriced tower
Photo:   Traci Carroll

Towering corner markers make for great
meeting points
Photo:   Traci Carroll

Photo:  Traci Carroll

Kimi Räikkönen was the first on track in FP1, the very first official session on The Circuit of The Americas . . .

He's never been here, but he knows what he is doing

The grounds are hopefully not completed.    Each afternoon brought a new showering of dust as the crowd grew and wind picked up.   This dust did get quite uncomfortable at times.     I don't know what sort of grass will grow on these hills, but here's hoping CoTA will do a bit more landscaping before next year's race.   Trees, shade, a place to escape the sun would be nice, too.   I'm certain that's a safe bet.

Orbs of cacti . . . looks great but location probably
needs a re-think if they are not to be trampled
Photo:   Traci Carroll

Somewhat a departure from standard road racing circuits, the Circuit of The Americas allows for expansive views across across the Elroy, TX landscape.    From our seats at 12, looking toward the rise to Turn 1, one can actually see almost six "layers" or unique segments as the circuit twists away from 12, disappearing around 17, with the high rise to 1 in the deep distance.    Looking left from 12, one can see most of the Silverstone Maggotts, Becketts homage from Turn 5 all the way up the rise to 10.

The real benefit, however, should be the draw this offers to US oval racing fans who have long complained about limited viewing at road racing venues.  The open design should help CoTA give roundy-round promoter Bruton Smith a run for the motor sport dollar.      

Distant views:  
The run up to and down from Turn 1 as seen from Turn 12.    
Note pedestrian traffic jam along the bottom of the frame

Given this design, the circuit could use more pedestrian bridges or tunnels.     The two bridges along the single path connecting Turn 16 to Turn 3 were horribly congested.     Bridges and stairs across road courses are normally boxed in so that those crossing can not see the circuit.    This is critical to keep foot traffic flowing.    

The stairs to these bridges are currently wide open.   Each time a car would pass, people naturally stopped to turn their heads and in the process stopped moving forward.    It was much like rubber necking on the freeway.     If CoTA can box these things in and sell ad space . . . they'd make a few bucks and we can all get where we are going quicker.

Pick out the lookie-loo in this picture
Photo:   Traci Carrol

The Grand Plaza features another interesting design element: a large amphitheater.  CoTA wisely chose to provide post racing entertainment to stem the tide of people leaving the venue at once.     

Collective Soul, performing Saturday afternoon

Race day finally arrived and the atmosphere was electric.     The myth that Americans do not care about F1 took a pretty hard hit, not only because of the number of people who showed up but for the energy and excitement they brought to the Grand Prix.   With a little help from the weather, F1 probably made a new friends on Sunday.    If you are interested in attending the USGP next year, I would suggest not waiting to the last moment to make your arrangements.

Dense, expansive crowd along the hill to Turn 19

Ironically much of the Internet discussion over the "detachable lens" controversy centered around the assertion that these lenses obstruct the grandstand views of others.     I found the argument naive, as those who take motor sport photos rarely do so while seated in a grand stand seat.   There are usually better angles elsewhere, not to mention the fact that it's tough to wield a large lens from a cramped, seated position.

Anyway, I tread down this bumpy return of the USGP one final time to relay a somewhat cynical observation.  How ironic that in reality there was indeed one item, an item not included on the prohibited list, which did obstruct grandstand views.     One can find them all over Texas . . .

Now that's what I call a hat

over sized, often obstructive, hats

     

By the way some women were dressed,
one would think they were at Churchill Downs

Ultimately, the circuit proved a fantastic stage for a gripping race; a duel decided "on" circuit by a driver who arguably delivered the most disciplined, determined drive of his career.    Ironically, he may have in the process gifted his former arch rival a real shot at the World Championship.      

Lewis' inspired drive spared us the "insipid" finger.    Not this one.

 . . . and thanks to everyone in Austin who championed Hellmund's vision, believing that F1 will work in the US.    Thanks for taking the chance.     See you next year!