Almost two years in the making, the long awaited Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix finally arrived in Austin this past weekend and, despite the massive amount of speculation regarding what hassles, headaches and aggravation an international event of this magnitude might bring to our fine town, I can honestly say WE NAILED IT!
From the amazing Circuit of the Americas facility, the fairly reasonable flow of traffic in and around the track (and to and from town), the great, supportive and diverse crowds , the “Chamber of Commerce” perfect weather and the fun, exciting Austin Fan Fest downtown, the F1 U.S. Grand Prix Weekend turned out to be the three of the best days I’ve experienced in nearly five years of living here. Move over SXSW and ACL, there’s a new, killer annual event in town!
Thanks to my compadres, Ben Brooks, Chris Uglietta and Tony Ferreri, Friday out at the Circuit of the Americas was a total blast and a day I won’t soon forget. Relatively painless 45 minute wait for the bus shuttle at 15th Street and Trinity near UT. A 30 minute drive out to the track. A fairly easy walk to the facility. And, BAM, the day was ours.
The venue, itself, is completely unbelievable. Modern, beautiful, an architectural and landscaping bit of perfection and incredible sight lines from nearly every spot we stopped to take it all in. Huge amount of congratulations to the Circuit of the Americas construction crew, staff and everyone involved for getting the venue ready in such a quick amount of time. With the inclusion of a 15,000 seat “Tower Amphitheater,” many other races and events planned and more aspects of the facility yet to be unveiled, the Circuit is an outstanding addition to Austin and one that I hope will be very well supported by our local residents on an annual basis.
All in all, I can’t say enough about the F1 experience here in Austin this past weekend. I’ll let the pictures do more of the talking and do hope that, for those of you who made it out, as well, you were just as amazed as I. Here’s to continued successes in supporting F1 here in the United States. And, as for my city of Austin, thanks again for makin’ me so proud to live in such a perfect city, once again!
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!
Randall Metting 
Leave a Reply