Formula 1 Austin: Advice?
 

Thought I would start a separate thread for this.

I hope this doesn't sound like a silly question, but this will be my first F1 race in-the-flesh, and I was wondering if there is any advice you experienced F1'ers may have for me? For example:

-- "Whatever you do, make sure you arrive XX minutes before __________"
-- "You can typically get into the pits by doing ______________"
-- "At all costs, avoid doing _____________"
-- "In retrospect, I wish I would've _____________" <-- Maybe most important thing I'm interested in


I should note this ain't my first race, so I'm mostly looking for ways Formula 1 differs from everything else. I'm particularly looking for hearing what your lessons learned were.



So who else is going? Looking so forward to it!

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We've been to Montreal a couple times, and have season tickets now.

Expect big crowds, and possibly lots of walking. Although I only speak from my own experience; some tracks may have better/more access routes to grandstands. Most folks at Montreal's event take the subway, which has a station near the track, and then walk from there.

Pit access is typically very restrictive, unless you have a good insider connection, or pay $$$ for special passes. However, Montreal has an Open House on Thursday, free to the public. Busses run on the track between the subway station and the pits. Garages are roped off, but you can walk the entire length of the pits and see cars/parts/crew, often working on the cars. And the occasional driver sighting, too. Not sure about other tracks.

There are limited un-assigned viewing areas, on grassy slopes, etc. where you can see different vantage points. But the crowds may make walking around difficult. We've found best to just stay in our seats. At Montreal, and I'm guessing most other F1 tracks, there's lots of big screens.

See thread http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=387470 for extended discussion, with information that should be helpful. I considered Austin, but decided to wait for race in New Jersey - which now is delayed a year.

Traffic is going to be miserable getting into and out of the track. I am assuming you are taking the public shuttle and if you are not and were planning on driving to the track, I would think again. There are only 17k parking spots for the 120k people that are expected on Sunday AND you need prepaid parking tickets. Even still, there is only one road in and out and it will be a clusterfuck. If it rains, all bets are off. Read here:
http://www.statesman.com/news/weathe...-for-f1/nS4RH/

They are expecting 50-60k people on Friday, 80k people on Saturday, and 120K on Sunday. I'd plan to have a three hour cushion on Sunday to be safe. There are just too many unknowns with a first time event.

+1 on Hoodpin's comments. Unless you are a VIP or have VIP connections, you won't likely be getting into the pits.

We typically bring our own beverages into the track. This cuts down on cost, allows us to drink somehting other than miller lite and also keeps us from having to walk back and forth to concession all day. Although alcohol and coolers are prohibited at COTA (unlike Montreal) we are going to attempt some stealth action anyway. I have a cooler backpack w/ a hidden compartment.

Bring the following critical items:
1. Ear plugs - F1 cars are unholy loud
2. inflatable or foam seat cusion. I have a foam one I roll up and shove in my backback ($5 at Dick's) your rear end will thank you. Three full days on metal bleachers is misery.

No real regrets from me across my races. I see you have seats in a grandstand so that is a huge part of it. Other than that, as long as you are at the track in time to see the events you want to see, you should be good.

Thanks guys! Rob, I'll read through the Ferrari thread when I leave work.

Mat/Tony, thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like I should expect about the same as other big races I've been to (NASCAR, Indy, Champ, ALMS, etc.).


I should note that we do have parking passes, for a lot south of the track (believe it's "Lot Q"; I'm hoping my gamble pays off). I did NOT want to do the free shuttle from downtown Austin; I'm expecting it to be horrendous. So, my logic is that the lot is so far south of Austin (being on the other side of the track) that it will also be the least populated -- hey, the still have parking passes available, so I'm hoping that'll help me with the agoraphobia...only lot still available.


W.r.t. hearing protection, I'm actually planning on bringing earbuds plus earmuff-style.


Thanks for the reminder re: getting seat cushions; I had forgotten we need to get those! Time to place another order on Amazon (it'll be my fourth this week!).


Also good suggestion re: food/drink. I'll make sure we bring a slick backpack as well.


Mat, where are your seats?

Cool deal on your parking passes - I hope that works out. We'll be with the rest of the unwashed masses on the shuttle. We are staying downtown tho so at least we won't be on the hook for any driving.

We have seats in T12.

[QUOTE
W.r.t. hearing protection, I'm actually planning on bringing earbuds plus earmuff-style.


^^x1000 depending on how close you are to the track. The foam inserts work pretty well. You might also want sunscreen even tho its November. Bring a camera that can take video too and post it! Have fun, wish I was there!

^^^Times another thousand on the hearing protection. If there is the slightest chance of precipitation, be sure to pack a poncho or similar, and yes on the sunblock.

Collin,

I'll be there as well. I am planning on being there all day Sat and Sun. Unfortunately, I could not get out in time for Fri. F1 in person is a real show.

If anyone wants to get together and go to some local places on the opposite side of town away from the mayhem, let me know. Paul and I will be enjoying http://www.bonedaddys.com at least once while he's here.

There should be a Dorki dinner at some point. What's the count on the number coming?

Also, for those who are coming and want an updated schedule:

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/visit/race-day-schedule