[M3Fury]

Albeit late, I'm about to plan my first Austin Grand Prix weekend. I'm planning a three day ticket, likely turn 1. Not gonna swing the paddock club $$$ but wishing/dreaming for some pit exposure.

I'm curious of what the veterans have to suggest in terms of seating, hotels, commute to track, and other track events.

[jdarwin]

Me too. Looking for insight.

[DieGrüneHölle]

Turn 1 is good for the start of the race. Turn 15 grandstands is always my recommendation to see the most action. More merch and hospitality stuff at turn 15 complex.

Spend a day Fri or Sat to walk the entire track, a lot of places to sit in grass and watch different areas of the track.

Sorry no info on hotels, I usually stay with friends and get to use their rockstar parking.

[TexasZed4MC]

Let me see if I can help. I have driven the track and been all over the facility.
I would buy GENERAL ADMISSION. That ticket lets you walk around all over the track. You don't have to be tied to one specific spot.
Take a shuttle to the track and back. You better get your hotel rooms NOW, the prices are going to be absurd also. I am guessing around $200 a night just for a Holiday Inn Express room. If the Longhorns are playing football that weekend at home also you WILL NOT be staying in Austin ANYWHERE. Be prepared to stay as far as San Antonio or Waco.
If you need anything else PM me and we can talk

[M3Fury]

Thanks for the inputs guys. Does general admission allow you into the main grandstand on Friday or Saturday? I'd like to see pit lane activity for a bit.

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by M3Fury

Thanks for the inputs guys. Does general admission allow you into the main grandstand on Friday or Saturday? I'd like to see pit lane activity for a bit.

No, they check tickets all days.

[ando]

My first USGP too. I'm doing general admission, flying direct to San Antonio, rental car, staying in Austin. Booked a month ago. Taylor Swift too.

[iron_man]

I just booked my girlfriend and I's place to stay on airbnb. Check it out they have a bunch of really good places in between 2-300 a night. I was debating on buying turn 12 or general admission. Anyone been there can offer some suggestions?

[rad doc]

Originally Posted by iron_man

I just booked my girlfriend and I's place to stay on airbnb. Check it out they have a bunch of really good places in between 2-300 a night. I was debating on buying turn 12 or general admission. Anyone been there can offer some suggestions?

High up in turn 12 is great. Been there every year.

[JHY310]

Bimmerpost meet in Austin? Id be down.

[iron_man]

Originally Posted by JHY310

Bimmerpost meet in Austin? Id be down.

I'm driving the m3 from New Orleans there(my dog is coming with us), so I'm down.

[ptack]

Just pray you don't get a hurricane. Worst experience ever (given the super high costs).

[E9TOU]

Originally Posted by ptack

Just pray you don't get a hurricane. Worst experience ever (given the super high costs).

I take it you went last year? That's a bummer about the track experience. Although last year's USGP was excellent to watch on TV

[ptack]

It probably would have been great fun if the weather was good. It was extremely expensive though (grand stand seats - which at least you could sort of be out of the rain). It's a good track to wander around on.

[Flying Ace]

Are you talking about the F1 race? Or the IMSA race?

[goodNIGHT]

Originally Posted by iron_man

I'm driving the m3 from New Orleans there(my dog is coming with us), so I'm down.

im in

[goodNIGHT]

Originally Posted by M3Fury

Thanks for the inputs guys. Does general admission allow you into the main grandstand on Friday or Saturday? I'd like to see pit lane activity for a bit.

They have mixed ticket packages now - so that each day you get to access to a different grand stand. Ive been at turn 1, the esses part, general admission - the seating to me isn't as important as the rest of it. Its more about the experience - they have tons of vendors, driver interviews and autograph sessions, they have video games to play, corn hole, food, concerts, classic races, porsche cup thing, girls everywhere. A lot to keep you occupied

And if you wanna see the pit then you ask mother nature for 2 days straight of torrential downpour and the guys at COTA will let you walk around.. there might be other ways too tho

[DC-T]

I've always wondered-is the tower access free?

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by DC-T

I've always wondered-is the tower access free?

No, there is a fee. Around $30 if I can remember.

[F1HAMMY]

I've been stationed in Korea/Germany and a few other places so I've been privileged to see some pretty cool races in some epic and historic places.
And now the bad news. Bernie and Co does everything possible to make the live and in person F1 event suck as he works every $ possible out of your wallet.

1. You will most likely be stuck to one place/seat unless there is a general admission ticket available. But, be warned that it "MAY" still limit you to a specific section. Point being, most likely your access to different track views "MAY" be limited.

2. While I remain a huge fan of F1 and will most likely attend this years GP at COTA [due to a friend's hook up who's a contractor for COTA], I would not pay big money to attend because of the reasons listed above.

3. Save your money and take a trip to Europe. For around $25 you can get in to Spa/Nurberg GP track/Hockenheim and see WEC/ADAGT Masters. You will see something amazing at a historic track and be able to roam and see different view points.

4. Best track in the US that will never host F1 again is [My arguable opinion, of course] is Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Camping has great lines of sight, paddock and other areas are accessible and prices are, well, let's be honest. It's expensive as hell at any venue....

5. See what you want to see, go where you want to go. IMO, F1 is best viewed from the comfort of your own couch. Best races to see live are the TT and down from there....

Best of luck and have a great racing season!!

[jellydog6]

Originally Posted by JHY310

Bimmerpost meet in Austin? Id be down.

I'm going to this event as well hope the weather won't be like last year. Bimmerpost meet sound good too bad i won't have my car

[iron_man]

I picked up turn 12 row 26 tickets about a month ago, anyone else in turn 12? I also got a parking pass in one of the lots.... I just can't go to the best motorsport event in the world and not drive my M3, I just can't go all the way there and show up on a shuttle haha. The car will be washed and detailed before this.