COTA Adds Pools and Rollercoasters Around Austin's F1 Circuit
The Circuit of the Americas has layered hospitality structures, swimming pools, and amusement rides onto the grassy banks surrounding the track since the first USGP in 2012.
By Ethan Harrison ·
Formula 1's annual visit to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin returned this weekend to a track that once faced being dropped from the schedule over low interest. Of the three US races on the calendar, Austin is the one most often attended by core fans. Unlike the Miami and Las Vegas rounds, which run on temporary street circuits, COTA is a permanent facility built with run-off areas rather than concrete barriers.
The layout was designed by motorcycle racer Kevin Schwantz, with Herman Tilke's firm handling buildings and infrastructure. The course mixes corner speeds with demanding turn sequences, heavy braking zones, and elevation changes. COTA also hosts the World Endurance Championship and IMSA's Lone Star Le Mans rounds in September.
The grounds have changed considerably since the first USGP there in 2012. Grassy banks that once ringed the track now hold hospitality structures, including one linked to the paddock building by cable car with two swimming pools. Rollercoasters and amusement rides line the perimeter. COTA's diversification plan combines theme park, concert venue, and race track on one property.
Formula 1's return to Austin this weekend places the sport back on a circuit built as a permanent facility rather than a temporary street course, at a venue that has added entertainment operations alongside its racing calendar since 2012.
Source: Ars Technica
