Circuit of the Americas

Verstsappen Fends Hamilton for US Grand Prix Win (October 22, 2023)

Max Verstappen’s win of the US Grand Prix, his 15th of the season and 50th in his Formula One career, was any but a sure thing.  The Dutchman started in sixth position, endured breaking problems throughout the race, and fended off Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in the closing seconds. 

“I think the whole race I was struggling with the brakes. That made the race a bit tougher. It was very close at the end,” Verstappen said. “It’s incredible to win my 50th grand prix here. Very proud. Of course, we will keep trying to push for more.”

Verstappen Unstoppable in Sprint Dash (October 21, 2023)

Saturday’s US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas was all about the Sprint competition.  And the Sprint competition was all about Max Verstappen. 

The Dutchman led every segment of the Sprint Shootout qualifier to earn the pole position.  He then led the 100 km Sprint from start-to-finish with a time of (31:30.849).   Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton presented challenges early in the race, but were no real threat.   This was Verstappen’s third Sprint win this season, and it was the second time he led throughout.  

Team Principal Gather at Start to US Grand Prix (October 20, 2023)

Formula One team principles Toto Wolff (Mercedes), Zak Brown (McLaren), Guenther Steiner (Haas), Mike Krack (Aston Martin) met with reports on Friday at the start of the United States Grand Prix to share their thoughts.  Here the highlights. 

Mike Krack shared that both Aston Martin experience overheating issue on the front left for both cars. “We inspected the cars, unfortunately one car couldn’t go out anymore because the repair would take too long, and the other car, we managed to go out again – so unfortunate and not an ideal start for a Sprint weekend, obviously.”  

Leclerc Takes Pole, Verstappen Misstep Costly (October 20, 2023)

Friday saw the first use of the new sprint format at the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.  The US Grand Prix is one of six races to use the changed Sprint format. 

The Sprint format is a significant departure from the traditional Grand Prix weekend.  The Sprint, a shorten form of the traditional race, displaces all Saturday activities.  It was added to create more excitement leading up to the main event on Sunday. 

The Sprint format requires the driver squeeze every bit benefit from Free Practice 1, as there is no others. 

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (1:34.723) bested McLaren’s Lando Norris (1:34.853, +0.120) and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (1:34.862, +0.139) in the qualifiers.  

Driver’s Thoughts Before Grand Prix of the Americas (October 19, 2023)

Drivers from the 2023 United States Grand Prix met with reporters on Thursday to share their thoughts from the last race in Qatar, and the implications for Austin.  Here the highlights. 

Logan Sargeant, a rookie on the Williams team and the only American driver in the field,  may be new to F1 but not the Circuit of the Americas. Sargeant tackled the track in the 2021 Driver Academy and the 2023 Grand Prix of the Americas FP1.  The exposure may help Sargeant, especially in the sprint race.  

Fastest Two Seconds in an F1 Race: The Pit Stop (October 18, 2023)

About one second separates the fast pit crews in Formula 1 racing from the slowest.  The process, from beginning to end, lasts about two seconds, and usually happens one to two times in a race. 

The team’s approach to the pit stop may vary, and the equipment they use may vary a lot, but what doesn’t vary is the teamwork required to complete a successful pit stop. 

Twenty-one individuals support getting the driver in, and out, of the pit, usually in two seconds or less. 

Rins Takes MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at COTA (April 16, 2023)

As the sun beat down on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, the world's best motorcycle racers gathered to compete in the latest round of the MotoGP championship. With high expectations and plenty of tension in the air, the race promised to be a thrilling spectacle for fans in attendance and watching around the world.

When the lights went out and the engines roared to life, it quickly became clear that this was going to be a fiercely contested race. The riders pushed themselves and their bikes to the limit, trading positions and jostling for every inch of track as they battled for supremacy.

Acosta Grabs Victory Moto2 Grand Prix of the Americas (April 16, 2023)

As the MotoGP season continues, the riders and teams arrived in Austin, Texas for the Moto2 race on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The Circuit of the Americas provided a challenging course for the competitors, with 20 turns and a 5.5 km track. The Moto2 race was eagerly anticipated, and the results did not disappoint the fans.

The race began with Celestino Vietti of the Fantic Racing team starting from pole position. He was closely followed by Pedro Acosta of the Red Bull KTM Ajo. As the lights went out, Vietti made a good start and maintained his position at the front of the pack.

Ortola Capitalizes on Sasaki Mistake (April 16, 2023)

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas played host to the latest round of the Moto3 World Championship. The race featured some of the best young riders in the world, competing on the challenging 5.5 km track.

The race began with Jaume Masia of the Leopard Racing team starting from pole position. He was joined on the front row by Ayumy Sasaki of the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP team and Ivan Ortola of the Angeluss MTA team. As the lights went out, Masia made a good start and led the field into the first turn.

Bagnaia Continues Strong, Takes MotoGP Pole (April 15, 2023)

The MotoGP riders took to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for their qualifying session on Saturday, April 15th, and it was a battle for pole position between two familiar faces:  Francesco Bagnaia and his closest rival, LCR Honda's Alex Rins. In the end, it was Bagnaia who emerged victorious, with a stunning lap time of 2:05.982.

Bagnaia, who rides for the Ducati Lenovo team, had been fast throughout the weekend, setting the pace in the practice sessions. In qualifying, he was able to put together a near-perfect lap, with his Ducati machine proving to be the fastest on track.

Vietti Tops Moto2 Qualifying (April 15, 2023)

As the Moto2 riders took to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for their qualifying session on Saturday, April 15th, it was clear that there were some contenders for the top spots on the grid. In the end, it was Spanish rider Celestino Vietti who claimed pole position, with a blistering lap time of 2:09.345.

Vietti, who rides for the Fantic Racing team, had shown strong form throughout the weekend, consistently setting fast times in the practice sessions. In qualifying, he was able to put together a near-perfect lap, with his Kalex machine proving to be the fastest on track.

Masia Claims Pole Moto3 Grand Prix Americas (April 15, 2023)

On Saturday, April 15, 2023, the Moto3 qualifying session for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas took place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The session saw some intense action as the riders fought to secure the best possible starting position for the race on Sunday.

In the end, it was Spanish rider Jaume Masia who claimed pole position with a time of 2:12.347. Acosta has been in fine form this season and has already claimed two wins in the first three races. He will be looking to add another win to his tally and extend his lead at the top of the championship standings.

MotoGP Returns for 2023 Grand Prix of the Americas (April 14, 2023)

The MotoGP riders took to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, for the first practice session at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas On Friday, April 14th, 2023. The session was a closely contested affair, with the riders jostling for position throughout.

At the top of thetimesheets was French rider Fabio Quartararo, who set the fastest time of thesession with a 2:03.709. Quartararo, who won the last race in Argentina, waslooking strong and confident throughout the session and will be hoping to carrythat form into qualifying and the race.

Fernandez Tops in Moto2 Practice (April 14, 2023)

The Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, played host to the first day of practice for the Moto2 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas on Friday, April 14th, 2023. The session saw a range of performances from the riders, with some showing impressive pace and others struggling to get to grips with the track.

At the top of the timesheets was Spanish rider Raul Fernandez, who set the fastest time of the session with a 2:09.724. Fernandez, who won the last race in Portugal, was looking strong and confident throughout the session and will be hoping to carry that form into qualifying and the race.

Marco Bezzecchi Lead Moto3 Riders Day 1 (April 14, 2023)

The Moto3 riders took to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, for the first practice session of the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas on Friday, April 14th, 2023. The session saw plenty of action and some surprises, with a few riders showing impressive pace and others struggling to find the sweet spot.

At the top of thetimesheets was Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi, who set the fastest time of thesession with a 2:13.127. Bezzecchi, who currently sits third in thechampionship standings, was looking strong and consistent throughout thesession and will be hoping to carry that form into qualifying and the race.

Verstappen Repeats US Grand Prix Victory (October 23, 2022)

Max Verstappen over-came numerous challenges to win his second Unites States Grand Prix and secure the Constructors Championship for Red Bull.  Verstappen’s record-tying 13th season victory came a day after the passing of Red Bull co-founder Dietrick Mateschitz. 

Verstappen claimed the lead after an opening lap Turn 1 dust-up between Carlos Sainz and George Russell.  The touch by Russell spun Sainz, who started in the pole position, and was forced to withdraw from the race.  

US Grand Prix Drivers Parade (October 23, 2022)

The Drivers Parade is the formal presentation of the teams and their drivers prior to the running of the 10thFormula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix 2022 on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.  An estimated 440,000 attended the three-day event which concluded with Sunday’s race.  

Ferrari’s Sainz Claims US Grand Prix Pole (October 22, 2022)

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz recorded the fastest lap at the 2022 United States Grand Prix to claim the pole position.  Teammate Charles Leclerc claimed the second fastest lap, but will start from P12 for an engine change penalty.  Sainz’s second Q3 lap came in at 1m 34.356s; Leclerc followed 0.065s behind. 

Commenting on the Qualifying results Sainz offered, “It was fun, a lot of fun. Very tricky out there with these winds that we have today. So gusty that every corner is a bit of an adventure with these cars.“  

Formula 1 Pit Crews (October 22, 2022)

Winning in Formula 1 requires three things: a skilled driver, a fast car, and an appropriate tire management strategy.  Tire management is dependent on two components: selecting the right compound tire for the track conditions, and a speedy tire change.  

Formula 1 pit crews play an incredibly role in the success of the team.   A tire change longer than 2.5 seconds is considered a long pit stop, and a pit stop under 2 seconds can buy you a two positions on track.  

Highlights of Team Principals Press Conference: New Drivers, Budget Caps, New Tires (October 22, 2022)

Excerpts from the Team Principal’s Press Conference.  Participants: Jost Capito (Williams), Zak Brown (McLaren), Christian Horner (Red Bull),  Frédéric Vasseur (Alfa Romeo), Guenther Steiner (Haas), Mario Isola (Pirelli)

Verstappen Leads Leclerc, Sainz Entering Qualifiers (October 22, 2022)

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen bounced back from an unimpressive P7 position in FP2, claiming the fastest lap in FP3. 

Ferrari remained a presence with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz taking P2 and P3.  Leclerce topped FP2 while Sainz posted the fourth fastest time.  Leclerc face 10-place grid penalty for a new engine and turbocharger come qualifying.  

Leclerc Commands FP2 (October 21, 2022)

Free Practice #2 saw the return of veteran drives Charles Leclerc, Valterri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo.  The trio clocked the fastest laps for the practice.  Rookie drivers took the place of five drivers in FP1 in a developmental exercise. 

The practice was the second of two conducted on the Pirelli 2023 protype tires.  The practice was extended from 60 to 90 minutes for the blind evaluation.  Drivers not participating in FP1 were exempt from the evaluation. 

Five Drivers Make Debut in FP1 at Austin (October 21, 2022)

FP1 saw five rookies took to the circuit in place of veteran drivers in developmental effort: Robert Shwartzman for Ferrari, Alex Palou for McLaren, Theo Pourchaire for Alfa Romeo, Logan Sargeant for Williams, and Antonio Giovianazzi for Haas. 

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap of 1m 36.857s in Free Practice #1 at the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.  Following 0.224s behind was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finish third at 0.475 off the fastest pace.  Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez rounded out the top five at just greater than 0.6s behind.  

Highlights of the US Grand Prix Drivers Press Conference Highlights:  Track Conditions, Car Competitiveness, Good Natured Joking, Race Expectations, Cost Caps (October 20, 2022)

Excerpts from the Driver's Press Conference.  Participants:  Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), Lando Norris (McLaren), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Sergio Perez (Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Kevin Magnussen (Haas), Alex Albon (Williams), Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri)

Chastain Goes Bumper to Bumper, Takes EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix (March 27, 2022)

Ross Chastain won the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in dramatic style, ending in a frantic, four lead-change two-lap overtime. 

Chastain led 31 of 69 laps around the 3.41-mile, 20-turn circuit, but the final lap presented the greatest challenge. Chastain, A.J. Allmendinger and Alex Bowman all traded paint and positions in the closing lap of overtime.  But after running off course and falling to third, Chastain drove into the bumper of Allmendinger, sending him into Bowman. Chastain avoided Allmendinger and Bowman to take the checkered flag. 

Inside NASCAR Pit Stops (March 27, 2022)

NASCAR pit lanes could be mistaken for an uneventful location.  One usually sees a dozen or so people reclining on the garage floor, sitting on stacks of tires, watching the race on monitors, or attending to their smart phone.  About five minutes before a car enters the pit, the team starts to stir.  And by the time a car pulls into the pit, there is a fury of activity, lasting, on average, 12 seconds.  

But the real under workings of the pit crew are nowhere near as casual.  Pit stops are a complex, tightly choreographed processes that significantly affects the outcome of a race.  Actions taken on the pit lane will win or lose NASCAR Cup races.  

Verstappen Edges Hamilton in US Grand Prix, October 24, 2021

A dramatic race before a record setting crowd had Max Verstappen edge-out Lewis Hamilton to win his first U.S. Grand Prix Sunday at Circuit of the Americas.  The win added to Verstappen’s lead in the Formula 1 Driver’s Championship.  The Mad Dutchman now has a 13-point lead entering the final three races of the season. 

Jamie Chadwick Defends W Series Crown, October 24, 2021

Jamie Chadwick defended her W Series crown while dominating both races at the Circuit of the Americas. W Series is an all-female, single-seater, open-wheel racing championship started in 2019.  Drivers are selected solely by their ability and race in mechanical cars, meaning championship are decided on the talent of the drive and not the wealth of the team. 

Verstappen Takes US Grand Prix Pole, October 23, 2021

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured the pole position in Sunday’s U.S. Grand Prix with a lap time of 1:32.910.  Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) will join Verstappen in the front row, finishing 0.209 behind Verstappen.  Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez (+0.224) rounded out the top three finishers.  

Formula 1 Pit Crews, October 23, 2021

Formula 1 pit crews play an incredibly important role in the success of the team.  A tire change longer than 2.5 seconds is considered a long pit stop, and a pit stop under 2 seconds can buy you a couple of places on track. 

US Grand Prix Free Practice 3 Wrap-up: Perez Tops Final Practice, October 23, 2021

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez logged the fastest official lap time in Free Practice #3 at the US Grand Prix, but only after faster times by Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) were voided.  Peres has led the last two practice sessions at the Circuit of the Americas.  

US Grand Prix Free Practice 2 Wrap-up: Perez Excels, Verstappen Fumes, October 22, 2021

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez logged the fastest official lap time in Free Practice #2 at the US Grand Prix while teammate Max Verstappen sputtered in eighth position.  McLaren’s Lando Norris was a full quarter of a second behind to claim P2.  

US Grand Prix Free Practice 1 Wrap-up: Mercedes Claims Top Spots, October 22, 2021

Valtteri Bottas edged Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in the first practice session at the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.  Red Bull’s Max Verstappen followed nearly one second behind for the third position.  Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc and Carlos Sainz rounded out top five.  

Marc Marquez Earns Seventh MotoGP Victory at COTA, October 3, 2021

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), the eight-time MotoGP World Champion, earned his seventh win at the Circuit of the Americas in the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.  Current World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) earn a second-place finish.  Quartararo extended his championship lead over Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to 52 points.  Bagnaia earned the final podium position.  

Raul Fernandez Wins Moto2 at COTA in Record Tying Race, October 3, 2021

Rookie sensation Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) became the first rider since Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) to claim seven Moto2 races.  Fernandez was in total command of the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at the Circuit of the Americas.  Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) claimed the second podium position, with Marco Bezzecchi (SKY Racing Team VR46) earning the final place.  

Double Red-Flag Ends COTA Moto3, October 3, 2021

Izan Guevara (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team) was declared the Moto3 race winner at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas after a double red-flagged race. Guevara was leading when the initial red flags were shown eight laps into the race, before a serious multi-rider incident caused the red flags to be shown for a second time.  

Marquez, Miller Dominate MotoGP Day 1, October 1, 2021

Marc Marquez’s (Repsol Honda Team) dominance of the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) continued in free practice 1.  Marquez, the six-time winner at COTA, edged Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) by 0.167 sec under drying track conditions.  Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) rounded out the top-three, trailing by 0.599 sec.  Marquez’ control extended into free practice 2, edging Miller by the slightest of margins (0.015 sec).  

Rookie Fernandez Controls Day 1 Moto2, October 1, 2021

Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo), the rookie rider from Spain, took the top spot in Moto2 free practice 1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas.  Fernandez’ control extended into free practice  2, under dry conditions.  The rookie dominated the practice, leading Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team)  by up to 0.7 sec.

Wet Track Conditions Kick-off Moto3 (October 1, 2021)

Wet track conditions greeted the start of the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas.  Turn 9 proved especially troublesome, causing three riders to kiss the tarmac in a five-minute span.  The worse fall came from Sergio Garcia (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team), who withdrew from the competition with a hematoma (blood clot) in the kidney.  Garcia recorded a respectable time of 2’33.672, 1.520 behind the leader, before the fall.

Chase Elliott Wins Inaugural NASCAR Texas Grand Prix, May 23, 2021

Defending Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott won the inaugural Texas Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.  Rain and low visibility force officials to call the race with 14 laps remaining. 

Elliott, a master of the road courses, said the rain-soaked track conditions were almost blinding, leading to 9 yellow flags and 2 red flags, including a potentially fatal crash.  

The Delicate Art of NASCAR Pit Stops, May 23, 2021

In watching the pit lane, one usually sees a dozen or so people reclining on the garage floor, sitting on stacks of tires, watching the race on monitors, or attending to their smart phone.  About five minutes before a car enters the pit, the team starts to stir.  And by the time a car pulls into the pit, there is a fury of activity, lasting, on average, 12 seconds.  But the real under workings of the pit crew are nowhere near as casual.  

Wet Track Affects Lamborghini Super Trofeo Finish, May 23, 2021

Intermittent rain created challenging driving conditions for the second race of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo at the Circuit of the Americas.  Wet track conditions drew two yellow flags in the 50-minute race.  The race ended under a caution flag.  Stevan McAleer (No. 16 Change Racing) lost his pole position advantage going into the first turn of the race to Loris Spinelli (No. 51 Taurino Racing).   

Kyle Busch takes Inaugural Xfinity at COTA

NASCAR Cup Series megastar Kyle Busch dominated the inaugural Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 at the Circuit of the Americas.  Busch dwarfed the competition, leading 36 of the 46 laps and finishing 11 seconds ahead of second place finisher, A.J. Allmendinger.  Busch averaged 76.558 mph driving the No. 54 Skittles Gummies Toyota.  

Antinucci Repeats Lamborghini Super Trofeo Win at COTA, May 22, 2021

Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America has returned to Circuit of The Americas for the first time since 2017.  A record-breaking number of cars have entered this weekend’s series of two races, which is part of the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix NASCAR race. Richard Antinucci took the top spot in race #1 held on Saturday evening.  

Gilliland Rallies to Win NASCAR Truck at COTA, May 22, 2021

Todd Gilliland overcame a first stage penalty that forced him to the back of the pack to win the Camping World Trucks Toyota Tundra 225 by nine seconds at the Circuit of the Americas.   “From the drop of the green flag, I was aggressive,” Gilliland told reporters. “If you’ve got the truck to do it ... you’ve got to get by people when you can.”

Rainy Start to NASCAR Cup at COTA, May 22, 2021

Steady rain and high winds made a mess of the NASCAR Cup Series inaugural debut at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). There is a 70% chance of rain for Sunday’s race. “The rain is another new twist, and it’s one I’m not very good at, to be honest. I don’t feel very good at it, at least,” Chase Elliott told reporters.  

Area Sports Suspended to Abate COVID-19, March 12, 2020

Professional and collegiate sports ground to a halt as the nation attempts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  This is a summary of what is affected locally: American Hockey League (Texas Stars) – remainder of season cancelled. Circuit of the Americas – MotoGP postponed, IndyCar Classic <more>

A Photographers Guide to the Circuit of the Americas, January 31, 2020

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a world-renown racing circuit situated amidst “Keep it Weird,” Austin, Texas.  Opened in 2012, the 3.426-mile circuit is one of the few in the world purpose-built for Formula One.  The facility is massive (Figure 1).  Measured at nearly 900 acres, including the circuit, parking and <more>

Hamilton Reflects on Sixth F1 World Championship, November 3, 2019

Lewis Hamilton was surprising candid as he revealed personal feelings on winning his sixth Formula 1 World Championship.  Hamilton began his press conference being especially humble and appreciative.  He offer his sincere congratulations to teammate Valtteri Botas, the winner of the US Grand Prix, and <more>

Bottas Wins F1 COTA, Hamilton Secures Championship, November 3, 2019

The Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport team claimed the top two podium positions at the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.  Valtteri Bottas took the top spot while the second place finish was more than enough to secure his Lewis Hamilton his sixth World Championship.   <more>

Breakout Weekend for Bogle in US Formula 4, November 3, 2019

Christian Bogle rose above all others in the Formula 4 United States Championship at the Circuit of the America’s. Bogle, a lesser-known contender, won both races to move from 24th to 10th in the overall point rankings.  His pervious best finish was 8thin two years driving F4.  <more>

Constable Cruises to Master Endurance Victories, November 3, 2019

Jamie Constable (#99, Pescarolo LMP1) dominated both race of the Masters Endurance Legends in support of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.  His average margin of victory was nearly one minute.The Masters Endurance Legends USA race series is <more>

Formula Car No Longer a Man’s Club, November 3, 2019

The Formula 4 United States Championship concluded its 2019 season at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas as part of the Formula 1 US Grand Prix Championship.  This year’s competition fielded the highest number of drives in any F4 competition.  Especially noteworthy was <more>

Bottas Secures Surprise Pole,  November 2, 2019

Valtteri Bottas, who took the pole position for Sunday’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in nerve-wracking qualifier.  Bottas secured the pole position with a masterful opening lap, besting Sebastian Vettel by a mere 0.012 seconds, the smallest margin in COTA history. <more>

Hamilton Tops Day 1 at COTA, November 1, 2019

A chilly morning in Austin, Texas warmed up nicely for Lewis Hamilton as he worked to capture his sixth Formula 1 world championship in the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.  Hamilton posted the fastest time in second free practice on first day of the three-day event.  <more>

Marquez’s Crash Opens Door for Rins, April 14, 2019

Alex Rins of Team Suzuki Ecstar beat Valentino Rossi for his first MotoGP win after Marc Marquez crashed. Marquez had a four-second lead on Rossi when he suffered a lowside crash at Turn 12 on lap nine.  Marc Marquez, a five-time world champion, had won every MotoGP event at the Circuit of the Americas <more>

Dynavolt Intact GP Tops Moto2, April 14, 2019

The Dynavolt Intact GP duo of Thomas Luthi and Marcel Schrotter grabbed the top spots of Moto2 in the Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas.  It was Luthi’s first win in Moto2 after a disappointing year competing in MotoGP.  Luthi beat Schrotter by nearly one-half second who was <more>

Crash Launches Canet to Moto3 Victory, April 14, 2019

The Moto3 race at the Circuit of the Americas experience a major upheaval as leader, Ayumu Sasaki of Japan, crashed in the final two laps to allow Aron Canet of Spain to claim the title.  Canet had maneuvered from the sixth position in the starting grid to capitalize on Sasaki’s mistake. <more>

MotoGP Returns to Austin, April 12, 2019

MotoGP returned to Austin for the seventh year, bringing with it many familiar faces.  Friday’s activity consisted of two free practices at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).  Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda Team is the perennial favorite.  No other rider has won the Red Bull Grand Prix of the America <more>

Schrotter, Luthi Control First Day Moto2, April 12, 2019

Marcel Schrötter and Tom Lüthi of Dynavolt Intact GP controlled the first day of Moto2 free practices at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Moto2 is the middle sibling of international professional motorcycle racing.  It is a step-up from Moto3, the entry-level rider development, but below MotoGP, <more>

Moto3 Brings the Future to COTA, April 12, 2019

MotoGP has become a right of spring passage for the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The event brings not only the best motorcycle racers in the world to COTA, but also the up-and-comers.  Today was the first practice day, culminating with the Gran Prix of the Americas race on Sunday.  <more>

Herta Become Youngest IndyCar Winner, March 24, 2019

A mechanical problem and an accident created a record-breaking outcome to the inaugural running of the IndyCar Classic at the Circuit of the Americas.  Colton Herta, six days shy of nineteenth birthday, became the youngest ever winner of an Indy car race.  Top qualifier Will Power led every lap, <more>

Power Takes Inaugural IndyCar Pole at COTA, March 23, 2019

For the 56thtime in his career, and for the second straight time this season, Will Power of the Verizon Team Penske will take the pole position in an IndyCar Classic race to be run at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).  Power is second only to Mario Andretti for the most IndyCar pole positions. <more>

Askew Dominates COTA Indy Lights, March 22, 2019

t was a one-man-show. Rookie Oliver Askew, the 22-year-old racer for Andretti Autosport, totally dominated the Indy Lights competition at the Circuit of the Americas.  This was the inaugural running of Indy Lights and IndyCar at the circuit.  Askew won races 1 and 2 with his fastest time of less than <more>

Ferrari Takes Blancpain GT Day 2, March 3, 2019

The second day of Blancpain GT World Challenge America at Circuit of the Americas could not have been more different than the first.  Saturday’s warm, yet overcast, conditions were as inviting to the fans as they were to the K-Pax Racing team, who took the two top podium spots.  <more>

K-Pax Racing Tops Podium at COTA, March 2, 2019

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) opened its 2019 racing season with the Blancpain GTWorld Challenge America auto racing series.  Austin was the first of eleven stops on this year’s schedule.  This weekend’s competition featured the Grand Touring (GT) class of luxury-brand vehicles.  <more>

Raikkonen Wins, Verstappen Stuns, Hamilton Misses, October 21, 2018

Kimi Raikkonen denied Hamilton his fifth straight win in Austin and a fifth world title in a thrilling contest at Circuit of the Americas.Raikkonen surged past Hamilton in the first turn and held on to win the United States Grand Prix.  It was Raikkonen’s first win in 113 races, dating to 2013. <more>

Vettel Slips, Hamilton Soars, October 20, 2018

After rain-soaked practice runs on Friday, track conditions improved immensely, producing record-breaking lap times in the Qualifying Session.  Lewis Hamilton and Valterri Bottas of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport team, and Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikonnen of the Suderia Ferrari team <more> 

Wet Start to F1 US Grand Prix at COTA, October 19, 2018

Lewis Hamilton tried his best to downplay expectations to the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix, and the weather helped him to put a wet blanket on the prospects.  When asked if all was coming together for a repeat of his four U.S. Grand Prix wins Hamilton responded: “Not particularly, no.”  <more> 

Formula 1 Returns to Austin with Similar Plot, October 18, 2018

Starting in mid-September the Circuit of Americas (COTA) begins a transformation from an empty expanse of paddocks, parking lots and staging areas to become the center of the Formula 1 universe.  That transformation culminates this weekend with he seventh consecutive running of the FIA Formula One <more>

Kristoffersson, Speed Take Crowns at COTA, September 30, 2018

18,500 fans watched PSRX Volkswagen Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson win the inaugural running ot the World RX of USA at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas and win the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship.  PSRX Volkswagen Sweden teammate Petter Solberg finished second in the final <more>

COTA Welcomes Inaugural World Rallycross USA Championship, September 29, 2018

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) hosted the inaugural of the FIA World Rallycross United States of America Championship.  Austin was the second North American stop and the tenth of twelve worldwide. Rallycross is wildly popular in Northern Europe, with the majority of the drivers from Sweden, France <more> 

VW Andretti Dominance Continues at Americas Rallycross Austin, July 14, 2018

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) brought Americas Rallycross (ARX) to Austin this weekend as a teaser for the World Rallycross (WRX) Championship.  ARX, promoted by FIA and IMG Motorsport, was formed to fill that vacancy created by the shuttering of the Global Rallycross Championship earlier <more>

MotoGP: Marquez’s COTA Reign Continues, April 22, 2018

Marc Marquez (#93 Repsol Honda Team) dominated the America MotoGP for his sixth COTAvictory in a row. Marquez was given a three-place grid penalty for slow riding on the racing line and disturbing another rider in the qualifying heat. As a result Marquez lost his sixth pole position at the Circuit of the Americas <more>

Moto2: Bagaia Capitalizes on Marquez’s Mistakes, April 22, 2018

Francesco “Pecco” Bagaia (# 42 Sky Racing Team VR46) capitalized on mistakes made by Alex Marquez (#73 EG 0,0 Marc VDS) to win the Moto2 at the Circuit of the Americas.  Marquez started in the pole position, and Bagaia in the number four position.  The race was a battle between the two.  <more>

Moto3: Martin Wins Second Race of Season, April 23, 2018

Jorge Martin (#88 Del Conca Gresini Honda) finished his fastest time of the weekend to win the Moto3 at the Circuit of the Amercias.   “It was an amazing race,” Martin told reporters. “It was hard at the beginning of the race because I had the hard tire. Then the others started to slow down.” <more> 

The Expected and Unexpected at MotoGPDay 1, April 20, 2018

MotoGP of the Americas saw both the expected and the unexpected in its first day of practice. The expected was the solid performance by Marc Marquez of the Repsol Hond Team.  Marquez, the five-time winner at COTA, was quickest in the morning session and a closesecond in the afternoon, <more>

Hamilton Takes Fifth US Grand Prix, October 22, 2017

“I love this track,” said Lewis Hamilton, “I think this track is now my favorite track to be honest.”  And Hamilton showed that love with a brilliantly driven race, taking his fifth United State Grand Prix in six years.  Hamilton looks to secure the Drivers Championship next week in Mexico City.  <more> 

Deja Vu All Over Again: Hamilton and Vettel, October 21, 2017

As the saying goes, it was “deja vu all over again.”  Only two drivers have ever won the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas: Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettle.  And those two drivers finished one and two in the Qualifying Session on Saturday.  Hamilton took the pole position with <more>

Hamilton’s Love Affair Continues, October 20, 2017

Lewis Hamilton’s (#44) love affair with Austin’s Circuit of the Americas (COTA) continued on the first day of the event.  The three-time Formula One champion, and four-time United States Grand Prix winner at COTA, set a track record of 1 minute, 34.668 seconds in the second practice session on Friday.  <more>

Hamilton Returns to Favorite Track, October 17, 2017

“Love the energy at Circuit of the Americas. I’m looking forward to getting out on the track next week!” Lewis Hamilton tweeted after his win at the Japan Formula One.  And there is good reason.  Hamilton, the second-most winning Formula One racer, has won four of five United States Grand Prix races at Circuit <more>

Driving and Weather Prefect at COTA Pirelli World Competition, September 3, 2017

The Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) returned to the Circuit of the Americas for it second year this weekend.  The scheduling of this years event was changed to accommodate the cooler weather and to compliment the upcoming World Endurance Championship and Formula 1 Grand Prix events.  <more> 

Cadillac DPi Dominate WeatherTech Championship at COTA, May 6, 2017

WeatherTech Sportscar Championship is the flagship IMSA series, competing at 12 locations throughout North America.  The championship came to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on the fourth stop on the year.The competition takes place in four different classes: Prototype, Prototype Challenge, <more>

McClaren takes Continental Challenge in Just Third Start, May 9, 2017

McLaren Automotive, the British-based automaker, won the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge at Circuit of the Americas in just its third start.  The victory came compliments co-drivers Matt Plumb and Paul Holton (#76) in the C360R McLaren GT4.The 2017 Continental Tire SportsCar Championship is <more>

Antinucci takes Super Trofeo opener at COTA, May 8, 2017

Richard Antinucci  (#16) took the lead early and never looked back in Race 1 of the opening weekend of the 2017 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America season on Friday at Circuit of The Americas.  Antinucci jumped up from his second-place grid position on the opening lap, seizing control of a race he would <more>

Austin’s Moorespeed takes Porsche GT3Cup Saturday, May 8, 2017

Rounds 5 and 6 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama took place at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas on Friday and Saturday.  The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge is in its 13th season and is one of the largest of Porsche’s single-make Cup Challenge series in the world.   <more>

Marquez captures 4th consecutive MotoGP victory at COTA, April 24, 2017

Sunday was a perfect ending to the fifth MotoGP event at the Circuit of the Americas.  Saturday’s qualifying rounds were a chilly and blustery, with over casted skies.  But Sunday’s weather was ideal for racing and spectating.  For the new comer, MotoGP is the premier class of motorcycle road racing, dating to 1949.  <more>

EG 0,0 Marc VDS Team Posts Two Fastest Moto2 Times on Day 1,  April 22, 2017

Moto2 is the little sister to MotoGP. Both classes of motorcycles are purpose-built racingmachines that are neither available for purchase by the general public nor legal for use on public roads.  MotoGP bikes are 1000cc 4 stroke prototypes capable of 240+ horsepower and 200+ mph.  Moto2 bikes have <more>

Repsol Honda posts fastest day 1 time at MotoGP Americas, April 22, 2017

The Repsol Honda Team lead by Marc Marquez (#93) has enjoy good success at the Circuit of the Americas.  In 2013 Marquez became the youngest MotoGP to gain the pole position and take the race in Austin.  And for the last three years he has repeated the feat, having won in Austin and starting from <more>

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