With F1 returning to the U.S. for the first time in five years today in Austin, traffic getting to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) track had “backed up as far as the eye can see as cars slowly make their way into parking lots reserved for drivers who paid in advance” (STATESMAN.com, 11/18). Meanwhile, things reportedly went smoothly yesterday, as there were “few speed bumps to an elaborate plan to move thousands of fans to and from the track” (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 11/18).
COTA President Steve Sexton spoke with THE DAILY about how the first events had gone this weekend and said he was very pleased with the group’s transportation plan, “which was to get 40 to 60,000 people from offsite to the venue.” Sexton: “It sounds fairly mundane but with this type of level event, it’s an exhaustive effort. The customer feedback has been incredible" (THE DAILY). SPEED's Will Buxton: “The fans are unbelievable, it’s like Brazil here; it’s just insane, the guys have really taken it to heart.” Red Bulls Team Principal Christian Horner: “Great track, great venue, it’s great to be in Texas today” (SPEED, 11/18).
