Fan Feature: A Native Austinites Guide to Making the Most of Your USGP Vacation

The Texas State Capitol building on Congress Ave in Downtown Austin, Texas

The following is a special feature from Austin native and long time F1 fan, Dale Daugherty. Dale was the winner of last week's Fan Feature and has offered to share his suggestions to visitors of Austin for the 2012 Formula 1 USGP. 

// Formula Fun 

Welcome, Formula One fan, to the greatest city in the United States!

Think of me as your friendly, local tour guide. If you find me to be a bit enthusiastic, it’s because I REALLY love my home town… and I am certainly very excited for the 2012 United States Grand Prix! I was born here in 1984, and I have witnessed our evolution from a small Texas city, to a bustling metropolis that constantly finds itself on the nations “Top Ten” lists.

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Within Arm's Reach: Construction Update at COTA

// Click on any of the photos above to go to the full gallery.

With just under four months to go until the November Formula 1 race at Circuit of The Americas, construction is moving along steadily as the deadline approaches. On site today for a media tour, there was evidence of significant progress since our last visit exactly one month prior. Many are concerned that significant strides may not be enough to achieve the impossible, but COTA and their contractors are confident everything is on schedule.

First stop on the trip was Austin's zenith, Turn 1, where the temporary observation platform has been removed to make room for grandstands and permanent restroom facilities. We were able to exit the shuttle and step out on the run-off area, walking trough the gravel trap and on to the asphalt.

The difference between the track now and a short three months ago (April), makes the less than four month deadline seem completely within reach for COTA. With 700 workers on site at any point during the day, there is no shortage of hands to get this project completed. The guard rails are in place and bolted together and the FIA required fence is taught and ready for race operation. All together, the only thing remaining to finish Turn 1 is the final layer of asphalt for the race surface and some cosmetic details.

Speaking to an Austin Commercial representative (the general contractor), I learned that FIA Safety Delegate Charlie Whiting's June visit to the Circuit (post Canadian Grand Prix) was very positive. Concerns about completion where squashed when compared to recent F1 tracks like Korea and India, both of which staged races but fought the clock late into the night before their respective events. COTA's FIA inspection is scheduled a minimum of 60 days before F1 arrives on track, which makes the weekend of Sept 15-16 the true target for circuit operation.

Continuing on the racing line to our next stop at Turn 11, our ride was smooth and free of previous bumps and rattles from a dirt surface; only the circuit's inherent undulation and natural character came through. Despite traveling only 30 miles per hour in a large shuttle bus, we were able to get a taste of the complex maneuvering that will be required by future drivers; they will certainly enjoy the challenges the first half of the circuit presents.

Stopping at Turn 11 was an opportunity to survey the progress in just one month since Mark Winterbottom's visit to the circuit. This hairpin turn is surprisingly narrow so cars must make their move early coming out of Turn 10 and secure their position before entering Turn 11. In terms of progress, the access road behind the barriers looks complete while the kerbs and fencing are just behind at about 50% completion. Like the majority of the track, the run-off area and track surface are ready to receive final treatment.

Traveling down the main straight to Turn 12, it's hard to not focus on the Tower under construction. With many of the prefabricated steel sections in place, the commanding white tower dominates the western side of the circuit even though it has yet to reach its 251 foot peak. 8" steel tubes painted COTA red will create the canopy of the Tower and stretch down to the amphitheater below. Some evidence of these red tubes adorns the back side of the Main Grandstand and will also be part of the Grand Plaza entrance on the far west side of the track. We didn't stop to look at the Tower, but I'm looking forward to investigating it in the future to understand how the amphitheater and Tower will connect.

Our final stop - on the main straight - was the heart of the on-site action today. With the paddock building on the left, the Main Grandstand on the right, and Turn 1 in the background, the activity and excitement levels here are electric. The Main Grandstand's canopy structure is complete and the first piece of canopy covering has just been installed. The glass windows of the paddock building are practically done and the main scoreboard and starting line gantry are in position. Much remains to satisfy the typical paddock club clientele from what's visible on the track below, so crews are likely beginning to focus more on the buildings and guest amenities as the track and safety elements near completion.

In total, the pieces of the puzzle that will transform this circuit into America's new home for motorsports are secret no more. The world's greatest drivers will soon compete on this track; the top three will grace the podium, spraying champagne over the edge and rewarding their teammates and crew members for their hard work. Thousands of fans have dreamed about the return of an American F1 race for over five years. Within a matter of months now, all the glory will be within arm's reach.

Need seats at Circuit of The Americas? Buy your USGP tickets from TicketCity.

Speed At Your Fingertips

When was the last time you experienced the thrill of being behind the wheel in a race car, fighting your competition on the track for a race win?  Would you be up to the challenge to take on 11 competitors if you had the chance to do so?

The thrill of racing is unique and often reserved for a select few whose lifetime dedication grants them the chance to prove their skills on the track.  However, this experience is not out of reach for many thanks to the karting experience provided by K1 Speed. Karting is unique because it gives people the chance to experience the full dynamic of racing in a fun and welcoming environment for drivers of all skill levels.

// K1 Speed

The electric-powered karts at K1 Speed pack twenty horsepower into a compact package, offering the same karting experience that most professional drivers start their career on.  This is the best way to build the fundamentals of racing technique: learning how to take advantage of the racing line, using both braking and accelerator, and the best of all, learning how to pass another driver.

K1 Speed, the largest indoor karting company with locations throughout the US and based in California, just opened their first Texas location in north Austin. I went out to check it out myself and see what the rage is all about.

// The Experience

First-time racers sign up at the welcome kiosk and create a personalized account to track racing performance throughout their driving career. Using a point based system similar to grand prix racing, drivers are awarded "K1RS" which reflect their position and overall performance.

Once regsitered, drivers queue for the next scheduled race, which consists of up to 12 racers at a time. Once geared up with a helmet, drivers stage in the pits while another race is underway, receiveing instructions on how to adjust their seating position and secure their harness.  When the other racers return to the pits, the barriers are opened and your turn is up.  Karts are speed limited during this session, allowing all karts to get on the track safely and the barrier to be returned to position.  Shortly after, the full throttle is engaged and all of the sudden, you're off! 

The cars are quick and nimble, taking turns and holding the racing line quite well.  No, you won't be shattering any speed records, but unless you're already a seasoned racer, this is by far the most fun you're going to have on four wheels.

I was impressed with the speed and the quality of handling from the kart.  It took a second to get accustomed to performance, but once I got comfortable with the brake feel and limit of the handling, I was on my way to the top, working past several cars as I increased my pace. Starting out in ninth I gained several places before spinning out mid-race while trying to make the gap for a pass, losing several places in the process.  The pressure mounted as I frantically tried to regain my position and having to overtake but I was only able to regain up to fifth position. 

At the end of our 12 laps, I was surprised that my hands were glued to the wheel and in throbbing from gripping the wheel so tightly. I was totally immersed in the experience and had a blast while behind the wheel. I would highly recommend going out to K1 Speed to check it out for yourself; they are conveniently located near The Domain shopping center and restaurants, but the entire family can have a great time racing, eating or playing video games at K1 Speed.

// Details

K1 Speed Austin
2500 McHale Court
Austin, TX 78758
512-271-5475

Hours (Subject to Change)
Monday-Thursday: 12 noon - 10PM
Friday, Saturday: 11AM - 11PM
Sunday: 11AM - 7PM

// Austin Tip

Leave the flip-flops at home; you'll want to wear closed-toe shoes while karting for best performance and safety!