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Have you ever made a trip to F1 at COTA?

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Old 08-04-2018, 05:08 PM
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Dr911
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Default Have you ever made a trip to F1 at COTA?

Did it meet expectations?
Did you get close to the cars/teams/drivers?
Would you like to go again?
Why? Or why not?
What was meh...?
What do you wish you knew before you went?

Thank you in advance.
A.
Old 08-04-2018, 06:04 PM
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Hatzenbach
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Well i was guest in AMG-Mercedes suite last year. Lots of contact with cars & drivers.
But in all honesty, unless you pay for (super expensive) pit-row VIP tickets I don’t think you’ll have much exposure





Last edited by Hatzenbach; 08-04-2018 at 06:20 PM.
Old 08-05-2018, 12:22 AM
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24Chromium
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Yes. Instead of Texas... go north to Montreal. It’s the next best thing to actually flying to Europe. It’s a whole ‘nother country. You have to have a passport. The locals speak another language. You use a foreign currency. Old town looks exactly like old Europe. The entire town celebrates the race all week long. Sorry that you’ll need to wait until June next year. In the meantime... go to Austin!
Old 08-05-2018, 12:38 AM
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Glyndellis
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Originally Posted by Hatzenbach



Well i was guest in AMG-Mercedes suite last year. Lots of contact with cars & drivers.
But in all honesty, unless you pay for (super expensive) pit-row VIP tickets I don’t think you’ll have much exposure




I was there 3 years ago and didn't remember any of this from the peasant seats!!
Old 08-05-2018, 09:43 AM
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uscarrera
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I went year one there were some growing pains then shuttles that ran out of power, buying a cup of coffee at track in the morning took an intense search, not able to get very close to cars or drivers, attached a picture from our view in grandstands at the SSSs, was still fun and downtown Austin at night during race weekend was a bunch of fun.
Rich




Old 08-05-2018, 01:51 PM
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Hatzenbach
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Sorry for showing off yesterday, but I couldn't help it, this was a "once in a lifetime event"
What I wanted to say was that:
  • with a "normal" ticket, there's not a snowball's chance to get close to the cars or drivers
  • With the super-expensive "paddock club" ticket ($5,300 for all three days), you're allowed - i believe - once / day to walk the pitlane, BUT you will not get closer to the cars than maybe 25 feet (I was close to the Mercedes, because I had the Mercedes suite pass, which allowed us into the inner-sanctum)
  • while I was there, a buddy of mine had a grandstand ticket, which gives you an overview of the main straight + plus you see all the pitlane activity, that's probably your best option. He seemed to have enjoyed it
Old 08-05-2018, 02:55 PM
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TurboDogue
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Great place to see a race. Am a pSL holder. You should go. Wearher usually incredible also.
Old 08-05-2018, 03:44 PM
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Rhythmaddict
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Originally Posted by 24Chromium
Yes. Instead of Texas... go north to Montreal. It’s the next best thing to actually flying to Europe. It’s a whole ‘nother country. You have to have a passport. The locals speak another language. You use a foreign currency. Old town looks exactly like old Europe. The entire town celebrates the race all week long. Sorry that you’ll need to wait until June next year. In the meantime... go to Austin!
This is good advice. I've been to several F1 races (Monaco, Barcelona, Monza, cota, Montreal). Montreal is hands down the best experience dollar for dollar assuming you're coming from North America.
Old 08-05-2018, 04:16 PM
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24Chromium
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I should mention one more huge plug for going to F1 in Montreal... be sure to arrive on Wednesday, because you'll want to do the pit lane walk on Thursday. I got autographs from several of the drivers over the years, talked to many crew members at length, and gotten right up to the garages and cars. We even got invited into the Red Bull garage one year. And lastly, you get to ride the Metro (subway) out to the race. No hassles with traffic and parking.
Old 08-05-2018, 05:17 PM
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wanna911
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Yes - first one
No - didn't care to
Yes - great venue/facility. Lots of passing relative to other tracks.
Old 08-05-2018, 08:50 PM
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bkovac
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I agree with 24Chromium, have been twice to COTA and once to Montreal. Montreal is a must and your spouse will also love the down town party.
Old 08-07-2018, 10:59 AM
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Dr911
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My boyfriend/husband has offered a COTA trip as a 50th birthday gift for me, and is willing to spring for the Big Ticket seats.
But it's likely be something I won't appreciate sufficiently.
A couples trip to Montreal in June sounds far more enticing. Adding some F1 to the mix just makes it better.
(And it won't interfere with my Fall track schedule. )
Old 08-07-2018, 11:11 AM
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needmoregarage
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Originally Posted by Dr911
My boyfriend/husband has offered a COTA trip as a 50th birthday gift for me, and is willing to spring for the Big Ticket seats.
But it's likely be something I won't appreciate sufficiently.
A couples trip to Montreal in June sounds far more enticing. Adding some F1 to the mix just makes it better.
(And it won't interfere with my Fall track schedule. )
boyfriend AND husband cooperating on bday gift?!! You’re livin LARGE!

i can barely get mine to be civil to each other!!




LOL!!!
Old 08-07-2018, 11:20 AM
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Veloce Raptor
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Hahahaha
Old 08-07-2018, 01:50 PM
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drive418
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Went to the first one. Had fun in the average joe seats at the end of the back straight. It was my one and only F1 race experience. Sounds like I need to make a trek to Montreal though.

Really enjoyed the bbq at The Salt Lick.




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