Circuit of the Americas

[Cliff]

Home of the World Championships | Circuit of The Americas

The ultimate destination for racing and entertainment. Home to Formula 1, MotoGP, Germania Insurance Amphitheater and COTA Karting.

circuitoftheamericas.com

This place is by Austin, Texas. Built for F-1 originally. NASCAR will race here 2021, big deal for them & Austin. I've always wondered why not have drag racing there? If NHRA loses a race or 2 cuz of covid, why not a new venue? Texas seems to be more open to auto racing. Anyhoo, just my 2 cents.

 

[Tybamf]

Cliff,
I was really impressed with Nascar's 2021 schedule and the way they announced it. NHRA could take note. Obviously, we can't have a dirt race but a few night races and a few new tracks would really be a nice change IMO.

 

[TD5023]

They would have to build a for-purpose drag strip on the property to do that. Major series don't tend to like running on a track where part of the surface sees drag race prep. I recall F1 raising a stink about that at Hockenheim. Even if F1 is out of the picture and the current series don't mind, the longest true straight at COTA is only 2500' (the section between turns 11 and 12 is 3800', but it's a drawn-out arc, not a straight). I'm also not sure of elevation in those sections, so they could be ineligible, anyway. As it stands, COTA might be suitable for street drags on the start/finish straight or pit road, but definitely not a national event.

 

[sammi]

One might hope NASCAR's bold leadership might embolden NHRA's "leadership" to finally turn the page and move into the future. (waiting for the Mecanógrafo rojo to start...)

 

[Butch]

If I'm correct I believe John Paul DeJoria ( Alexis ) has some $$$$ invested in COTA.

 

[Cliff]

Thanks y'all. My family lives in College Station, less than 2 hours away. Would like to see this place in person.

 

[qtermile14]

They would have to build a for-purpose drag strip on the property to do that. Major series don't tend to like running on a track where part of the surface sees drag race prep. I recall F1 raising a stink about that at Hockenheim. Even if F1 is out of the picture and the current series don't mind, the longest true straight at COTA is only 2500' (the section between turns 11 and 12 is 3800', but it's a drawn-out arc, not a straight). I'm also not sure of elevation in those sections, so they could be ineligible, anyway. As it stands, COTA might be suitable for street drags on the start/finish straight or pit road, but definitely not a national event.

I remember when Sonoma Raceway had their major upgrade, they moved the road course straight, start/finish line from being part of the drag strip to being beside it.

 

[Cliff]

Was thinking that if Circuit did have a drag race track, it would compete w/ Houston. That would be interesting. Had also heard COA was hurtin' for $$ at one time. Really expensive place to build & maintain.

 

[Jeff]

I think the ownership has been reorganized recently. We had PSLs when it first opened, F1 was pretty cool, but they sorta had that same sound as a junior dragster back then (the please make it go away pitch like fingernails on a chalk board) and I think me and my wife spent $6k for the first F1 weekend .... and we stayed in our RV! ($600/night for the spot). Austin is a great town, you could make quite an event there.

I think the event would compete with Houston and Dallas, to some degree. It would take some work and money to add a drag strip to the place. Not sure more money is coming anytime soon.

The Tesla truck plant is also being built nearby. We are in the process of being some houses west of Austin .... their real estate market is a bit insane at the moment. Lots of influx from CA ... including Joe Rogan

 

[z28]

as long as Houston and Ennis have a say there will be no major track at the Circuit. I've only been there once but should be plenty of room to build a dedicated strip.