Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas (COTA), located in Austin, Texas, is a premier motorsports and entertainment complex that has quickly established itself as a staple in the global racing landscape. As the first purpose-built Formula One venue in the United States, COTA hosts several flagship events annually, including the Formula One United States Grand Prix, NASCAR’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, and the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas. Its state-of-the-art facilities, signature elevation changes, and distinct track design have made it a favorite among drivers, teams, and fans.

History

The vision for COTA originated in the late 2000s with the goal of returning Formula One to the U.S. after the Indianapolis Grand Prix’s conclusion. Former racer Tavo Hellmund, in partnership with businessman Red McCombs, secured necessary agreements for a new Grand Prix in Austin beginning in 2012. The facility occupies approximately 890 acres in Travis County and was financed by a consortium of investors including McCombs and Bobby Epstein. Construction began on December 31, 2010, overcoming challenges such as regulatory reviews and weather delays. The layout was conceived by Hellmund and 1993 Motorcycle World Champion Kevin Schwantz, with renowned F1 architect Hermann Tilke leading design efforts. The track officially opened on October 21, 2012, with the inaugural United States Grand Prix held on November 18, 2012, won by Lewis Hamilton.

Most Famous Races Held

Since 2012, COTA has been the exclusive home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix, with annual crowds of over 100,000 spectators on race weekends. It also hosts the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas since 2013 and is a recurring site for the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Lone Star Le Mans. In recent years, it has become a significant NASCAR venue, staging the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix and notable events for the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series. Previously, COTA has accommodated IndyCar, Australian V8 Supercars, the American Le Mans Series, and the IMSA SportsCar Championship, underlining its versatility as a world-class motorsports destination.

Track Information

COTA is a 3.426-mile (5.514 km) Grade 1 FIA-specification permanent circuit with 20 turns and significant elevation changes—most notably a 133-foot (41 m) climb into Turn 1. The track design is inspired by iconic corners from global circuits: Turns 3-6 echo Silverstone’s Maggotts/Becketts, while Turns 12-15 mimic Hockenheim’s stadium section. Unique features include the sharp, uphill Turn 1, a technical first sector, and the flowing triple-apex right-hander that shapes Turns 16-18. The track record, as of 2019, is 1:36.169 set by Charles Leclerc. Facilities at COTA include expansive grandstands, a 251-foot observation tower, full paddock and pit amenities, and an onsite amphitheater. The circuit accommodates more than 120,000 fans for major events and includes all the infrastructure required for top-level international competition.