Circuit of Americas

Type 65 Coupe · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2013, 02:50 PM

What are the odds of getting a weekend or even one day for the Cobras down at the Circuit of Americas?

SSSammy · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2013, 04:43 PM

Jeff, unlikely for this group. AFAIK, only sanctioned racing clubs have been getting access. And those are paying $50,000/day to operate the facility. If one had an SCCA legal race car, and a license, SCCA has an event there 3/8-3/10 .. entry fee is $650.

The vintage racing club SVRA and maybe CVAR will get there in Nov 2013, but again .. you have to be a member of a sanctioned club and have a prepared race car.

Sam

Type 65 Coupe · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 06:25 AM

Thanks Sam
Well maybe down the road they'll host an event?
Just a thought.

Bwana Snake · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 07:36 AM

They just had an open track event last weekend Bill Swensen and some of the Houston guys were there.

Prof · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 10:43 AM

Eagle's Canyon had a free open track day last Saturday. Very Aggressive parade laps--lots of room to spread out...food and fun. Free (oh wait, I said that already)
Started after Cars and Coffee, and went to sundown. Good turnout, no incidents, smiles and tired bodies. Sometimes a "fix" is available closer than COTA.

March 8-10 is the SCCA event @ COTA-Austin. Lots of volunteers needed and corner workers get to drive on the track out to their work stations (and usually that gets spirited). More than 600 National entrants. Anyway, from 7 to 730 each morning, the track is open for touring and walking--golf carts, scooters, ATVs, etc... Volunteering gets you close.

Keep up the fire, COTA would definitely be a fun run in a Cobra.
Paul

mtpockets · #6 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 08:23 PM

I'd say slim to none and would be surprised if Drivers Edge or MVP get invited back. COTA is very protective of their image and their impression is DE's are dangerous and we're going to destroy what they built. They put the fear in us with fines of up to $500 p/sq/ft of pavement if oil is dropped and paying for damage to the track included.

I was one of the lucky ones that got in with the MVP group. We had a great time and no problems with the HCC group. A Porsche GT3 Cup Car hit the wall hard and totalled it and did damage to the wall, M3 went off late Sunday, totalling his car and doing more damage and one guy had an oil leak and left a trail for about 600'. They were upset but cleaned it up fast. I have no idea of what those guys were fined.

Overall the track was an awesome experience and everyone we met associated with COTA was very cordial. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I get to go back again and would gladly pay the $850 for 3 days. It's wide & fast and many places where you can get in trouble. Early in the day is was slick with cold temps and tires. By lunch we were pressing it. We're going back March 1-2 for the Grand Am races, I'll get to see what the real drivers lap times are like in a similar car to mine.