100%. I plan to document and share everything!
I actually think its worse than that. I think they're just massively out of touch. COTA started out being super private. Took a few years to allow any peasants on track and it only happened because Karen (Edge Addicts) knows the owners and was able to work something out. But it was never their original intention. And now, the Chairman of COTA is putting this type of stuff out there: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/circuit-of-the-americas-goes-members-only-for-2027/
What a depressing vision for a race track.
I am pretty pumped to get back. I haven't driven it since 2019! wild to think its been that long
Not to mention their private clubhouse they're building takes out about 10,000 of the best seats at the F1 race by being placed right at the top of the T1 hill.
I would say comparing golf to track days is about the worst comparison one can do.
Had a chance to walk around COTA just before construction wrapped up. Was a super cool experience. While I can appreciate the comparison between COTA and Augusta (world class venues that host prestigious events), it does fall short to me being an avid golfer. There are some outstanding golf courses that host 2 of the other 3 majors here in the US (US Open and PGA Championship) that are open to the public every day when they aren’t hosting a major tournament. They may not be the cheapest places to play, but you or I can get a tee time and play. Places like Bethpage, Whistling Straits, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Erin Hills and Torrey Pines. No reason a track like COTA can’t be the Pebble Beach of race tracks. So disappointing.
Another thing, I like to travel to different tracks. I would not join one (1) track "club" when I can travel the country and see other tracks.
If you come up north to do RA, stop at Autobahn CC in Joliet, IL. It’s not at the level of RA, but it’s a fun track.
yep. It’s appalling. very hostile towards normal folks. I’ll likely stop supporting events at COTA.
100% the same. Looks loke
Not to mention all are objectively nicer in both geography and design. COTA isn’t exactly in a beautiful area…
that’s the wild part to me. But it just goes to show, they don’t actually care about the customers. They want a playground for their buddies that can afford it and then have a few events a year to prestige.
I’ll see if I can drag @Tonymustang302
I was told they make between 50-60m a year from the “grassroots” crowd. So it’s a drop in the bucket compared to F1. But agreed, I think they’ll lose money from this move. But I also don’t think they’ll care. They want it private to keep the riff raff out
I’m there with you. Outside of Ozarks (which I haven’t drive ), I’ve yet to drive a club track that is even half as good as the old school ones like Road America, road Atlanta, VIR, etc.
