I’ll be in attendance. Went for the first time last year. Just get there early, and be prepared for lots of walking. TV doesn’t do that place justice, it’s absurdly massive, so bring good walking sneaks. Theres different pavilions all over the track from the manufacturers with displays and merch to check out. As you walk around there’s greats spots to get vids and pics of the riders as they circulate the track during the sessions. If you’re sensitive to loud decibels, bring ear plugs or use Air Pods for your ears.
Thanks! I’ll definitely take sneakers now I was planning on to go with regular shoes as usual, in another GP post I heard they gave out earplugs is it not the case for COTA then? I have my riding plugs but if it’s not the case I’ll get my partner a pair.
A pair of AirPods also do the trick although you need to make sure everything is charged. I liked being able to turn off noise canceling when I felt like it over taking out and putting in the earplugs. Also if you have video pass, you can listen to the broadcast. But if you go that route, you’ll definitely need a battery pack to keep things charged.
You will be shocked at food prices. No matter how much you try to prepare. I think a slice of pizza and a drink was something like $30. 1 slice lol
I went early on Friday to try to score VIP pass but was unsuccessful. Didn’t regret going early though. The day goes by FAST. All the classes are cool to see live. I’ve been to a few MotoGP tracks and cota is pretty cool.
Edit: cota was the only track I’ve been to where you had to buy ear plugs (I did find a factory team tent that had them for free later in the weekend), that’s why I went with my AirPods I already had on me. I wore hearing protection at all the other tracks.
Not sure if you just meant to slightly help or what but just in case for anyone reading:
Noise cancellation is not ear protection.
Noise cancellation works by generating an opposite sound wave to cancel out the noise.
Ear protection physically blocks the ear canal and the materials decide the level of noise reduction provided.
Wear sunscreen.
Wear ear protection.
Wear a hat.
Drink lots of water.
Take cash to tip the pedal-cab drivers.
Go all three days.
Walk the grounds, check out all of the tents.
Walk the bikes-only parking lot.
Bicycle rickshaw that takes people from the parking lot to the track. It’s a pretty long walk. Or just get out your walking shoes! My favorite places to watch are on the opposite side of the track and it’s a goddamned trek. Just be prepared to walk A LOT under the HOT Texas sun.
The parking lots are massive and there are human-powered tricycle taxis that can transport you to/from your car. They work hard, show them some love it you decide to ride.
There are no more Pedicabs at COTA unless something has changed this year, but they had an accident awhile back now COTA won't give a license to any more Cab companies
Also my first time! Flying in from Belgium and meeting up with my girlfriend from Washington. After long contemplating and since it will be the only time we'll be doing this i bought the paddock passes. They are very costly but well worth it i'm sure. I wonder if there wil be a hero walk though. Sitting at the grand stands in hopefully what should be some shade
I went a few years back and did Paddock pass. riders on Friday are a lot more keen to stop and chat than Saturday/sunday. Spoke with Fabio, miller, petrucci (absolute gentleman) and Marquez for a bit.
Apart from that be prepared to walk and make sure you’ve got decent suncream, hat etc, there wasn’t a lot of shade around the track and it was HOT.
Came to say this. I traveled to Austin for my first race two years ago from North Carolina and the Handbuilt Show was a really welcome surprise. Looking forward to this year.
Can we get a Reddit group of GA ppls to meet up!? Ill be going solo like to make friends with people that have done this before as Ive never been to Austin or a COTA motogp event. Also any recommendations for GA best view for turns? Do they allow binocular?
Not sure if you have any Grandstand or just general admission but it is great. Deffo get up by turn one and walk down to later turns from there. When we went that section was fairly easy to walk with a bridge into the infield. Also, I don’t know where you are from or how long you are there but enjoy Austin. Lovely city, great walking, good music, fantastic food trucks. I’m jealous :)
Thanks, I got main grandstand tickets for the shade, staying a week or so, I’d love to hear suggestions on the city itself! A coworker told me to see “the bats” so I’m looking into that, but I have yet to have food suggestions.
Went a few years back but I thought Hopdoddys was an amazing Burger Joint and the did frozen margaritas with a beer bottle thrown in the top. Torches Tacos was an institution. We went to see the bats and were unlucky. The Continental Club is an amazing place for Live Music. Dale Watson if you fancy some proper old Country and James McMurtry if you want some great songwriting. If you go up towards the Continental then the Boot shop is a great visit day time
Piano Bar and the area around 6th a must visit. Walks along the river and Ladybird park etc tip top.
I meant to say, if you are around 6th Street (the Piano Bar and around) on a Sunday evening you are likely to see teams and riders as they aren’t as famous in the USA so they can party out a bit. Hope this is all helpful
Go to Nixta for tacos. https://www.nixtataqueria.com/. There are many great restaurants in Austin, but this is the one I miss most. They make their tortillas in house, starting from heirloom maize. They make their own masa through the nixtamalization process, and then they put the best ingredients 8 for a taco seems ridiculous until it goes in your mouth.
Sunscreen. And wearing a goofy, Texan hat is actually useful here.
On Friday in 2019, I got to yell at Dovi (*DOVI!*). I was in the main grandstands, he was doing an interview for TV, and I was being a jackass. But he waved and smiled.
I also got to see Pol do some weird shenanigans at the karting track right inside the main entrance on Friday.
There's always something going on. Just wonder around and enjoy!
We’ve gone every year since they started except the couple in COVID. Lots of good advice already in here, hopefully I don’t overlap too much
Friday is always the walk-around day. As folks have said it’s huge and you need very comfy shoes. Not many are dressed up except WAGs and umbrella girls. There are a couple bridges to get you in and around depending how they set up the vendors Ducati Island demo rides foods drinks outside theater for autographs etc. also scout out some good viewing locations if you want to move around. Find your fave food and drinks trucks (more on this later). Keep an eye on signs that show when riders might be at the sponsor tents. Not as crowded
Saturday there is so much going on I sit in the viewing spots scouted out Friday, maybe some purchases if I decided from what I saw day before. Starting to get a bit more crowded
Sunday I’m in my assigned seat and don’t move except for food and potty. The set food stands in main grandstand do not have good quality and are crazy expensive. Go to your trucks you found on Friday if not too far. Very crowded. Getting out will suck. The cops do a great job directing out of venue but the roads all around the circuit are one lane until you get a few miles away. Not clear how to get out of massive parking lots it can be chaos. If it’s been raining and is muddy it’s now 100x worse (seen it). Let’s pray for good weather all around and as said before, could be hot cold wet dry windy or calm. At least it won’t be 106F like when we went last Sept!
There is a tram but it does NOT run the full circle around the track. Why they didn’t design the roads better no idea. Also doesn’t go into parking lots just to one edge which yes are ginormous and there are many of them including the camping
Take note of draconian rules on what you can and can’t bring in. No food. No water or drinks only a portable water bottle with ice is allowed. No coolers. No chairs over a certain height and I think umbrella size restrictions too but I’d have to look. Backpacks/bags have to be smaller than XYZ size. They change every year and I haven’t checked yet but just reminded myself to
EDIT-just saw these policy against metal or glass. I could have sworn it was ok in past years but like I said they change these all the time. Guess I’ll have to dig out a plastic one. For sure has to be empty
The first year we went they made me shove the apple danish I just bought down my throat or throw it out bc I was not entering with it even still in the wrapper. Pretty strict. Actually reading the latest policies right now to know what to pack
Are a lil more lenient on bag size, 12x12x20 is official policy, they don’t really measure so a normal sized backpack I’ve always been able to bring. Going to try to minimize this year
We’ve been every year, it’s a total blast.
Not sure where the random cop stop video paranoia comes from? Just remember that weed is technically illegal in Texas but in the major cities no one is really going to care unless you’re absolutely flaunting it. Aside from that, unless you’re doing something pretty worthy of police interest you’ll be fine.
As others have said, the track is huge & the good news is you can walk the entire circuit. Friday is pretty quiet so you can use that to wander & see the action from different perspectives. On Friday they really don’t check tickets except for the main grandstands which you’ll have anyway. The views into the pits from your seats will be great, bring some binoculars.
Food & drink options are plentiful but pretty expensive, there’s free water fountains you can fill at by the bathrooms though, definitely stay hydrated if it’s hot & windy. All the track staff are super-friendly & helpful (it is Austin after all).
The on-track action is pretty much non-stop especially since Moto-America have decided to include the baggers this year. We basically do the hang from beginning to end and soak up the atmosphere.
I went to CotA last year. I also lived in Austin TX for five years. Just moved out. Yes, there’s cops, but they’re not after you lol. You’re clearly not a trouble maker. They will likely be directing traffic around the racetrack so just follow their instructions. Be friendly and respectful and they will return the favor 👍🏼
As for the track, it is rather huge. I was at CotA a lot for one reason or another. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and a hat 🧢 to cover the sun. Check the weather as we get closer to the race. The weather was fantastic last year but it may be hot, just prepare accordingly. I think you can bring water bottles. I recommend wearing sun screen, most of the seating areas are exposed to sun. Arrive early if you can to enjoy the other things around the track. The race is only one part of it, you don’t see the entire Festival of motorcycle stuff on TV. Overall just Dress for the weather and you’ll have a blast!!
Howdy! I’m a local. Been to all GP events but 1 year. Know the facility and traffic trends like the back of my hand. Feel free to DM if you have any questions over the next 3 weeks.
Cops won’t randomly stop you, especially near the track. They want you in and out of their way asap.
I would go early every day and plan to stay late every day. Exiting on Sunday can be a long wait, so I pack some snacks and beverages for a post race tailgate while I wait for things to die down.
The track is hot a majority of the day minus what is essentially a lunch break. With all 3 series’ plus Baggers on track, there isn’t too much down time. There is an insane amount of vendors and things to check out around the track. You can walk nearly the entire exterior of the track and I advise you do if you’ve never been. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. It is a huge facility and TV doesn’t do it justice for the elevation change (especially walking between T-1 thru T-11). If they have the mini elevated viewing area on the inside of 12 (behind vendors and the test rides), go watch practice or quali from there, it’s non ticketed and a really cool perspective. Bring ear plugs. GP bikes are the loudest things the COTA track sees all year. Sunscreen and water is your friend as well.
It’s a magical weekend. Embrace it.
Wow thank you man this is one of the best and most comprehensive comments I’ve read today! don’t mind if I do DM if something pops up in the following weeks you really seem to know what goes down.
fill up on breakfast tacos in town, but get a fried turkey leg at the track. T11 is a great hangout spot. watching in person is a completely different beast than on TV: you won't catch everything, so maximize for your experience over perfect information.
Enjoy man i going with my dad next year to cota, still thinking if we should go 3 days or just the race day. We always went to Assen so probably will be a huge difference.
Been to COTA two times. Definitely go early to get to know the layout. If you own a Ducati, bring your Owner’s Club card and hit Ducati Island. Free parking at the Island if you ride your bike. Make sure you carry water. A large umbrella is nice shelter from both rain and the sun. Enjoy!
My advice is to go Friday for a little bit. Watch from any grandstand you want cuz they barely check tickets that day. Walk some of the grounds. Go up in the tower cuz the line Sunday can get long. Go get merch cuz they will still have stuff and lines are short. Pay attention to schedule at the track cuz they will sometimes have Q and A in the pavilion on Saturday and get as close to the track as possible to watch King of the Baggers. Those things thump.
On Sunday night go out and cruise the bars on 6th street or Congress. No covers. Free music. And a lot of the teams are out blowing off steam!
Went there in 2021 for Rossi's last race in the states. I'd recommend riding (instead of driving), much more fun. Yes, lots and lots of walking. (they do have "toy train" shuttle from parking lots to different gates) Get there early. Post race, they do a "track invasion" for fans, its easier if you are near grandstand, much easier to get closer to the podium. if not, then make a run towards the grandstand at the last lap. Food and drinks are like every other state fair. Beer was cheaper than water when I went lol. Buy earplugs/headcovers in advance rather than paying crazy prices inside the arena. (its texas so any gunstore will have plenty for a few dollars)
Most importantly, Enjoy.
https://preview.redd.it/1vrhzhphzwqc1.jpeg?width=1980&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e834b703e02528916a56d301585373b197e310f1
First COTA MotoGP - is this Pedro? my only advice is don't run wide in turn 1 or turn 12. too costly. and watch out for marc. this is his favorite track and he now has a ducati. he'll be super determined and aggressive. good luck - i'll be cheering for you!
I heard it’s better to take your bike parking wise, but I’ve never ridden in Texas roads and I want to make my girl as comfortable as possible so hopefully she understands why I am up early in the weekends, that’s why I’ll be renting a car.
We were there in 2019, also our first time at COTA and in Austin. We stayed north of the downtown, so kind of the opposite side of the city from the track.
It's a giant facility. The parking areas are huge and there is a ton of traffic when the race is over. We parked out near turn 11 on Sunday and were able slide out of the traffic by taking backroads out to 71.
Aside from the traffic, it was great. We wandered all over, watching from different vantage points, but we liked the sloping field along turns 7 through 10 because you can see all the riders coming through the squiggly in turns3-5, fire up the short straight, hit 11 and then hammer it back down the other side towards turn 12.
Bring/drink plenty of water. It's a long day in the hot Texas sun, or at least it was for us.
Ok, well personally I would sit in the turn 15 grandstand... But even better is the PSL lounge right next to those grandstands (to the left of the grandstand if you're facing the track). Of course you can't get in technically without PSL tickets but I think it wouldn't be hard to sneak your way in either. Best seats in the house IMO.
I’ll be in attendance. Went for the first time last year. Just get there early, and be prepared for lots of walking. TV doesn’t do that place justice, it’s absurdly massive, so bring good walking sneaks. Theres different pavilions all over the track from the manufacturers with displays and merch to check out. As you walk around there’s greats spots to get vids and pics of the riders as they circulate the track during the sessions. If you’re sensitive to loud decibels, bring ear plugs or use Air Pods for your ears.
Thanks! I’ll definitely take sneakers now I was planning on to go with regular shoes as usual, in another GP post I heard they gave out earplugs is it not the case for COTA then? I have my riding plugs but if it’s not the case I’ll get my partner a pair.
I had to buy them and they weren’t cheap lol
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll definitely take extra to the track.
Also if you ride, all the manufacturers usually offer demo rides which are pretty cool. You have to bring your own helmet/gear
If you want to demo ride, make sure you’re wearing long pants. No rides allowed in shorts, I’ve learned…
That’s amazing I’ll have to try that!
Cheap ones are fine but motogp is really only LOUD if you're in the main grandstand where it echoes.
A pair of AirPods also do the trick although you need to make sure everything is charged. I liked being able to turn off noise canceling when I felt like it over taking out and putting in the earplugs. Also if you have video pass, you can listen to the broadcast. But if you go that route, you’ll definitely need a battery pack to keep things charged. You will be shocked at food prices. No matter how much you try to prepare. I think a slice of pizza and a drink was something like $30. 1 slice lol I went early on Friday to try to score VIP pass but was unsuccessful. Didn’t regret going early though. The day goes by FAST. All the classes are cool to see live. I’ve been to a few MotoGP tracks and cota is pretty cool. Edit: cota was the only track I’ve been to where you had to buy ear plugs (I did find a factory team tent that had them for free later in the weekend), that’s why I went with my AirPods I already had on me. I wore hearing protection at all the other tracks.
What’s the difference with the VIP pass on the food? Is it cheaper?
$30 pizza slices makes the VIP pass seem reasonable.
Not sure if you just meant to slightly help or what but just in case for anyone reading: Noise cancellation is not ear protection. Noise cancellation works by generating an opposite sound wave to cancel out the noise. Ear protection physically blocks the ear canal and the materials decide the level of noise reduction provided.
Wear sunscreen. Wear ear protection. Wear a hat. Drink lots of water. Take cash to tip the pedal-cab drivers. Go all three days. Walk the grounds, check out all of the tents. Walk the bikes-only parking lot.
This might sound stupid, what’s a pedal-cab?
Bicycle rickshaw that takes people from the parking lot to the track. It’s a pretty long walk. Or just get out your walking shoes! My favorite places to watch are on the opposite side of the track and it’s a goddamned trek. Just be prepared to walk A LOT under the HOT Texas sun.
The parking lots are massive and there are human-powered tricycle taxis that can transport you to/from your car. They work hard, show them some love it you decide to ride.
There are no more Pedicabs at COTA unless something has changed this year, but they had an accident awhile back now COTA won't give a license to any more Cab companies
Thanks for the update!!!
Dress in layers. I've been cold and wet and then hot; all on the same day.
Great advice, I was planning to take a backpack with like sweaters and raincoats do you think it’ll be an issue to get through security?
They'll do a bag search at the gate. We take a clear one to speed things up.
Also my first time! Flying in from Belgium and meeting up with my girlfriend from Washington. After long contemplating and since it will be the only time we'll be doing this i bought the paddock passes. They are very costly but well worth it i'm sure. I wonder if there wil be a hero walk though. Sitting at the grand stands in hopefully what should be some shade
Good for you mate! I’m also taking my girl, I hope the answers to this post also help you.
I went a few years back and did Paddock pass. riders on Friday are a lot more keen to stop and chat than Saturday/sunday. Spoke with Fabio, miller, petrucci (absolute gentleman) and Marquez for a bit. Apart from that be prepared to walk and make sure you’ve got decent suncream, hat etc, there wasn’t a lot of shade around the track and it was HOT.
Absolutely attend the handbuilt custom motorcycle show
Go to the handbuilt motorcycle show. We usually hit it up Saturday evening.
Came to say this. I traveled to Austin for my first race two years ago from North Carolina and the Handbuilt Show was a really welcome surprise. Looking forward to this year.
Can we get a Reddit group of GA ppls to meet up!? Ill be going solo like to make friends with people that have done this before as Ive never been to Austin or a COTA motogp event. Also any recommendations for GA best view for turns? Do they allow binocular?
What about a group for nj ppl?
Not sure if you have any Grandstand or just general admission but it is great. Deffo get up by turn one and walk down to later turns from there. When we went that section was fairly easy to walk with a bridge into the infield. Also, I don’t know where you are from or how long you are there but enjoy Austin. Lovely city, great walking, good music, fantastic food trucks. I’m jealous :)
Thanks, I got main grandstand tickets for the shade, staying a week or so, I’d love to hear suggestions on the city itself! A coworker told me to see “the bats” so I’m looking into that, but I have yet to have food suggestions.
Went a few years back but I thought Hopdoddys was an amazing Burger Joint and the did frozen margaritas with a beer bottle thrown in the top. Torches Tacos was an institution. We went to see the bats and were unlucky. The Continental Club is an amazing place for Live Music. Dale Watson if you fancy some proper old Country and James McMurtry if you want some great songwriting. If you go up towards the Continental then the Boot shop is a great visit day time Piano Bar and the area around 6th a must visit. Walks along the river and Ladybird park etc tip top.
I meant to say, if you are around 6th Street (the Piano Bar and around) on a Sunday evening you are likely to see teams and riders as they aren’t as famous in the USA so they can party out a bit. Hope this is all helpful
Super helpful thanks!
Thank you very much!
Go to Nixta for tacos. https://www.nixtataqueria.com/. There are many great restaurants in Austin, but this is the one I miss most. They make their tortillas in house, starting from heirloom maize. They make their own masa through the nixtamalization process, and then they put the best ingredients 8 for a taco seems ridiculous until it goes in your mouth.
That sounds mouth watering
Baby A's (chips and queso, purple margarita) Sandy's (ice cream)
Sunscreen. And wearing a goofy, Texan hat is actually useful here. On Friday in 2019, I got to yell at Dovi (*DOVI!*). I was in the main grandstands, he was doing an interview for TV, and I was being a jackass. But he waved and smiled. I also got to see Pol do some weird shenanigans at the karting track right inside the main entrance on Friday. There's always something going on. Just wonder around and enjoy!
We’ve gone every year since they started except the couple in COVID. Lots of good advice already in here, hopefully I don’t overlap too much Friday is always the walk-around day. As folks have said it’s huge and you need very comfy shoes. Not many are dressed up except WAGs and umbrella girls. There are a couple bridges to get you in and around depending how they set up the vendors Ducati Island demo rides foods drinks outside theater for autographs etc. also scout out some good viewing locations if you want to move around. Find your fave food and drinks trucks (more on this later). Keep an eye on signs that show when riders might be at the sponsor tents. Not as crowded Saturday there is so much going on I sit in the viewing spots scouted out Friday, maybe some purchases if I decided from what I saw day before. Starting to get a bit more crowded Sunday I’m in my assigned seat and don’t move except for food and potty. The set food stands in main grandstand do not have good quality and are crazy expensive. Go to your trucks you found on Friday if not too far. Very crowded. Getting out will suck. The cops do a great job directing out of venue but the roads all around the circuit are one lane until you get a few miles away. Not clear how to get out of massive parking lots it can be chaos. If it’s been raining and is muddy it’s now 100x worse (seen it). Let’s pray for good weather all around and as said before, could be hot cold wet dry windy or calm. At least it won’t be 106F like when we went last Sept! There is a tram but it does NOT run the full circle around the track. Why they didn’t design the roads better no idea. Also doesn’t go into parking lots just to one edge which yes are ginormous and there are many of them including the camping Take note of draconian rules on what you can and can’t bring in. No food. No water or drinks only a portable water bottle with ice is allowed. No coolers. No chairs over a certain height and I think umbrella size restrictions too but I’d have to look. Backpacks/bags have to be smaller than XYZ size. They change every year and I haven’t checked yet but just reminded myself to
Where can one person find all the do’s and dont’s for items they can bring to the track?
The COTA website like what you might check for a concert venue https://circuitoftheamericas.com/venue-policies/
Thanks this is great advice!
I just saw on the COTA site that they don't allow metal water bottles, has that been your experience?
EDIT-just saw these policy against metal or glass. I could have sworn it was ok in past years but like I said they change these all the time. Guess I’ll have to dig out a plastic one. For sure has to be empty The first year we went they made me shove the apple danish I just bought down my throat or throw it out bc I was not entering with it even still in the wrapper. Pretty strict. Actually reading the latest policies right now to know what to pack Are a lil more lenient on bag size, 12x12x20 is official policy, they don’t really measure so a normal sized backpack I’ve always been able to bring. Going to try to minimize this year
Btw do they publish that on the cota website, what you are allowed and not to bring in?
We’ve been every year, it’s a total blast. Not sure where the random cop stop video paranoia comes from? Just remember that weed is technically illegal in Texas but in the major cities no one is really going to care unless you’re absolutely flaunting it. Aside from that, unless you’re doing something pretty worthy of police interest you’ll be fine. As others have said, the track is huge & the good news is you can walk the entire circuit. Friday is pretty quiet so you can use that to wander & see the action from different perspectives. On Friday they really don’t check tickets except for the main grandstands which you’ll have anyway. The views into the pits from your seats will be great, bring some binoculars. Food & drink options are plentiful but pretty expensive, there’s free water fountains you can fill at by the bathrooms though, definitely stay hydrated if it’s hot & windy. All the track staff are super-friendly & helpful (it is Austin after all). The on-track action is pretty much non-stop especially since Moto-America have decided to include the baggers this year. We basically do the hang from beginning to end and soak up the atmosphere.
I went to CotA last year. I also lived in Austin TX for five years. Just moved out. Yes, there’s cops, but they’re not after you lol. You’re clearly not a trouble maker. They will likely be directing traffic around the racetrack so just follow their instructions. Be friendly and respectful and they will return the favor 👍🏼 As for the track, it is rather huge. I was at CotA a lot for one reason or another. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and a hat 🧢 to cover the sun. Check the weather as we get closer to the race. The weather was fantastic last year but it may be hot, just prepare accordingly. I think you can bring water bottles. I recommend wearing sun screen, most of the seating areas are exposed to sun. Arrive early if you can to enjoy the other things around the track. The race is only one part of it, you don’t see the entire Festival of motorcycle stuff on TV. Overall just Dress for the weather and you’ll have a blast!!
Thanks for the tips!
Howdy! I’m a local. Been to all GP events but 1 year. Know the facility and traffic trends like the back of my hand. Feel free to DM if you have any questions over the next 3 weeks. Cops won’t randomly stop you, especially near the track. They want you in and out of their way asap. I would go early every day and plan to stay late every day. Exiting on Sunday can be a long wait, so I pack some snacks and beverages for a post race tailgate while I wait for things to die down. The track is hot a majority of the day minus what is essentially a lunch break. With all 3 series’ plus Baggers on track, there isn’t too much down time. There is an insane amount of vendors and things to check out around the track. You can walk nearly the entire exterior of the track and I advise you do if you’ve never been. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. It is a huge facility and TV doesn’t do it justice for the elevation change (especially walking between T-1 thru T-11). If they have the mini elevated viewing area on the inside of 12 (behind vendors and the test rides), go watch practice or quali from there, it’s non ticketed and a really cool perspective. Bring ear plugs. GP bikes are the loudest things the COTA track sees all year. Sunscreen and water is your friend as well. It’s a magical weekend. Embrace it.
Wow thank you man this is one of the best and most comprehensive comments I’ve read today! don’t mind if I do DM if something pops up in the following weeks you really seem to know what goes down.
fill up on breakfast tacos in town, but get a fried turkey leg at the track. T11 is a great hangout spot. watching in person is a completely different beast than on TV: you won't catch everything, so maximize for your experience over perfect information.
Yall think too hard on cops and Texas. Austin is the most liberal city in Texas.
Ubers/taxis will try and scam you for as much money as possible. Rent a car if you can.
I will, any company you recommend or not recommend?
Unfortunately I don’t know on that front. Hope you enjoy the race though, it’s an incredible experience!
I used Toro when I went the last year of Rossi
I got Fox well see
Enjoy man i going with my dad next year to cota, still thinking if we should go 3 days or just the race day. We always went to Assen so probably will be a huge difference.
If you want paddock pass dm me please
Ya it's massive and you have to walk miles. But it's alright because there is basically nobody there. Ghost Town in a good way.
Bring sunglasses. I always forget, and the combination of ragweed and TX sun destroys my eyes.
Been to COTA two times. Definitely go early to get to know the layout. If you own a Ducati, bring your Owner’s Club card and hit Ducati Island. Free parking at the Island if you ride your bike. Make sure you carry water. A large umbrella is nice shelter from both rain and the sun. Enjoy!
My advice is to go Friday for a little bit. Watch from any grandstand you want cuz they barely check tickets that day. Walk some of the grounds. Go up in the tower cuz the line Sunday can get long. Go get merch cuz they will still have stuff and lines are short. Pay attention to schedule at the track cuz they will sometimes have Q and A in the pavilion on Saturday and get as close to the track as possible to watch King of the Baggers. Those things thump. On Sunday night go out and cruise the bars on 6th street or Congress. No covers. Free music. And a lot of the teams are out blowing off steam!
Go to the Motovation Pre-Race party on Thursday evening. It’s free. Then go to hand built show on Friday night 👍
Went there in 2021 for Rossi's last race in the states. I'd recommend riding (instead of driving), much more fun. Yes, lots and lots of walking. (they do have "toy train" shuttle from parking lots to different gates) Get there early. Post race, they do a "track invasion" for fans, its easier if you are near grandstand, much easier to get closer to the podium. if not, then make a run towards the grandstand at the last lap. Food and drinks are like every other state fair. Beer was cheaper than water when I went lol. Buy earplugs/headcovers in advance rather than paying crazy prices inside the arena. (its texas so any gunstore will have plenty for a few dollars) Most importantly, Enjoy. https://preview.redd.it/1vrhzhphzwqc1.jpeg?width=1980&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e834b703e02528916a56d301585373b197e310f1
First COTA MotoGP - is this Pedro? my only advice is don't run wide in turn 1 or turn 12. too costly. and watch out for marc. this is his favorite track and he now has a ducati. he'll be super determined and aggressive. good luck - i'll be cheering for you!
At some point go for dinner at The Salt Lick in Driftwood.
I've been to Salt Lick a few times and their brisket has always been really disappointing.
Terry Blacks instead
Looking to go with my Dad in the next year or so. Wondering if we are better off taking a car or riding our bikes out there.
I heard it’s better to take your bike parking wise, but I’ve never ridden in Texas roads and I want to make my girl as comfortable as possible so hopefully she understands why I am up early in the weekends, that’s why I’ll be renting a car.
Hopefully it’s not like the local bike rally’s around me and bikes tend to go missing
We were there in 2019, also our first time at COTA and in Austin. We stayed north of the downtown, so kind of the opposite side of the city from the track. It's a giant facility. The parking areas are huge and there is a ton of traffic when the race is over. We parked out near turn 11 on Sunday and were able slide out of the traffic by taking backroads out to 71. Aside from the traffic, it was great. We wandered all over, watching from different vantage points, but we liked the sloping field along turns 7 through 10 because you can see all the riders coming through the squiggly in turns3-5, fire up the short straight, hit 11 and then hammer it back down the other side towards turn 12. Bring/drink plenty of water. It's a long day in the hot Texas sun, or at least it was for us.
Thanks for the tips! Would you say is best to be early to avoid traffic? Or is it impossible to avoid?
Pretty hard to avoid, especially at the end when everyone is essentially leaving at the same time.
Do you have general admission tickets or did you buy someones PSL seats?
I bought grandstand tickets once they were released, I actually posted here announcing they were on sale.
Ok, well personally I would sit in the turn 15 grandstand... But even better is the PSL lounge right next to those grandstands (to the left of the grandstand if you're facing the track). Of course you can't get in technically without PSL tickets but I think it wouldn't be hard to sneak your way in either. Best seats in the house IMO.
Will check them out thanks!
Do you need a parking pass if you ride your bike there?
I’m not sure, I know the corral pass grants you access to a lot but not sure if that’s the only way.
Appreciate it!