Moto GP in Austin

[ken farr]

Hello All:

  Looks like we are headed to Austin Tx in April, for things and also the Moto GP.
Anyone been, have any insights or tips ???

kjf

[LowRyter]

finding a decent and affordable place to stay is difficult. 

The best deal I could find is Extended Stay Austin-Metro on 290 just east of I-35.  It's about five miles N of downtown and on the highway to the track (half hour without traffic).  Beware of Motel 6 and other cheap but overpriced places.

COTA has severe rules about taking in food and drink into grounds.  It's a big track, so lots of walking.  There are good views all over the track if you decide to bring a lawn chair.  If you pay for seats, I like turn 1, others like the stadium complex.  This year's event will also have a flat track race.  The layout of the track and viewpoints are perhaps the best road course ever built. 

If you ride and have a chance to stay longer, there is some good riding in the Hill Country west of Austin.  There is famous BBQ is Lockhard just 20 minutes south of the track.  San Antonio is just a great place to visit and has some of the best food you can find anywhere.  And of course Austin is famous for it's music and entertainment scene that some folks enjoy.  Finally, the Revival Cycles' Handbuilt Motorcycle Show is just east of Downtown Austin.

Several of us attend every year.  I may make break my vow not to return since the dirt track race is being added.  I'll probably make up my mind after the first race of the year. 

[mjptexas]

Guess I owe the group a few words regarding the ins and outs of visiting Austin.  They'll be aimed at riders, but cagers can take advantage 

Aren't a lot of inexpensive places to stay. I'll probably focus on areas where you don't want to stay.

I'll try to post something in a week or so.

[jbell]

Plenty of experience at COTA, I work there.  As mentioned by LowRyter, no food is allowed in and the only beverage allowed in or out is sealed bottles of water.  They have a liquor license and have to comply with TABC rules and regs.  No guns or knives, and we check.
IMHO the best seats are turn 12 which is the end of the long straight.  You can watch them come into the turn with the back wheel hovering a couple of inches off the ground and turn the bike in, settle the rear wheel and give it gas.  But, I don't like watching from just one viewpoint.  It is a great spectator's track and I much prefer wandering about and watching the action from different vantage points.  It's a 3 1/2 mile track, so bring comfortable shoes.  Sunscreen may be needed, ya never know.  Earplugs aren't a bad idea.  If you're into autographs, check as soon as you enter.  Lately they have been issuing a limited number of tickets for autograph sessions later in the day.  Motorcycle parking is great, Lot B is best, just take note of where you park.  If riding a Ducati, check out Ducati Island for parking.  There is on-site camping opposite turn 4 but if it rains, well, you get the full camping experience and there is generator noise from the RVs all night.  If I think of more, I'll post it.  Be happy to try and answer any questions about the track or event..........Jack .

[toma nova]

I've been every year and will be there again in April.

Seats:  I've been in 15, GA, and 12.  All were good but this year we'll be back in 15.  12 let's you see up the back straight but I like the view of 12-13-14-15 all directly in front of me that I get from the 15 grand stands.  Even with seats, we'll spend part of all days walking around.  We spend some time at all the turns, the view is always different.

My brother and I travel light and we like to cover a lot of ground so we do not bring chairs or blankets, just a small day pack each with hat, rain jacket, fleece, etc.  We always bring in a few bottles of water and buy beers inside (and have a few cold ones in the trunk while we linger waiting for traffic to clear).  We don't need a lot of food so we eat a big breakfast and bring in some trail mix and a couple of power bars.  We've never had an issue bringing in these small snacks.

Wear sunscreen and a hat, even if it is cool or cloudy.  We've parked in F up behind turn 1, but I prefer lot A last year, very easy to get in and out, and close to the main grand stand entrance.

We drive in from Round Rock each morning and aside from the fiasco getting out of F the first year, traffic in and out has been quite manageable (but we arrive early and always stay till the end).

Tom

[lucydad]

Hmm,  need to hook up with either my friend Mitch or BIL and nephew:  get a hotel.  I won't ride:  insane traffic. 

Bring earplugs, sunscreen, and a hat.  Fun times.

[LowRyter]

I recommend you ride the coolest bike you can.  Part of the charm is riding and parking with cool motorcycles.  It's like a bike show is part of the package.

TN likes the Stadium Section, I like Turn 1.  For GA I like the hairpin (entry to the back stretch) except there is no TV screen there.  Last year, they finally allowed folks to sit in some of the grandstand areas during practice and quals (I am not sure they changed policy but rather just cut down on the number of people), so I got to sit in a few more areas.  You might be able to that again and find the seats you want for the race. 

Be prepared to be gouged a ton for food and drink (rant).  COTA is the only road course in America that doesn't allow food/picnic and drinks.  It can be extremely windy and hot or cold there.  So it's easy to get dehydrated.   

I like to take photos on Practice and Qual days.   Due to the double fencing, there are few places for photos, primarily the bridge stairs to the technical section (although they've continued to block the view there).  So who knows if you can get photos.

the Good





the Bad





and the Ugly

[PJPR01]

Most definitely...riding there is almost 1/2 the fun of the event as long as it's not raining cats and dogs, there are so many bikes.  Traffic is totally manageable.

I wish Guzzi would do a Guzzi Island concept like Ducati Island...but alas, they are tucked way in the back. 

Views from the tower are also fantastic...fun place to watch the skydivers at the beginning of the show as well!

Should be another good year...I won't say anything about Rossi/Marquez rivalry...let's see how they do on the track this year.

[Arizona Wayne]

Well, you former participants have convinced me to not go to any GP races @ COTA, for I am spoiled and too old now.   Can't walk far like I used to be able to and am used to bringing in my own food and beer @ Laguna Seca races, whether WSBK or GP races.  Thanks for the heads up. 

[oldbike54]

 The only way this would be fun is if Lorenzo wins...  by a mile   

  Dusty

[PJPR01]

The only way this would be fun is if Lorenzo wins...  by a mile      Dusty

I heard that Rossi and Marquez will be up at Cedar Vale this year and are planning on skipping Moto GP...your wish might come true!

 

[oldbike54]

I heard that Rossi and Marquez will be up at Cedar Vale this year and are planning on skipping Moto GP...your wish might come true!

 

 They both should sit out the season  We can have them match race around the park road on Groms 

 Dusty

[LowRyter]

Well, you former participants have convinced me to not go to any GP races @ COTA, for I am spoiled and too old now.   Can't walk far like I used to be able to and am used to bringing in my own food and beer @ Laguna Seca races, whether WSBK or GP races.  Thanks for the heads up. 

Compared to Laguna, the walk is about the same.  Huge hill at Laguna.  Sight lines are much better at COTA.  Parking and traffic is better at COTA too.  I don't believe there are any photo spots at Laguna.  The COTA facility is much nicer.

The food is a much better deal at Laguna.  Besides being able to bring food and drink with you, Laguna has better prices and there's nothing like the Laguna Calamari.   

[LowRyter]

The only way this would be fun is if Lorenzo wins...  by a mile   

  Dusty

Marquez owns the place.  His qualifying effort was best show of the weekend.  But you know my opinion of Dorna and Marquez. 

But with Flat Track, a Guzzi crew, and of course visiting Mike, ahhhh I might ride down with Darren.  But I might have to wear a mask when I get there. 

[jbell]

Good points by toma nova, turn 15 does give you views of several other turns and plenty of action.  Ahem, can't comment on the snacks.

Beautiful, pro-quality photos, LowRyter.

Arizona Wayne, it isn't required that you walk the whole track, come out and have a great time. 

On Friday, I can almost guarantee you'll have the track to yourself.  Very few people come out and the practice is great and close in parking.  Though some of the food vendors are pricey, there are some that are reasonable given what it costs them to be there.

[mjptexas]

Most definitely...riding there is almost 1/2 the fun of the event as long as it's not raining cats and dogs, there are so many bikes.  Traffic is totally manageable.

I wish Guzzi would do a Guzzi Island concept like Ducati Island...but alas, they are tucked way in the back. 

For anyone else that has a Ducati in the garage here's the link to Ducati Island:

http://www.ducatiusa.com/motogp-of-austin.do

Ride up to the gate, show them your wristband, and voila, you are inside the compound.

From 2015:



The Mrs. was a real trooper last year.  Survived a 90 mph blast down the toll road and a little rain on the way home:

[ken farr]

Alrighty then:

   So, if they are having the Flat Track race on Sat, is this in conjunction with the GP ?
   Do they have both races on Sat. is my question.
   Sounds like a pretty good time, two very different styles of racing.


kjf

[mjptexas]

Alrighty then:

   So, if they are having the Flat Track race on Sat, is this in conjunction with the GP ?
   Do they have both races on Sat. is my question.
   Sounds like a pretty good time, two very different styles of racing.


kjf

MotoGp schedule:
Friday - practice
Saturday - time trials
Sunday - race

[LowRyter]

Alrighty then:

   So, if they are having the Flat Track race on Sat, is this in conjunction with the GP ?
   Do they have both races on Sat. is my question.
   Sounds like a pretty good time, two very different styles of racing.


kjf

Flat Track is Saturday, Moto GP schedule per above.  I assume that it's Saturday night.  3/8 mile track IIRC.

[mjptexas]

MotoGP fun in Austin starts Thursday night at Ducati Austin:

http://www.motoaustin.com/event_list_detail.asp?ecode=699350&smonth=3&syear=2016&emonth=4&eyear=2016&location=0&Submit=Search&inputpage=1

Last year Andrea Iannone & Andrea Dovizioso were there signing autographs, but after last Sunday's debacle I don't know if you can put them both in the same room.

And then Friday night the AF1 Racing party runs from 7 to 11 pm at their new facility.

Vito at Ducati Austin and John at AF1 both throw a top shelf party.

And then there is the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show:

https://revivalcycles.com/pages/about-the-handbuilt-motorcycle-show

I plan to be at the track and at all of the events.  Happy to meet up with anyone coming in for the race.  I'd hoped to take Thursday off.  I'd be happy to arrange a short (70-100 miles) ride in Hill Country Northwest of Austin & lead the group over to Ducati Austin.

[LowRyter]

Mike, doesn't look like I'll make it this year.  I think Darren will be there.  I have a few irons in the fire and am working to get my travel trailer out of the shop by the end of the week.  Trying to get ready for Cedar Vale and Ozark Rat Raid.

BTW- after Iannone crashed out Dovie yesterday, I wonder how congenially the autograph session will be? 

last year

[LowRyter]

For anyone else that has a Ducati in the garage here's the link to Ducati Island:

http://www.ducatiusa.com/motogp-of-austin.do

Ride up to the gate, show them your wristband, and voila, you are inside the compound.

From 2015:



The Mrs. was a real trooper last year.  Survived a 90 mph blast down the toll road and a little rain on the way home:

Mike, in case you want to download and make a copy

[mjptexas]

Mike, doesn't look like I'll make it this year.  I think Darren will be there.  I have a few irons in the fire and am working to get my travel trailer out of the shop by the end of the week.  Trying to get ready for Cedar Vale and Ozark Rat Raid.

BTW- after Iannone crashed out Dovie yesterday, I wonder how congenially the autograph session will be? 

Sorry you can't make it.  I plan to be at the Ducati party so we'll see if the boys show up.

Mike, in case you want to download and make a copy

Thanks for that.

BTW, I have the Oklahoma Flat Track races penciled in on my calendar.  I'll let you know if it looks like I'll actually be able to make it.

[lucydad]

Only thing to add:  bring and wear sunblock, and don't forget quality ear plugs.

Huge fun, went two years ago.  Couldn't make it this year due to various moving parts.  Next year I will make it.

Hope to see Ducati make a good run!

[PJPR01]

We will be heading up on the Norge 2 up early Sunday morning...hope to see some folks up there.  Got Grandstand tickets this year, and will wander over to Turn 15 for a bit as well...should be a nice day out!

[LowRyter]

For tickets, I recommend a walk up and get the cheapest T1.

[LowRyter]

Sorry you can't make it.  I plan to be at the Ducati party so we'll see if the boys show up.


Thanks for that.

BTW, I have the Oklahoma Flat Track races penciled in on my calendar.  I'll let you know if it looks like I'll actually be able to make it.

Great News!

[mjptexas]

So The Ducati factory team did show up at Ducati Austin and actually sat at the same table (but I'm not sure they were happy about it).

[Arizona Wayne]

Ahh, Dovi and the Maniac signing autographs.

[LowRyter]