Circuit of the Americas

Austin, Texas

Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is one of only two FIA Grade 1 circuits in the United States that is capable of hosting a Formula One race. Designed by Herman Tilke, COTA was opened in 2012 just outside of Austin, Texas. The course is characterized by a sharp 100-foot climb up to the turn 1 apex, followed by a fast and flowing first sector, designed with influence from Silverstone Circuit in the UK. After a descent to a sharp hairpin corner at turn 11, drivers turn nearly 180 degrees and accelerate down a long, undulating back straight. Turn 12 brings the entrance to the “stadium section” based on Hockenheim in Germany - a tight, twisting switchback section designed to create overtaking opportunities. Drives then enter the carousel at turns 16, 17, and 18 - a triple apex right hander taken nearly flat-out - before jumping a curb at drivers’ left at turn 19 to set up for the final turn at turn 20. Circuit of the Americas has hosted the first round of a GRIDLIFE Touring Cup season three years in a row.

Important Driver Notes: GLTC

Track Limits: Vehicles must remain on the racing surface. The racing surface is defined as the asphalt area between the innermost white lines and red/white curbing. COTA features a verge with red paint and an outer set of lines - this is out of bounds. Cars that leave the racing surface are subject to penalties if the driver gains an advantage or makes a pass off course. The runoff and areas off track are encouraged to be used for accident avoidance.

Start/Finish Line: Circuit of the Americas has two timing and scoring loops on the front straight. On the track map below, the green/white checkered line denotes the START line. The green flag will be waved here. The black/white checkered line is the timing & scoring line and used for all lap times and for the finish of the race.

Safe Havens: If your vehicle has a major mechanical problem or is leaking fluid, look for safe havens, denoted by orange paint on the ends of armco barriers. There will be a break in the wall. Pull behind it to safety and wait for assistance.

Facility Entrance/Exit: Enter the racetrack via Circuit of the Americas Blvd. You will drive under a tunnel on the backstraight. Continue down the road to reach the paddock. Be aware of an enormous bump when exiting the tunnel on the inside of the track, drive slowly and carefully.

Standing Start Procedure: One of the four GLTC races will be a standing start on the front straight. Drivers will be directed through a break in the pit lane wall and lined up by grid staff. The start sequence is initiated by the lights on the gantry above the start line. The race will begin when all the lights extinguish after illuminating sequentially.

FLAGS