Come-on Guys Get A Clue

 

This year I went to COTA for my 8th Formula One race, all at different circuits. Every race is a different experience and all have been great except Austin. Let me list my concerns.

• My first experience was when I received my tickets for the 3 days. I am showing 3 examples, Spa, Singapore and COTA. Spa and Singapore were either heavy cardboard or plastic with a lanyard that you could wear around your neck. COTA's ticket looked more like a movie ticket. 
• Next experience was how to get to the circuit. We opted to go with the shuttle buses. The first day, Friday, we stood in line for 1.5 hours just to get our wrist bands and then had to wait in line to board the bus. The wait was bad enough but on the way to the circuit but our driver got lost twice. The first time she tried to drop us off at a high school that was miles away from the circuit. The second day was better since we already had our wrist bands but still took a long time to get there as traffic was terrible. No special bus lanes. On the 3rd day we left what we thought of as extra early so we could watch the pre-race activities. The line to get on the bus was worse than the first day. In all it took us 3 hours to get there and we missed all re-race activities. Getting back was worse because there was no organized lines to board the buses. Most of us tried to make a line but others walked to the front and cut in front. Getting back to Austin took us 4 hours. 
• Now for the circuit itself. Like I said this was my 8th race (Monaco, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Spa, Australia, Silverstone and COTA). F1 is the best sport to follow as the races are all around the world in the most beautiful places. People travel from all corners of the planet to go to these races. I think of it as a chance to showcase the country and city they are in. I have no complaints about the circuit itself. We had great seats in turn 19 and could see a lot of the track. My problem was with the overall experience. This is an American race. The only things that showed me we were in Texas and America was a stage playing music, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the Speed Racer Car. There was a display of Ferrari's but the last time I looked Ferrari was Italian. Why not have American performance cars? I think we have a few. There was a carnival but are you going to a race or a fair? There was plenty of food and drink with some BBQ. When I went to Silverstone and Australia they had exhibits showed off their military that were unique to their country. I'm just saying, COTA missed a great opportunity to showcase America to people that are visiting the USA for the first time.

All I'm saying is we are better than this. Whoever is doing the planning could do a lot better job. Go to Silverstone and see how they use shuttle buses, go to other races and see how their race, country and city are promoted. Read your feedback, this was the 10th anniversary and negative feedback has been there for years. 

Australian Grand Prix

Every year I try and go to a F1 race in a different city. This year I had the opportunity to attend the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne. We had flown into Sydney the prior day and getting up early, 4 am, wasn't easy but it was well worth it. Those of you familiar with F1 or have read my posts on other races, know it is an all day event. This year I was only able to attend race day.

I left Sydney at 7 am for a 1.5 hour flight to Sydney getting me there at 8:30 am. After a short 30 minute taxi ride I was in Albert Park a little after 9 am. Before the race I was able to see the displays of antique cars and race cars, new Bentley's and Land Rovers, the Australian Army displays, and sample the many different food items as well as drink options. The Army went all out with displays of armored vehicles, souped up cars and trucks, and a roving jazz band.

I only found this at the race. Need to get it in USA.

Also, there were many pre-races and events. One of my favorites was an air show put on by the Australian Air Force. I saw prop planes put on a show including a simulated dog fight. Then we watched a show with one modern jet. It was amazing what that jet could do. Last a fly over of a cargo plane at a very low altitude that we weren't expecting. All in all it was a fantastic show.

My seats were at the start/finish line with a view of the pit area. It was great for viewing the pre-race activities and start but after that my view was limited to a short part of the track. Next time I would sit further down at the first turns. Vettel and Ferrari won with Red Bull coming in a respectable 4th and 6th.

One thing I did that I would recommend, if time is short after the race. I took a taxi to the race and then reserved the same taxi after the race to meet me away from the track. That way I didn't have to wait in the taxi queue. Starting away from the track I also avoided a lot of the traffic and was able to get to the airport in plenty of time.

The Aussies put on an amazing event and you should put it on your list of races to attend.

Pops' Travel Guide, Italy

Well, Kevin and I are in Italy for the first leg of our trip. We went to Monaco for a few drinks yesterday and then drove to Bardino for dinner with the relatives. It was nice to see them again and everytime I go back I fall in love with the Italian Riviera again. Today we drove to Monza and watched qualifying for the Grand Prix. Tonight will be dinner in Milan.