05/08/2012
FEATURE BY GUEST AUTHORS
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In about 3 months, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) will welcome the Formula 1 circus; a deadline that's fast approaching and notoriously unforgiving. Construction of the circuit has accelerated to meet the pace needed for hosting November's inaugural race. Those who attend the race will be quite impressed with COTA's unique pattern of elevation and curves, influenced by other iconic circuits like Osterreichring, Silverstone, Hockenheim, and Istanbul Park. The pressure is on for the Austin circuit to perform and prove, once and for all, the potential of the US market.
Construction on Austin's circuit began late in 2010 and has moved quickly to meet a completion deadline of under 2 years. Early stages appeared to drag on due to the complex soil profile which made land preparations a more arduous task than normal. As the track base was meticulously carved out of the ground in early 2011, infrastructure was set in place, including the new gas, water and electrical lines. Though these initial projects are critical to the long term success of COTA, their early progress was less than monumental and therefore, underreported.
Later in 2011, delays in construction reignited speculation of the project's viability, but development continued despite the contract disputes, doubts, and uncertainty. Emerging from these complications were signs of progress as vertical construction of the Pit Building took shape in December 2011, following the renegotiated contract with Mr. Ecclestone.
Hundreds of additional workers have joined the dynamic workforce this year, producing significant progress week over week. In this short time, the Paddock Complex, consisting of the Pit Building, Media Centre, Medical Centre, and Team Buildings, has grown with great speed. Within the past several months, the Grand Plaza has also grown. Acting as the main entrance on the west side of the Circuit, the plaza extends east until it meets the newly announced Tower Amphitheater, an expansive outdoor music and performance area.
During my most recent track visit on 27 July, I was again impressed with the measurable progress. Stopping first at Turn 1, one can take in a complete panoramic view of the expansive project: buildings, fencing, guard rails, and track surface are all either complete or in progress on all portions of the track. Compared to just a few months ago, the balance of work across the entire site is levelling out as sections which were once far behind have since caught up. For Turn 1 specifically, the required safety fence and guard rails are in place, along with the run-off gravel which will catch those drivers who underestimate the brake point on their first flying lap up the 40 meter hill.
As we rode along the Circuit in our chartered shuttle and approached Turn 11, we stopped to look at the tight hairpin and down the long back straight. Compared to last month's visit at the same location, the kerbs and drainage lines are being installed as well as the FIA required safety fence, which is still in progress. All together, it appears these elements are about 50% complete and will likely be finished in just a few weeks.
The final stop of our tour was the heart of the action on site: the main straight. With 700 workers on COTA property at any one time throughout the day, it appears the majority are focusing on preparing the Paddock Complex and Main Grandstand. Just this week, the first asphalt was poured between Turn 20 and Turn 1, the final section of the track yet to receive its base layer. Given the heavy industrial traffic travelling back and forth across the starting grid, one can understand why this is the last section to be poured.
The Pit Building is receiving exterior trim as windows are being installed along with railings, lighting, and the oversized LED race display screens. As the pit lane awaits its final layers of asphalt, the pit wall and signalling gantry are installed and ready for electronics. The Main Grandstand on the south side of the track is not as far along as the Pit Building, but has been erected at incredible pace since steel construction began in March. The majority of structural elements are complete and the first section of the overhead canopy, which will provide protection from the elements, is in place. Altogether, the Main Grandstand has many milestones to meet until it can welcome guests. However, considering it was a slab of concrete less than five months ago, the remaining time should be sufficient to complete.
Since site work began at Circuit of The Americas nineteen months ago, the construction of the future home of Formula 1 in America has advanced at great pace. Daily transformations have translated to excitement and faith that Austin's track will be a great venue for fans, teams, and drivers.
According to COTA officials and construction team representatives, the circuit will be ready in advance of November's inaugural race. FIA Race Director and Safety Delegate Charlie Whiting visited Austin following the Montreal GP in June and shared positive remarks during an initial inspection, saying the COTA team is "making great progress" towards their deadline.
The next FIA inspection will take place later this month as Whiting visits Austin before the F1 season resumes. Given the significant pace and efficiency of construction so far, all signs point to a fully operational and qualified circuit ready for the inaugural event. Having Circuit of The Americas as a part of the Formula 1 calendar will pave the way for a new era in motorsports and unlock the potential of the American Market.
Check out our gallery of pictures taken during Kevin's recent visit to the Circuit of the Americas , here.
Kevin Olsen is the Co-Founder and COO of TheAustinGrandPrix.com - the independent motorsports authority based in Austin, Texas. Originally launched to be the digital venue for updates and news on Formula 1's return to the U.S., The Austin Grand Prix has developed content, provided breaking news and connected Austinites and racing fans around the world.