It’s been a couple of years now since the Circuit of The Americas was carved out of the hill country near Austin. In that time, I’ve been fortunate enough to drive on it, and talk to my friends about it quite a bit.
Surprisingly, the verdict is mixed. Of course, the media is full of effusive, complimentary rhetoric from everyone who comes to the track. But race drivers are an opinionated lot. Does the track have what it takes to be another mid-Ohio? Another Watkins Glen? Survey so far says no.
The objections are mainly centered around one point: There are not enough fast corners. The straights are bookended by tight turns. There’s nothing like the famous kink from VIR. Nothing like even turn 1 at Texas World Speedway.
I’ve had a lot of opportunity to ride around on it, too. instructing gives you a different perspective on race tracks. Here’s what I learned: COTA is a thinking driver’s track.
It doesn’t require big balls to drive here, but it does need a big brain. Those tight turns at the ends of the straights? They are a puzzle. Also note that there’s plenty of room to take the turn wide or tight. How come? It’s to allow for different strategies. Sure, you can go under in turn 11, and risk your opponent going wide and generating more speed on the straight. And he has the room to do it. You attack in 12? Ok, now you have to hold your lead through the 13-14 complex and turn 15 before you can stretch your legs and run into the carousel. And then you have another tight turn at 20 to puzzle out.
You have to think yourself out of trouble on this track. Having the most guts will only get you driven around.
That’s why I believe it’s a great track. Race driving is very much a mental sport. COTA tests you on this most vital quality.