america – The Fastest Sector

Track Check: Circuit Of The Americas

Welcome to Formula 1 in America! We visit the vibrant, the energetic Circuit Of The Americas here in Austin. I’m Dev and let’s go for a tour of the track we will race on this weekend.

Alright that’s enough of me trying to be a commentator. Let’s do it the way we have conversations, let’s begin!

Designed by F1 track super-designer Hermann Tilke in partnership with homesoil company HKS. This 5.513km circuit hosted its very first F1 weekend in 2012. It marked the return of the pinnacle of racing to the North American continent after a long 5 years, with Indianapolis hosting the last American race in 2007.

The track draws inspiration from other classic tracks including Silverstone, Japan’s Suzuka and from the land of automobiles Germany. Inaugurated by Mario Andretti an icon in the American motorsport scene (although still able to participate in F1, but that’s for another day), remarked about this purpose built track serving as a platform for promoting F1 and its support series in America.

With the race running the cars in circles for a whole 56 laps, the 20 turns paired with 2 DRS Zones provide an entertaining race; with the total elevation change of 30.9m assisting plenty of overtakes and on the edge driving. The track is built upon 800 acres of land with an immense number of amenities and attractions. Multiple celebrities have performed as part of the F1 weekend. The drivers and teams often comment upon the lively and passionate atmosphere of the crowd.

The pole position list was established with Sebastian Vettel in 2012. However Vettel was not able to convert it to a race win, as Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural United States Grand Prix in 2012. Lewis also holds the record for most wins on this circuit with 6 to his name. On the team’s side, Ferrari holds the most wins in COTA with 10 (Kimi is the latest one :). Curiously the lap record here is standing from 2019, a 1:35.169 by Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.

So fasten your seat belts and grab our seats, as we prepare for the United States Grand Prix!

Thank You for reading!

Find me at @devaslooper on Twitter

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European vs American Motorsport: The Same but Different.

Written by Andrew Monson

Motorsport as a topic is the same broad concept around the world, vehicles with complex motors going around tracks and drag-strips with the intention of being faster than your peers.

However, the culture behind motorsport is vastly different around the world with the two biggest markets currently being the American motorsport scene and the European scene, but how do they compare and are they more similar than most would like to admit?

As the resident American here at TFS, I feel it is only right that I dive deeper into this topic (Yes, an American feeling entitled… shocking).

When you think of motorsport in Europe, the usual titans come to mind: F1, MotoGP, ELMS, and FE. Each organization brings its own offerings to the overall value of motorsport.

F1 is by far the pinnacle of motorsport, from the history of the sport to the technological advancements that benefit everyday transport as well as the sport itself. For over 70 years F1 has been where the greatest drivers in the world go to compete for the most prestigious honour in the sport.

Source: XPB Images via motorsportweek.com

On the opposite end of the pond, we have the United States. When you think of motorsport in America, you might think of left turns and car wrecks, but that is only the surface of American motorsport culture.

Like Europe, there is a fair share of well-known series held in the US, some that come to mind are NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, and IMSA. Each series is vastly unique in its own way.

It is understandable why NASCAR can seem boring or “simple” from the outside looking in but once you dive into it, you can see it is much more. The playing field in NASCAR is far more even than F1 with far more drivers and teams capable of competing for wins and points in any given race.

The same could be said for IndyCar as it is a spec series which makes for less innovation in exchange for much closer and even racing throughout the entire grid.

While on the topic of IndyCar, it plays host to the “Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport” the Indy500. The Indy500’s history is so deeply rooted in not just motorsport history, but in American history as well. The first Indy500 happened closer to the fall of the Holy Roman Empire than the most recent running of the Indy500 last Sunday.

Source: USAtoday.com

I believe that the differences between European and American motorsport culture shouldn’t divide fans, but instead should bring together the masses to share a love for fast cars since at the end of the day every track is just a funny looking circle.

Edit: My motorsport Mount Rushmore is Lewis Hamilton, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher (in no order).

Question: Who is your motorsport Mount Rushmore, and why? (Let us know in the comments)