Austin Texas Heating Up As F1 Returns For Year 2

By Nicholas Frankl
Special to The Auto Channel

Even whilst Austin was in the midst of its annual, wildly successful ‘Austin City Limits’ music festival, featuring big name stars like Lionel Richie, The Cure, Depeche Mode and Phoenix, the city was already in F1 mode, gearing up for year two of the Formula One Grand Prix held at the purpose built $400m Circuit of The America’s November 15-17th, 2013.

Many Americans, not to mention regional Texans and local Austonians, were shocked at the scale and success of last year’s race which attracted over 265,000 fans over the 3-day race weekend, and who witnessed McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton claiming the famous win and taking to the victory podium celebration with a large black cowboy hat replacing the customary winner's baseball cap. The Austin Grand Prix was voted ‘best sports event of the year’ by the highly respected Sports Business Journal magazine.

The Herman Tilke designed 1.4mile circuit found widespread acclaim from the drivers, teams and fans which this year will also enjoy the chance to hear the legendary British artist STING performing at Austin City Limits Moody Theatre on Saturday November 16 with PITBULL aka Mr. Worldwide keeping the fans happy at the race track situated Austin360 Amphitheater.

Austin Fan Fest Fueled by Shell returns, taking over downtown Austin, with a line-up of bands performing on the main Bud Light Stage set for Nov. 14-17 being recently confirmed. The free, four-day street party in downtown Austin takes place around The Bud Light Stage, located in the Republic Park Parking Lot, and will be packed with top-notch performers every night beginning Thursday, Nov. 14. The line-up includes Los Lobos, Lou Gramm, Berlin and The Soul Rebels.

With reigning world champion Sebastien Vettel holding a commanding lead over Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, the World Championship is at a critical phase and may even be decided at The US Grand Prix. With only about 5% of general seating still available and even less VIP suite seating on the start finish line and the famous Turn 12, the race is expected to be a total sell out.

Tickets for the 2013 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX can be purchased online at www.circuitoftheamericas.com (under the EVENTS section of the website)

Tickets for “Circuit of The Americas & ACL Live Bring You Sting” are on sale now and start at $250 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.acl-live.com.