HISTORY OF THE COTA

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, stands as one of the most modern and versatile race tracks in the world. Opened in 2012, it has quickly become a home for major international motorsport – from Formula 1 and MotoGP to NASCAR and IndyCar – blending global prestige with true Texan character.

Building America’s world-class circuit

The idea for COTA was born in 2010 when promoter Tavo Hellmund and a group of investors secured a deal to bring Formula 1 back to the United States after a five-year absence. German architect Hermann Tilke designed the 5.513 km (3.426 mi) layout across the rolling hills southeast of Austin, incorporating 20 turns and a spectacular 41-metre climb up to Turn 1.

Construction began later that year, and the circuit officially opened with the 2012 United States Grand Prix. The debut was a major success – Lewis Hamilton won the race for McLaren, while fans and drivers praised the flowing layout and open viewing areas. Since then, the Austin Grand Prix has become one of the most popular events on the Formula 1 calendar, regularly drawing crowds of more than 400,000 over the race weekend.

Expanding to MotoGP and IndyCar

After Formula 1’s success, COTA quickly expanded its international calendar. In 2013, the track hosted its first MotoGP event, bringing the world’s fastest riders to Texas for the Grand Prix of the Americas. The layout’s mix of long straights and technical corners proved ideal for modern MotoGP bikes, and Marc Márquez became the track’s early dominator with seven straight victories between 2013 and 2019.

COTA also hosted the IndyCar Series in 2019.

NASCAR brings stock car thunder to Texas

A major turning point came in 2021, when NASCAR arrived at COTA for the first time. The addition of this venue marked a bold step in NASCAR’s efforts to introduce new road-course challenges to its schedule.

The debut race was unforgettable – heavy rain turned the event into a chaotic spectacle, and Chase Elliott claimed victory in a shortened race. Since then, COTA has become a fan-favourite stop on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. The technical layout demands precision, braking control, and strategy – a true test for stock car drivers used to oval racing.

Stars like Ross Chastain, Tyler Reddick, and William Byron have since conquered the Austin circuit, adding their names to the growing list of COTA winners. The event is also known for its relaxed atmosphere, open fan zones, and wide natural viewing areas that make it one of the most enjoyable weekends of the NASCAR season.

A venue for all motorsports

Over just a decade, COTA has evolved into a symbol of American motorsport’s global reach. From the precision of Formula 1 and the speed of MotoGP to the intensity of NASCAR and the open-wheel competition of IndyCar, the circuit brings every major series together in one place.

Beyond racing, the venue also hosts concerts, festivals, and community events – strengthening Austin’s reputation as a city that celebrates both culture and competition.

Today, the Circuit of The Americas isn’t just a racetrack. It’s a meeting point for motorsport’s past, present, and future – where the roar of V8s, the scream of MotoGP bikes, and the thunder of NASCAR stock cars echo together across the Texas hills.