Circuit of the Americas — Circuit of the Americas during the 2018 US F1 Grand Prix with Scuderia Toro Rosso on track — Circuit of the Americas during the 2018 US F1 Grand Prix with Scuderia Toro Rosso on trackHoverVan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Circuit of the Americas — The Austin360 Amphitheater as seen from the top of the tower at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, United States. — The Austin360 Amphitheater as seen from the top of the tower at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, United States.Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0 · source

Circuit of the Americas — Turn 11 nearing completion at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, United States. — Turn 11 nearing completion at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, United States.Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0 · source

Circuit of the Americas — The observation tower under construction at Circuit of the Americas. — The observation tower under construction at Circuit of the Americas.Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0 · source

Circuit of the Americas — The NASCAR Layout at Circuit Of The Americas — The NASCAR Layout at Circuit Of The AmericasWL2392 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Road Course

★★★★☆ 4.9

The only purpose-built Formula 1 circuit in the United States, COTA features a 20-turn, 3.4-mile layout with an iconic 133-foot observation tower. Hosts F1 US Grand Prix, MotoGP, NASCAR, and IMSA events.

Formula 1NASCARMotoGPIMSATrack DaysDriving SchoolCorporate EventsSpectator EventsOpen Wheel

Watch: Circuit of the Americas

via IMSA Official on YouTube

Know Before You Go

Gear requirements: Track-day organizers typically require a Snell SA-2020 helmet (or newer), long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Many tracks have rental helmets for first-timers.
Run groups: Drivers are slotted into novice, intermediate, or advanced run groups based on pace and instructor sign-off. Group-jumping isn't permitted — you build up over time.
Tech inspection: Expect a pre-event tech form plus a visual gate check. Brake-fluid age, throttle return, battery tie-down, and seatbelt condition are the most common flags.
Cost expectations: HPDE / open-track days typically run $200-450 per day with 4-6 on-track sessions of 20-25 minutes each. Memberships at private clubs are substantially more.
First-timer tip: Most clubs require novices to ride with an instructor for the first day before being released solo. Sign up for instruction in advance — slots fill weeks ahead.