AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the only track in the United States designed specifically for Formula 1, the 3.4 miles at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas puts professional drivers to the test like no other track can.
The two straightaways and 20 iconic turns can be experienced by amateurs, too, for a pretty penny.
Although currently on pause, starting in mid-January 2026, drivers with no professional skills or previous training can take to the track.
For $1,837, drivers pay for the chance to get behind the steering wheel with a professional instructor in the passenger seat.
The COTA Driving Experience starts with a walkthrough of the paddock area, which is used on racedays by the professional crews to prepare their cars.
From there, drivers spend a half-hour learning about the track, including the 130-foot climb before turn one, and then another half-hour getting up to speed on the car they’ll be driving.
“It’s kind of easy to go fast if you think about it,” said COTA Senior VP of Motorsports Parris Mullins. “It’s coming down off that speed. People don’t realize it’s the braking that’s so impressive.”
Personal vehicles are not allowed as part of the experience. Instead, the track provides a fleet of new BMWs. People 25 and older test out the 2025 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, with a 0 to 60 mph of 3.4 seconds), while those 21 to 25 years old use a 2025 BMW M340i.
Once the track becomes “hot,” drivers alternate with a partner every 15 minutes over the course of two hours.
If driving around the track isn’t for you, soon someone else can do it for you.
As part of the COTALAND theme park, which opens in 2026, an add-on ride called “Hot Lap” puts guests in the passenger seat with a professional driver.
“We’re gonna take you on the F1 race track in a car,” COTALAND Park Operations Vice President Matt Hughey said. “Put you in with a professional race car driver, put you on the track up to speeds of 150 miles per hour.”
One lap will cost you $199, or you can do two for $299.
COTA Driving Experience group rates are also available, though the savings are minimal. For $1,600 per driver, a minimum group size of 15 drivers can take over the track for 3.5 hours.
Credit: Source link
