The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin is sold out for the 2022 Formula 1 USA Grand Prix there are still historic racing vehicles on the track. That begs the question: couldn’t there be more?
Bobby Epstein, COTA’s track manager, says it’s “more a Formula 1 thing” than an issue for him. But if it was up to him, he would like to have “two or three framework series” on the Grand Prix weekend. “If it’s not Formula 2 or Formula 3, then we can get creative,” he says. “We’ll get the program filled one way or the other.”
Epstein already has an idea: “For example, I would like to see motorcycles in the supporting program of Formula 1. I think that would be entertaining and the fans would like it.”
Appropriate options will be discussed for the future, says Epstein, adding: “It doesn’t have to be MotoGP, we’re just thinking about other categories. In the past there have also been races with famous personalities. We’re also considering something like that . That could be funny, and it hasn’t been done in a long time.”
In any case, the priority is “entertaining our local audience,” said Epstein. “So it needs a program that satisfies our audience.”
Will that succeed in 2022? At this year’s edition of the USA Grand Prix, only four other support races will be held, with historic cars and each lasting a maximum of 35 minutes.
Epstein therefore expects a “certain disappointment that the W series has not come. But this information came at such short notice that we could not find a replacement,” he says. “Nevertheless, I think the fans still get a lot for their money. And if so [2023] Formula 3 or Formula 2 come, then all the better.”