COTA: Smaller crowds than F1, but race was captivating show

Turn 1 General Admission area

The cars may have looked similar to Formula One, but the experience was altogether different for the first IndyCar Classic at Circuit of the Americas.

Prior to the race, pit line was open for fans to take photos with drivers and cars just minutes before the engines started. The racing captivated from start to finish, with the lead pack of Will Power, Alexander Rossi and Colton Herta never far apart. A late twist caused controversy as well as history with Herta becoming the youngest winner in series history after a caution flag wreaked havoc on Power and Rossi’s tire strategy.

Even so, things were a bit muted compared to an F1 U.S. Grand Prix weekend. Crowds were much smaller, with the grandstands mostly empty. That didn’t seem to dampen the spirits for COTA organizers, IndyCar representatives or the drivers.

Drivers go 5-wide thru Turn 1 at the start

“It’s our first race here," said Ryan Hunter-Reay of Andretti Autosport, who finished third. “Hopefully this is the start of something great."

It will be a quick turnaround for COTA with upcoming events including the Austin Bold FC soccer home opener March 30, and the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas from April 12-14. Representatives from both COTA and IndyCar have indicated they’d like to make the race stick long term.

“The IndyCar Classic at COTA was exactly that — a classic," said COTA chairman Bobby Epstein. American Statesman