Circuit of The Americas gets ‘thumbs up’ from V8 Supercars driver

Circuit of The Americas today welcomed one of the current stars of the Australian-based V8 Supercars series, Mark “Frosty" Winterbottom, to the circuit for a tour and test drive, and the popular Aussie driver gave the soon-to-be-completed facility a ringing endorsement.

“The circuit’s topography, including the dramatic changes in elevation, will make for some really fun racing and a great show for fans," Winterbottom said. “While I didn’t get to drive the full circuit, the sequence of turns I did sample were fantastic, and I can’t wait to come back and take a lap around the finished racecourse. Circuit of The Americas will be a welcome addition to our future V8 Supercar line-up!"

Winterbottom drove a Ford Mustang GT through the back portion of the racecourse, from Turns 5-12, and played chauffeur to a few eager journalists who captured the view—and exhilarating experience—from inside the vehicle.

Winterbottom is in the United States as part of a media tour promoting his involvement with the Disney-PIXAR movie Cars 2, in which Winterbottom lent his voice to the character “Frosty" in the Australian version of the production. Winterbottom will participate in the debut of the new “Cars Land" attraction opening this month at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. He also visited with fellow Aussie racing star Marcus Ambrose during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California on June 24.

Winterbottom made a pit stop in Austin while on the continent and checked out local eateries and entertainment hot spots, shopped for cowboy boots and hats, and even paid a call on Austin resident Jesse James, the internationally known hot rod designer and television celebrity, at James’ Austin Speed Shop.

“Austin has a really cool vibe. There’s lots to see and do, and I think international visitors will find the city very sophisticated, yet laid back and welcoming," Winterbottom noted. “It’s a great destination for motorsports enthusiasts and their families because there’s something for everyone in terms of good food, great shopping, exceptional music and entertainment, loads of parks and recreational activities, and, of course, a purpose-built Grand Prix circuit that will host some of the best auto racing in the world!"

The 2012 V8 Supercars Championship is made up of 15 championship events across Australia, New Zealand and Abu Dhabi and is the world’s leading Touring Car Championship recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Circuit of The Americas is holding a spot for the series on its 2013 schedule.