Austin Kicks Off MotoGP Weekend!
This weekend, the MotoGP circus makes its way to the United States for round two of the world championship, held at the stunning new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, the first time the track will host a world championship level motorcycle event. Expect to see the world’s fastest racebikes reach speeds over 200 mph on the 1 km (0.62-mile) back straight, and bring ear plugs — these bikes are loud!
Fresh off a 1-2 finish in the season opener in Qatar, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi are looking to carry the momentum to CotA. Meanwhile, Repsol Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez, who recently spent three days testing at the circuit, should be strong opposition for the factory Yamaha crew. And don’t forget Cal Crutchlow on the satellite Tech 3 Yamaha M1, as he’s sure to be a threat.
If you’re going to be at the race, or even in the Austin area, there are going to be a host of activities to participate in, not least of which is the Free Kevin Party at the Gypsy lounge. If you’re not aware, 1993 World Champ, Kevin Schwantz, was unceremoniously “removed” from the CotA property during recent testing at the track due to an ongoing spat between he and track management. As loyal fans of the sport and the former champion, the Free Kevin Movement is staging its own protest, if you will. There will be special guests and prizes, with all proceeds benefitting the Marco Simoncelli Foundation. Read more about it below.
As for the on-track action, practice and qualifying takes place all day Friday and Saturday, with the big race on Sunday. You can check out the minute-by-minute schedule at the official Circuit of the Americas web site, here . Below, we’ll do our best to point out the highlights of the upcoming race weekend, including local events you don’t want to miss.
THURSDAY
At CotA:
- 7 p.m. — Zac Brown Band. Join the fellow motorcyclist and Southern rock/country superstar and his band at this brand new outdoor music venue, located right on the CotA campus. Tickets: $37-$67. Austin360 Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, TX 78617; www.Austin360Amphitheater.com; www.Ticketmaster.com
In Austin (and Surrounding Areas):
- 5pm – close — Bike Night & Industry Appreciation Party. Ride in and get your motor primed with great food and drinks in the company of fellow MotoGP fans. Industry personnel with credentials receive BOGO drink specials. Zingers Bar & Grill, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738; (512)524-2434, www.ZingersBarAndGrill.com.
- 6:30-7:30 pm — FSAE Presents: Red Bull MotoGP Engineering Lecture. The Formula Society of Automobile Engineers and Red Bull present a technical lecture from Repsol Honda Team Principal Livio Suppo. MotoGP racer Stefan Bradl will also be present. Free. AT&T Conference Center, Auditorium 204, 1900 University Ave., Austin, TX 78705; (512)404-1900, www.MeetAtTexas.com.
- 7 pm-10 pm — Bike Night. Start the weekend off right at America’s favorite jiggle joint. MotoGP ticket giveaway! Must be 18-plus and present to win. Hooter’s, 425 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704; (512)478-9464, www.HootersAustin.com.
FRIDAY
At CotA:
- 9 am-6:45 pm – Free practice and Rookies Cup qualifying.
- 2:40-3:40 pm – Pit Lane walk.
- 4:30-5 pm — Rider autograph session. Grand Plaza.
- 6:30 pm — Fan track walk. Meet at Main Grandstand east near Tunnel 1.
In Austin (and Surrounding Areas):
- 3 – 11 pm — Austin Sport Bike Hype. Meet-and-greet, photos and autograph session with Jason Britton, “The World’s Greatest Stunt Rider” at 4; stunt shows at 6 and-9pm. Bikini’s Sports Bar, 6901 N. IH 35, Austin, TX.; (512)454-2247, www.BikinisSportsBarAndGrill.com.
- 6 pm-midnight — The One Motorcycle Show & “21 Helmets” Exhibit. Motorcycles, art, music and design converge. Customs by Revival Cycles of Austin, Deus Ex Machina, Roland Sands and more. The 21 Helmets exhibit spotlights the work of 21 Austin artists when helmets become the canvas. Music, beer and food add to the fun. Free. 1100 East 5th Street (between San Marcos and Waller Streets), Austin, TX 78702.
- 7 pm-2 am — AF1 Racing MotoGP Party. Drinks, finger food galore, and beautiful AF1 Racing umbrella girls. Open to the public. Vespa Austin, 304 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78701; (512)482-8377, www.VespaAustin.com.
- 8 pm-2 am — Motos y Musica. Featuring live salsa and latin club music DJ, and Mexican cuisine from El Sol y La Luna. Reserved motorcycle parking. La Zona Rosa, 612 W. 4th St.., Austin, TX 78701; www.TheRedClubAustin.com.
SATURDAY
At CotA:
- 9 am-3:50 pm – Free practice and early qualifying rounds.
- 11:50 am – 12:25pm — Pit Lane Walk
- 4:30 pm — Rookies Cup Race 1
- 8:40 am, 9:40 am, 11:30 am, 12:20 pm and 1 pm — E3 MotoX Jumping Show. Grand Plaza
- 11:40 am, 3:50 pm — The Bright Light Social Hour – Live music at the Austin360 Amphitheater.
- 11:40 am, 3:50 pm — Black Pistol Fire. Live music at the Trackside East Stage, east of the Main Grandstand.
In Austin (and Surrounding Areas):
SUNDAY
At CotA:
- 8:40-10am – Warm-Ups.
- 10:05am — Red Bull aerial display. Skies above Circuit
- 10:05-10:35am — Pit Lane Walk
- 10:20-10:35am — MotoGP Riders Parade Lap
- 10:25am — Red Bull stunt rider Aaron Colton. On track.
- 11am — Moto3 Race (18 laps)
- 1:30pm — Red Bull Air Force Skydive. Skies above COTA.
- 12:20pm — Moto2 Race (19 laps)
- 1:51pm — National Anthem
- 2pm — Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas (21 laps)
In Austin (and Surrounding Areas):
- 7am — Ducati Austin’s Red Snake Ride to COTA. A race day tradition comes to Austin Texas! Across the globe, whenever Ducati’s appear in international competition, the loyal and the faithful ride to the races together as-one. The Group ride is known as the RED SNAKE RIDE. You must have a Ducati parking pass (from the Ducati Grandstand package) and a Ducati to park in the reserved Ducati lot. NO exceptions. Ducati Austin.
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