At the Circuit

To fully enjoy your race weekend, here are some practical tips to keep you stress-free and focused on the action:

Food and Drink

Bringing food or alcohol into the COTA circuit is officially prohibited, except for one bottle of non-alcoholic drink (up to 0.6 litres) per person.

Security checks at the gates are generally more lenient on Fridays and Saturdays, so you might be able to sneak in small refreshments—but there’s always a chance they’ll be confiscated. On Sundays, enforcement is much stricter.
Inside the circuit, there’s a vast selection of food trucks and stalls offering primarily American fast food, such as burgers, chicken wings, and fries.

Communications

Before heading to the circuit, ensure you’ve saved all essential information on your phone, including tickets, maps, and details about your favourite drivers. Mobile networks at the circuit may become overloaded, particularly on Sundays, potentially leaving you without a data connection.

If you’re planning to meet friends, arrange a specific time and location in advance—just like in the days before mobile phones.

Noise

Motorsport events are inherently noisy. While the noise level in the stands is generally manageable, sitting closer to the track can be much louder. It’s advisable to bring earplugs, and for children, ear protection is essential to ensure their comfort and safety.

Weather

In September, Austin, Texas, remains warm, with daily highs around 88°F (31°C) and potential peaks into the mid-90s°F (mid-30s°C). As temperatures gradually cool down in the evenings to around 71°F (22°C), the climate becomes ideal for outdoor events, although high humidity and sporadic rainfall may influence the feel of the heat. With around 8 hours of sunshine daily, it’s a great time for activities, including races.

If you want up-to-date weather information, we recommend using the Windy app.