Latest I just read re COTA

Scott Watkins · 01-10-2026, 02:44 PM

“A cross-post from the racing sub-forum.
Circuit of the Americas has announced that beginning in 2027, they are going private with a 250 members club membership and a $1M buy-in. All the beloved club racing events, HPDE, Edge Addicts, MotoGP, Chin Racing, Ferrari Challenge - all going away in favor of this exclusive club where members have unfettered access to the track. F1 will continue through 2034 contractually.”

ted · ted's Garage

Sad! Our closest track Big Willow is going private too.

wildthing · 01-10-2026, 03:10 PM

Is that the way to more money now? I wouldn't mind paying a membership fee but some of those I looked into are exorbitant. Maybe they're trying to keep the riffraff like me out.

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

There is a private track just outside of Decatur, TX called Eagles Canyon. Lots of members and private garages to keep the toys ready to go. They still rent the track to private events on weekdays to make extra money. Even with 250 members, at a million each, they will want free cash I bet. Pure speculation. Didn't the city and state kick in money for COTA to be built? How will that work out?

Scott Watkins · 01-10-2026, 04:03 PM

We have this place down in Angelton. Lamborghini did a track day here when the Huracan was coming out. We got to drive the Aventador and Huracan B2B, was pretty cool. While I love the v12 of the Aventador, Huracan was smaller and more agile. Which led to the acquisition of The EVO Spyder.

https://msrhouston.com

brp914 · 01-10-2026, 05:23 PM

Bring Moto GP back to Laguna Seca where it belongs!

greglepore · 01-10-2026, 05:35 PM

And they'll soon go the way of golf courses where the land is too valuable to support the use. Pitt Race (Beaver run motorsports park) just sold for data center land.

3rd_gear_Ted · 3rd_gear_Ted's Garage

30% of Willow Springs ownership is available for the private side in increments in addition to the lots.
Jenson Button is a track design consultant. A back straight bus stop is one rumored change.

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Watkins

We have this place down in Angelton. Lamborghini did a track day here when the Huracan was coming out. We got to drive the Aventador and Huracan B2B, was pretty cool. While I love the v12 of the Aventador, Huracan was smaller and more agile. Which led to the acquisition of The EVO Spyder.

https://msrhouston.com

My son got his SCCA license there in 2024. He was 14 at the time and it was 9 years to the day after his first track day in a kart.

I can’t seem to upload a photo…

Scott Watkins · 01-12-2026, 11:09 AM

"My son got his SCCA license there in 2024. He was 14 at the time and it was 9 years to the day after his first track day in a kart."

How cool!

pwd72s · 01-12-2026, 11:30 AM

Didn't Watkins Glen recently go private? Portland International is owned by the City of Portland, but even there club track days have been attacked. Some years ago, Paul Allen tried to take over PIR club days for rock concerts. Luckily, there was an uprising that prevented it...that, and political clout from a Bank President who was also an enthusiast thwarted that attack.