I was sitting in the stands at the F1 Indy race when the Michelin tires were blowing out around turn 13 (turn 1 on the oval). All the cars pitted except Ferrari and Minardi after the formation lap (the formation lap is considered a part of the race, so the teams fulfilled their contract). We left after lap 14 because of the fights breaking out in the stands.

After taking time off work, flying out there from California, spending roughly $2k on room, board, car, etc. this is what they called a race! Sure, I got free tickets for the next year, but nothing else. I sold them on Ebay and didn't watch F1 for five years. I watch it on TV again now, but will NEVER go to another race and spend my hard earned money on F1 again. Lesson learned.

So, needless to say, Austin will do w/out me. It's just not worth the risk to watch a 1.5 hour race.

Al

BRPORSCHE, you are correct. I live in Boston and have hit Montreal about 5-6 times over the last 10 year, easy drive up and plenty of hotels when booking early.

I only mention the GA tickets because the first two years we did that and it was a great time. The last few times I bounced around differenct sections, 34,33 including accross pits. I took this a few years ago:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kN2bHX7V6hI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

My point is there are ways to get in for less and quite frankly Montreal does it perfect: closes streets down, has free open concerts, plenty of bars and restaurants easy to get around on the subway.

If you need to fly to get to Austin, I would hit Montreal first and wait until Austin sorts things out.

You obviously never went to Watkins Glen for an F-1 Race. They were not Flops!

+ eleventy billon.

This city loves the grand prix. They have an absolute party that goes through the whole city like it's on crack. Tuns into a three day party.

Making the tickets so stupid-expensive is a gamble to be sure. either it's fail miserably, or it's become a status symbom for the rich and famous.
Lots O'folks can afford to blow $20k a weekend to go to an event, as long as you kep the riff-raff away.

If it becomes the "IN" thing to do, the cool thing, the thing that represents success, rich folks will be stumbling all over themselves to get a ticket.
Just like at the superbowl every stupid year. People paying $5k per ticket and they probably aren't even fans.

They just need to say I WAS THERE, ENVY ME!

No doubt the very rich live in a different world. One of our family friends had a daughter that married into huge old family money. For Thanksgiving last year their daughter had them flown to Dallas on a private jet and picked up by a limo to be taken to some high priced hotel. They were driven to Cowboy stadium in the limo, and only had to walk a few yards. They were called the night before to ask what drinks or favorite foods they would like. They watched the game in a private box just above Jerry Jones's box. The rest of the family flew in from the South of France to watch the game.

Our friends said it looked like a scene from a James Bond movie. They were not crass enough to take pictures. :cool:

So its not only Americans - now ain't they some thoughtful folks buckshot. I love the stories where they buy tickets and never attend or even bother to pass the tickets along.... and they brag of it. I know of a few like that. Stupido money and never worked a real job.

Oh well. At home on the big screen with a couple of good glasses of wine sounds better and better...

Nuckin' futs. Sorry but I can think of way more fun ways to spend that kind of scratch. Yes it'd be fun to go, but not that much fun.

I'm thinking a few nice p-car upgrades, a few tanks of gas, a set of new tires and still have money left over for a few hours flying time in the airplane and a nice dinner. Probably still with some money left over.

Bernie's price point is ridiculous. Maybe there's enough demand to support it, but I'd be surprised. By that point in the F1 calendar it's likely things will be wrapped up anyway. That much money to see a likely inconsequential race? Umm, no thanks.

I believe tickets to Montreal are about $600 USD. That one I'll do. And Montreal is a great city to visit in summer anyway.

I could lease out a room or two in my house for those F1 visitors who are interested. :) Hmmm..

I live about 35m from the track.

Mark

are they going to have parking at the track, or will there be shuttles?

30+ years ago F1 was still relevant in the minds of Americans, as was Le Mans and other forms of sports car racing. Today most average Americans can probably name at least one NASCAR driver, but how many can provide any information about a current F1 driver or team? F1 is broadcast live on Speed (normally in the middle of the night) unless it conflicts with NASCAR coverage, and is not re-broadcast on any major network. That pretty much says it all......

Plus, you can come to Long Beach and for something like 150 bucks, get a 3 day ticket. You won't see the mobile 2-story offices that the F1 teams set up nor will you see the exotic international jet-set crowd. Well, you wouldn't see much of them anyway at a F1 race.

What you will see is 5 races in 2 days +drifting (if that's your thing) and a hell of a party. Not to mention several practice and qualifying sessions over the 3 days. There is access to every pit, most free with a GA ticket.

F1 is good on TV and to me, a goat rope to try to attend in person. But it was way cool 30 some odd years ago in LB with the old school.

Parking is $1800, no overnight.

RVs are extra.






j/k, I have no idea.


I get offered 'spensive tickets to the long beach grand prix every year from vendors, complete with hotel suite view and everything included.
Always say no thanks.

Lots of folks out there are on the take, I got a clean rep in the industry that took too long to get so it ain't for sale. My limit is $25. I'll have a cheap lunch with a vendor as a business meeting but that's it.

Looks like Ticket City, a ticket broker has some tickets, probably from people who purchased PSLs
US Grand Prix Tickets at Circuit Of The Americas on Nov 18 2012 - Buy US Grand Prix Tickets Today!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...Picture1-2.png

Volume purchase or treat a couple dozen good friends:
$237,500 for 24-PERSON LUXUR SUITE

Or maybe a Groupon?