Experience MotoGP in Austin: Where to Watch, Play, and Stay
March 27, 2024
|
Once again, MotoGP will soon race into Austin (pardon the pun). This year’s event is sure to an unforgettable and thrilling race weekend! Let’s talk about making your MotoGP experience even more spectacular.
What is MotoGP?
MotoGP represents the highest level of motorcycle racing on the international circuit. It’s an exciting spectacle of motorcycle riders using all of their skills as they take daring turns and hit the highest speeds.
Governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), MotoGP attracts the world’s top riders and manufacturers (including Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, and Suzuki) to compete in a series of races held in various countries throughout the year.
Each race, or “Grand Prix,” takes place on a professional racetrack designed to challenge the riders and their motorcycles with sharp turns, high-speed straights, and demanding braking zones.
The championship is divided into classes: MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3, with MotoGP being the premier class featuring the most advanced motorcycle technology and the highest speeds.
The 2024 MotoGP season will conclude with the Valencia Grand Prix at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on November 17th. This event marks the season’s final race, wrapping up a series of 21 Grands Prix worldwide.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, is the third stop in the MotoGP circuit. COTA is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and unique track layout, making it a favorite among fans.
Where to Watch: Circuit of the Americas (of course!)
As you gear up for the high-octane excitement at the COTA, we’re here with some insider tips to make your race-watching experience as epic as the race itself.
Best COTA Spots for Watching MotoGP
- Turn 2: Experiencing Turn 2 is witnessing MotoGP at its most thrilling. After the first climb to Turn 1, Turn 2 is where the motorcycles burst into their top speeds before braking into a death-defying turn. It’s an amazing spectacle of speed, skill, and strategy.
- Turn 15: If you’re a fan of strategic overtakes and high-speed drama, Turn 15 is the place to be. It offers a fantastic view of the riders navigating one of the circuit’s more challenging sections.
- General Admission Areas: Prefer a more laid-back vibe? The General Admission areas around COTA provide great flexibility to roam and find your favorite view. The grassy knolls near Turns 1 and 11 are popular for their elevated views and thrilling race perspectives.
Getting to COTA from the Heywood Hotel
Let’s navigate the journey from Heywood Hotel to the COTA to ensure your race day starts without a hitch.
Distance and Drive Time from the Heywood Hotel
The distance from the Heywood Hotel to COTA is approximately 15 miles, with an average drive time of around 20-30 minutes (depending on traffic).
Stop by the front desk before driving to the races and talk to the Heywood Hotel’s staff. We can share insider tips for avoiding some of the traffic!
Recommended Route
- Start by heading south on I-35 from the Heywood Hotel.
- Take Exit 230 to merge onto TX-71 East towards Bastrop.
- Continue on TX-71 East, then follow the signs for FM 812.
- Turn right onto FM 812 and continue straight until you reach the Circuit of the Americas entrance.
COTA offers a variety of parking passes for MotoGP. Securing your parking pass ahead of time is highly recommended.
Where to Play: The Best in Austin Spots for MotoGP Fans
Ready to dive into the heart of Austin with the same gusto you bring to the track? We’ve handpicked spots that promise to rev up your MotoGP weekend with local flavors, sights, and sounds.
Where to fuel up before the races:
Granny’s Tacos: A must-visit for authentic Austin breakfast tacos to kickstart your race day.
Cenote: Discover a “farm-to-counter” experience with excellent coffee, breakfast, soups, salads, and tacos, catering to gluten-free preferences.
Sawyer & Co.: Dive into classic American diner fare with a Southern twist.
Check out our Breakfast & Brunch: East Austin guide for more suggestions.
Where to cool your engines after the races:
Central Machine Works: This brewery and beer garden is a favorite among locals, offering a spacious place to relax after a day at the races.
Bufalina: Renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, Bufalina Pizza is a must-visit for anyone craving artisanal pizza in Austin.
Uchiko: The sister restaurant to the acclaimed Uchi offers a distinguished dining experience in Austin, focusing on Japanese cuisine with a creative twist.
Scenic spring routes:
Spring in Texas is one of the best seasons of the year, so coming for the April MotoGP Races is the perfect time to take advantage of our beautiful weather and spring events.
If you plan to stay close to town, check out Spring in Austin, Texas: Ideas for 2024.
But if you have more time, we have Four Short Day Trips From Austin for you to try.
Where to Stay: The Heywood Hotel
Imagine a hotel where the thrill of the race meets the comfort of home, all in a location that offers the easy access to everything fun about Austin. Welcome to the Heywood Hotel, your perfect pit stop for MotoGP!
Why choose the Heywood Hotel for your MotoGP weekend?
Our award-winning boutique hotel offers an unparalleled, personalized experience that sets the stage for an amazing race weekend.
Boutique Luxury with Austin Charm
The Heywood Hotel offers a handcrafted boutique experience, unlike any other hotel in Austin. We’ve designed our spaces with a personal touch to provide a unique blend of comfort and local flavor.
Think of us as your home away from home, where every corner tells a story and every service is personalized just for you.
After a day filled with the roar of engines and the excitement of the race, our beautifully designed rooms are the perfect retreat.
Hyper-Local Focus on Austin
Our love for Austin shines through in everything we do. From recommending hidden gems on the Eastside for a post-race celebration to guiding you through the perfect day in Austin – our insider knowledge is at your disposal.
Commitment to Personalized Service
Our concierge team is here to ensure your MotoGP weekend is unforgettable. We pride ourselves on meeting your needs with a personal touch.
After the pulse-pounding excitement of MotoGP at COTA, we invite you to relax and recharge at the Heywood Hotel to prepare for your next day of racing fun!