Mario Andretti and Patrick Dempsey were among many other racers on hand over the weekend for the grand opening of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. With the Formula One US Grand Prix set for November 18, the track surface is ready for action, but there is still plenty of work to be done before the track's opening race.
Andretti cut a ceremonial ribbon and then completed the track's first lap in the same Lotus 79 racecar in which he won six races and a World Championship in 1978. The legendary driver commented on how unique the elevated Turn One will be, calling it the track's "marquee corner." After Andretti hit the track, other vehicles also put laps on the newly finished course including a unique three-seater F1 car.
