TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — We’re on the cusp of what’s anticipated to be one among Austin airport’s busiest journey weekends—ever.
Components One’s U.S. Grand Prix launches with observe tomorrow, and the festivities proceed by the weekend.
Lots of of hundreds of followers are anticipated and have already began trickling in.
“The place you guys from?” John Weaver asks one other group whereas at a meals truck.
Weaver is right here together with his dad, John Weaver, and brother-in-law, Jeff Drajka.
“Our household has had a extremely robust historical past on the Indianapolis 500. I’ve been to over 35 races. My dad has been to 52,” Weaver stated. “Jeff, he’s been over 21 races with me.”
That is their first Components One race.
“This isn’t an affordable ticket! So, we’re excited to be right here,” Weaver laughed.
All of the F1 pleasure additionally interprets to tons of site visitors as followers make their path to the Circuit of the Americas.
Airport officers anticipate Monday to be their busiest day ever and are already planning to accommodate all of the individuals close to the airport.
They’ll shut down Spirit of Texas Drive from 10 a.m. to eight p.m. on Sunday and eight a.m. to midday on Monday.
Drivers headed to the terminal, and even the Cell Telephone Lot should use Resort Drive to get to Presidential Boulevard.
In the meantime, officers on the Circuit of the Americas are additionally making ready for site visitors.
“We had a large effort to enhance transportation to and from the race and the shuttle program is on the core of it,” stated COTA spokesperson Mark Panis.
Final yr, greater than 100 shuttle buses have been canceled on the final minute.
This yr, Panis stated they’ve already doubled the quantity to 600– and counting.
Officers additionally stated they’ve created a devoted bus lane on Elroy Street, and a selected drop-off and pickup location for rideshares away from the principle entrance.
“Our Uber driver stated that there’s a variety of mess coming and going from this monitor. So, I believe they’ve loads to study,” Weaver stated.
“What they do at Indy is that they shut off the minor roads in order that persons are not coming and going out,” stated Weaver’s dad.
They assume COTA might take a web page out of Indy’s e-book.
“They need to take a key from Indy on mainly how you can direct site visitors, I imply, as a result of they may handle the circulate out and in. And it’s fairly fast out and in,” Drajka stated.
Nonetheless, the three say they’re mentally ready.
“Hunker down. We all know how you can drink. Yeah, it’s tremendous,” Weaver stated.
They usually’re planning to benefit from the sunny skies and roaring race monitor.
“Grateful it’s actually heat… Coming from Michigan when it was 30 levels once I left,” Drajka stated.
