Sandy West, vice president of corporate affairs for Formula 1 United States, speaks to members of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon last week. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
STAFF REPORT
With limited parking at their massive new racetrack, Austin’s Formula 1 organizers say they’re considering sites along Interstate 35 in the Kyle and San Marcos areas for a parking lot where visitors can leave their cars and catch shuttles to the track east of Austin.
Sandy West, an F1 marketing consultant who spoke at a Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week, said the lot would serve race fans driving in from hotels as far away as San Antonio.
Promoters say the track will draw up to 1.2 million visitors to Austin each year. Off Texas 130 in Elroy, the track will include a 210-foot tower and the largest amphitheater in Central Texas, according to West. It will be available to host music festivals and other events.
“We’re not spending $350 million for one race,” she said.
The first race is set for November. West said promoters also expect to shuttle in visitors from lots in the state Capitol area and in northeast Austin.
