Practice sessions for the FIA WEC races were held today on a wet track at the Circuit of the Americas. I took several shots of the Astons in the LMGTE PRO and AM classes. We're still in an extreme drought here in Central Texas so the rain is welcome (just not all at once)!

 

More photos...

 

I was out of town so I couldn't attend. Just watching it on DVR right now. Looks like a great race, and COTA looks as beautiful as ever. Loved the F1 race there last year, look forward to it again this year. Thanks for the pics.

 

The nice thing about the WEC race--as well as the ALMS race--was that you could sit nearly anywhere and wander through the paddock and garage areas. I took tons of photos from various vantage points (no pun intended) and enjoyed the relatively uncrowded conditions. There is absolutely nothing like the sounds and fanfare surrounding the F1 race, but these other events are a better opportunity to connect with the cars and drivers.

 

Cools pics. Thanks for posting.

 

Sorry I missed it.

 

They astons were by far the best sounding cars at the race!

 

Was there for two days as well. What an experience! Practically hung out in the garage for the entire race. Spoke to most of the drivers. Most being quite shy. Met David Richards as well.

Too bad 97 and 98 had to retire early...

 

Amazed at the level of accessibility of the cars and team. May need to join you guys next year.

 

I'm amazed at the empty stands. Was there much attendance?

 

That is really cool. I was so excited when they opened that circuit. So, so many bland modern cookie cutter Tilke circuits out there, and this one is patently not!

When I left Florida in February I drove back to British Columbia. I travelled along the Gulf and through Texas, and I had actually hoped to stop at the circuit and check it out. In the end, I went North in Louisiana and through Dallas. Was too out of the way considering I had a fully loaded truck & trailer and 2 dogs riding shotgun.

I will have to find another excuse to go.

 

I have no idea what the attendance figures were, but there were plenty of seats open (even on Sunday). COTA did quite a bit of advertising for this event in the Austin market, but I don't know if the turnout was comparable to what these series get in other venues. The new combined series (United?) with the former Grand Am cars is on the COTA calendar for next fall, I believe.

 

It was so awesome, you could sit anywhere you wanted and there were no lines anywhere. It was all the positives of F1 weekend minus any of the negatives. From now on I am only going to ALMS/Gran Am weekend. The pit paddock acces was unbelievable (definitely much more than F1).

 

I was a guest with AMR so have a lot more access in terms of garage action and grid walk etc. Had the chance to rush to the pitwall when the winning cars passed the s/f line. That was a blast! V8s roaring just 2 feet away. Priceless!

But yes...once ALMS ended on sat, the crowd thinned out. ALMS was broadcasted but not WEC.

Nonetheless I encourage all to attend next year. AMR is racing for 2014.

 

I spent the weekend out there as well with AMR and agree with all of the above-just a spectacular weekend.

V8Vin-wasn't rushing the wall awesome?! Here's a shot I snapped from the wall as they crossed: