COTA seating recommendations

[porman]

Thanks for your input. I initially thought reserving a seat that I won't use is absolutely absurd. Better to be safe then sorry.

Is it easy to roam the track? I plan on canvassing just about every corner in the hopes of getting as physically close as possible to the action. Photo wise I am limited to a 200mm zoom. Do you think that will suffice to get descent pictures?
While I'm at it, any recommendations for some good barbecue in the Austin area?

Thanks again!

[Cuttlefish]

Originally Posted by porman

Is it easy to roam the track? I plan on canvassing just about every corner in the hopes of getting as physically close as possible to the action. Photo wise I am limited to a 200mm zoom. Do you think that will suffice to get descent pictures?

Yeah, easy enough. As EricS mentioned, the Turn 11 area was closed last year; they were in the process of putting up the grandstands for F1 (I assume). Despite it being closed, no one was guarding it, so I was able to walk all the way around to the RV area. The bridges are fairly smartly placed; the most "remote" part of the track (other than Turn 11) is probably Turn 1, takes a while to either take the bridge to the support paddock or the tunnel to the main paddock.

One note, the WEC teams get the F1 garages, so it's tough to get a good look at those cars in the paddock without an invitation!

I brought a 250mm (on a crop body), and found it to be more than adequate. You're not going to find any photo holes, and the catch fencing is unrelenting all the way around, with a secondary fence between the GA areas and the marshal access roads, further complicating things. Most of the berms allow you to shoot over the fencing without too much hassle, and the undulations of the track help to ease the angle. I generally find shooting around the fencing part of the fun/challenge!

Some of the best spots for photos were on the bridge stairs; the sides of the stairs weren't covered, offering some great shots. I was surprised there weren't ushers hurrying people along, as it was getting quite crowded and there was a lot of L-glass.

[porman]

Great insights. I have reserved turn 15 and am eagerly awaiting my first WEC race. I figure this is the next best thing to Le Mans seeing as how I cannot make it to the crown jewel. I plan on bringing my monopod and will use the bridges to good effect.

How was the swag for the WEC teams last year? My better halve won't be in attendance so I plan on utilizing my poor judgement.

I apologize for all the questions. I am a bit pumped for this one. I have been to numerous ALMS races and used to attend the classics at Laguna Seca but I consider this to be a different animal. If anyone wants to meet up for a cold one just let me know.

[EricS]

Originally Posted by porman

How was the swag for the WEC teams last year? My better halve won't be in attendance so I plan on utilizing my poor judgement.

Unfortunately, very little-to-zero WEC team swag last year at CotA. Typical ALMS booths though. Hoping it's better this year with Porsche being there. But who knows.

[porman]

Originally Posted by EricS

Unfortunately, very little-to-zero WEC team swag last year at CotA. Typical ALMS booths though. Hoping it's better this year with Porsche being there. But who knows.

Lets hope the WEC teams want our dollars the second time round. I can't see the Porsche marketing machine missing out on an opportunity. Just so long as Porsche isn't charging their normal exorbitant prices. If anyone wants to say hi I will be wearing my favorite buttweiser tank top and sporting a mullet.