Circuit of the Americas First Lap Ceremony

By: James Wilder

Circuit of Americas First Lap Ceremony. October 21, 2012. Photo Courtesy Circuit of Americas press kit.

If you would have told me that I would see Mario Andretti, in person, run the first official lap on the Circuit of the Americas track, I would not have believed you.

Neither would I have believed you if you told me that I would get to take a lap around the Circuit of the Americas track in the passenger seat of a race car.

I really wouldn't have believed you if you would have told me that I would get to drive a lap around the track, in of all things, a Lincoln MKX crossover!

That sounds like a strange dream. But dang if it didn't happen.

So how did this happen?

Well, I'm still not completely sure, but I have photos, so it must have happened.

On Tuesday October 16, 2012, I received an invitation via email "to join Pirelli North America at the grand opening of the Circuit of the Americas on October 21st." Oh, and we'll pay for everything and treat you to supper after the event. Hmm, let me think about that for a millisecond... Why, yes, I do believe I can fit that in to my schedule!

In addition to MOTOR Austin, Pirelli also invited:

Nelson Ireson, High Gear Media and Motor Authority
www.motorauthority.com/

Andrew Elliott, GT Spirit
www.gtspirit.com/

Keith Schaefer, The Pursuitist
pursuitist.com

Chad Wadsworth, Austinist
www.austinist.com (gone)

This was the first time Pirelli has reached out to "bloggers" to partake in media events. Let me say, I was happy to be a part of it.

The whole experience for me was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. It was extremely difficult to enter in to a new environment and try to capture the experience.

The first Formula 1 race in the United States since 2007 will be Sunday November 18, 2012.

We're ready!

COTA first Lap Ceremony Photos

Mario Andretti

Actor and racer Patrick Dempsey on Racing Simulator

The lovely Pirelli Girls

Bobby Epstein, Investor

Paolo Ferrari, CEO, Pirelli North America

This article was originally published on www.motoraustin.com