CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS – RACING RECAP

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

RACING RECAP

Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas 2024
12-14 April 2024 – Round 3 of 21

Circuit of the Americas, Austin, TX – It was a spectacular weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin for the 3rd stop – and the only stop in North America – for the 2024 season. The weather was good, the track dry and fast. Clouds and sunshine both appeared throughout the 3-day race weekend, but no rain. The weekend’s racing results are detailed below:

MotoGP

In MotoGP, Spaniard Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took first place, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), another Spaniard, took second, and Italian Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) took 3rd to complete the podium.

Viñales finished in 41:09.503, almost a full 2 seconds ahead of 2nd place Acosta and almost 3 seconds ahead of third place Bastianini. It was a great finish to a great weekend of racing.

Moto2

In Moto2, Sergio Garcia of Spain (MT Helmets-MSI) took the checkered flag in 34:25.954, with Joe Roberts of the United States (Only Fans Racing Team) less than a second behind Garcia, while Fermin Aldeguer of Spain (SpeedUp Racing), over 3 seconds behind Garcia finishing 3rd. It was an incredible end to the race, made even more so by having an American rider make the podium in a sport dominated by the Europeans.

Moto3

In Moto3, David Alonso of Colombia (CFMOTO Aspar Team) finished first with a time of 31:38;427, a full 5 seconds ahead of 2nd place finisher Daniel Holgado of Spain (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and 3rd place finisher of Angel Piqueras of Spain (Leopard Racing). Spanish riders dominated all 3 classes, taking 2 out of 3 spots on all podiums.

BAGGERS

“This is a great opportunity for MotoAmerica and our King of the Baggers series. Having our teams and riders compete at a MotoGP event is ground-breaking and I know the MotoGP fans are going to be surprised and excited about what they see at COTA,” claimed 3-time 500cc World Champion, MotoGP Legend and MotoAmerica president Wayne Rainey, according to a press release.

And surprised and excited they were! As was I.

The Baggers proved to be a surprise hit as race fans attending the weekend expecting to see only formidable race bikes from Europe and Japan drafting each other, in addition saw a coterie of Harley-Davidsons and Indians take to the track and do the same, proving once again that motorcycle racing is for everyone and truly exciting, no matter which bikes competing.

THE CIRCUIT

To say that COTA has come a long way since it began is an understatement. Circuit of the Americas is a first class venue these days, with just about everything you could want. There’s cart racing, Cars and Coffee, and even a Ferris Wheel.

Plus, the COTA Tower rises twenty-two stories above ground at the observation deck. In addition, there are Bicycle Nights on many Tuesdays, where for a small admission charge you can ride your bicycle on the 3.4 mile Grade 1 FIA spec track.

So, kudos to the folks that had the faith to build this track. And maintain it.

If you were there, lucky you! If you weren’t, there’s always next year!