F1 Hospitality - any recommendations?

[Ionican]

Hi,

I've managed to convince the missus that Texas is where she wants to go for our holiday this year and that 'dropping in to watch the GP' would be fun. She's actually quite a fan and given it's a bit of a celebration I want to splash out.

I see there are a number of outfits running 'tours' apart from Bernie's Paddock Club offering (though some do include a day or three of it in their events). Really just wondering if anyone's been on one of these or would recommend any?

(examples: thttp://grandprixadventures.com/
www.selectmotorracing.com
http://www.grandprixevents.com/
http://cotaexperiences.com/)

Cheers,
Rich

[belleair302]

The only way to enjoy the pit lane walk about is via the Paddock Club. Any other hospitality will purely be food and drink, plus an air conditioned box for lunch....but NO pit lane access whatsoever.

[Ionican]

Ah ok I see, thanks. Pit lane walk would be nice, but some of the alternatives are quite a bit cheaper and seem to offer some additional perks (parties, meet a driver etc).

Does anyone know if anything goes on in the evening - or is everyone left to their own devices?

Cheers

[Vaud]

Joe Saward normally does a talk and chat at a bar in Austin; he is a really nice guy and has nearly as much knowledge of F1 as the great Murray W. He puts dates and times up here; charges a small amount to get in. Email him to see if it is planned this year. I haven't been to his talks, but a friend has and was very impressed.

https://joesaward.wordpress.com

Austin is a great city by the way, very liberal, the most un-Texas, cool and chilled places I have visited in the US.

[belleair302]

Most teams do sponsor events on the Thursday and Friday evenings.....drivers do media and a few 'private meet and greets'. Fans are left to their own devices and to discover local restaurants. Some cities are better than others re F1 events and promotions. Not much at Silverstone!!

[Ionican]

Thats' great - many thanks for all that - Joe's website looks great, I'll drop him a line.

Cheers,
R