The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has recently unveiled a significant addition to its facilities with the opening of a new multi-storey clubhouse at Turn 1. This development marks a step towards enhancing the hospitality experience at the venue, which hosts major motorsport events including the Formula 1® United States Grand Prix. Alongside this, COTA has announced plans to construct a second, shorter racing circuit on its grounds, aimed at supporting grassroots and regional motorsport activities.
The new Turn 1 clubhouse is directly connected to the main paddock area by a cable car that crosses over the track, serving as an extension of the Formula 1® Paddock Club during race weekends. Starting January 2, 2027, the clubhouse will operate year-round as a private members-only club named “The Circuit.” Membership will be limited to 300 lifetime members, with 250 spots reserved for North American individuals and 50 for international or corporate members. This move aligns with Formula 1® management’s push to improve race weekend hospitality and fulfills part of the contract renewal requirements for the venue.
In addition to the hospitality upgrades, COTA is evolving into a year-round entertainment destination. The venue plans to expand its offerings beyond motorsport to include an amusement park called COTALAND, concerts, and food culture events. However, the introduction of the private membership model means that COTA will no longer be accessible for public track days or regional driving clubs. To address this, the circuit is planning to build a second, shorter track nearby, designed to serve the local motorsport community.
The planned second circuit will be constructed to FIA Grade 3 standards, making it suitable for touring cars, sportscars, motorcycles, and entry-level single-seaters. Unlike the main Grand Prix circuit, this new track will feature elements such as a banked corner and an iconic chicane, which are not present on the existing layout. The aim is to provide an affordable and accessible venue for grassroots racing and regional motorsport activities, compensating for the loss of public access to the main track.
While the timeline for the second circuit’s construction has not been finalized, there is a sense of urgency to minimize disruption for local motorsport users. COTA’s long-term contract to host Formula 1® events runs through 2034, offering stability for these investments and developments. The venue continues to host a range of major motorsport events, including MotoGP, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and from 2027, Formula E.
These developments at COTA reflect a broader strategy to enhance the overall experience for both hospitality guests and motorsport enthusiasts, while also adapting to the evolving demands of the sport and its audience. The introduction of a private members-only clubhouse alongside a dedicated grassroots circuit shows a balance between exclusivity and community engagement within the motorsport landscape.