COTA opens track to guests to benefit the Central Texas Food Bank

AUSTIN, Texas - On May 10, the Circuit of the Americas is hosting a food drive to benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. 

According to COTA, for the first time ever, the raceway will open it's track to support those in need on behalf of the Central Texas Food Bank. 

“Growing up you always hear of a food drive when you used to take cans to a food drive, but there was no drive so we figured, hey, we can actually make it a food drive, for real,” said Bobby Epstein, COTA Founder.

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Usually reserved for the professionals, COTA opened its 3.5 mile track to the public. "COTA will collect donations and allow guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a drive on the world-famous 3.4-mile track," the company said in a press release. 

Travis County Commissioners Brigid Shea and Margaret Gómez will lead an on-track parade of cars, following a police escort. 

“I'm, personally, a Formula One fan and it was just a dream come true,” said Marco Corral.

 Corral says driving on the track was an experience like no other.

“I was able to go on the track. I was able to feel the turn one. Every single thing that a race car driver feels, that's what I was able to feel,” he said.

Corral did it in style. He fully decked out his car out in thankful messages to Austin and first responders fighting COVID-19. A reminder to people driving the track.

“This idea actually came from my girlfriend. She was the one who told me Hey, it'll be great if we give a shout out to the first line workers, to all the doctors and nurses here in Austin that are working hard and endlessly to fight COVID-19,” said Corral.

According to COTA, $100,000 has already been raised. COTA has also partnered with Germania Insurance and Austin Bold FC who will match up to $10,000 of donations. 

COTA is inviting the community to show support for the Central Texas Food Bank by donating money or non-perishable items at on-site "touchless" locations in the COTA garages. 

Visit the Circuit of the Americas at 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd in Austin or go online to donate.