The Houston Grand Prix street race was the first round of the 2017 F1 World Championship. More than 200,000 people turned out for the historic street race that took place on the city’s streets. Drivers like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Sebastian Vettel took home the trophies.
The Houston Grand Prix was held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of motorsport in Houston, which started with the city hosting the very first Texas Motor Speedway in October 1917. Since then, the speedway has hosted IndyCar, Monster Truck, and Formula 1 races. Now, more than 100 years later, the track is looking to host one more iconic event: the fabled Brickyard 400.
What Is The Brickyard 400?
The Brickyard 400 is one of motorsport’s most famous races and one of the most popular sporting events in the United States. The annual 400-mile race is held at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway in early July. For decades, the race has been a highlight of the American racing season. Teams of drivers from around the world come to the Hoosier State for a shot at glory.
The first ever Brickyard 400 was held in 1945. Since then, the race has become an American automotive institution with more than 300 top-class drivers having raced there. The vast majority of these races have been won by Americans, with many iconic, brand-new cars being introduced on the starting grid throughout the years.
The Houston Grand Prix is looking to bring some of the famous glitz and glamour of the Indy 500 to Texas, but on a smaller scale. With a maximum of 25 cars, the organizers are looking to build on the success of the 2017 event and put on an even better show. Fans of all ages will have the chance to see some of the greatest drivers in the world pound the streets of downtown Houston in the world’s longest quarter-mile race. The track will consist of 17 turns with the longest straight being 2.9 miles long.
Why Is Downtown Houston A Good Location For The Event?
Downtown Houston is a great location for the event. Not only is it easily accessible by foot, car, or bus, but it also has a sizable population. More than 300,000 people live within a 5-mile radius of the track. If you compare this to the 20,000 people who attended last year’s race, you can see just how much greater the attendance will be in 2018.
Downtown Houston has a vibrant street life with plenty to do for both adults and kids. If you want to learn more, you can visit the Houston Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural History and Science. If you’re feeling energetic, you can get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area or catch a movie at one of the cinemas. It’s a great location for families.
What Is The Format Of The Race?
The 2017 Houston Grand Prix will be a single race format with several legs. Much like the Indy 500, the race will begin at 12:30 pm CDT on Saturday, July 14 and will run for three hours. At the end of the three hours, the drivers will stop at the pits for a 15-minute break before returning to the track for another hour of racing.
However, the Houston Grand Prix is a quarter-mile race rather than a mile race. While this may seem like a detail, it allows the organizers to fit more cars on the track and to give less expensive tickets to spectators because they won’t need to leave the grandstand to get food and drink.
Will Weather Be A Problem?
While the Houston Grand Prix is taking place in the United States, it’s important to remember that it’s still in the middle of summer. The midwest is usually hit hard by heat-related issues, and this year is looking to be no exception. Temperatures in Downtown Houston will undoubtedly reach the upper 80s, which isn’t ideal for motorsport. The heat could potentially cause problems for drivers and spectators alike. It’s something to keep in mind.
Will The Weather Keep People Away?
The forecast for the week of the race doesn’t look great. There’s a chance of thunderstorms throughout the week, which might ruin the attendance of the famous Indy 500, especially as it’s only three weeks away.
The organizers have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of spectators and drivers. Over 30,000 personnel will be on hand to keep the racing on track and the traffic flowing. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has a different plan and looks set to hinder the event. If you want to see how the weather will affect the race, watch this. (Beach Vlogger)
What Are The Favorite Restaurants In Downtown Houston?
There are numerous restaurants and eateries in Downtown Houston. If you’re looking for a place to eat before or after the race, you’re in luck. There’s something for everyone. Below is a list of the top restaurants in Downtown Houston. Be sure to give them a try.