Businesses race to F1 Expo

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The excitement is building as Austin's first Formula 1 race is only months away.

Thousands of fans headed over to Austin Convention Center to get an up close and personal look. With 600 million race car fans worldwide, local businesses are looking to cash in.

Car lovers of all ages came to the Formula 1 Expo to take in the beauty of some hot rods.

Simulators and interactive pit stops allow for an up close and personal experience for spectators at the event, as anticipation builds for Austin's first race this November.

"This town is so ready for this we are very excited for Austin," said John McCutchen, a race car driver for Godstone Ranch Motorsports Driver. "As Texans we are excited to add this to our states resources."

Drivers aren't  the only ones excited about the expo. Local business owners set up shop looking to grab the attention of international eyes.

"About 50 percent of our customers are from out of town," said  Lisa Bagby, owner of a local clothing boutique. "So it's just going to bring a completely new audience for us, and I think its just exciting."

Jewelry, clothes, and race cars might not seem to go together, but these businesses say its all about marketing to a new crowd. 

"I feel like everyone i met really didn't know about the store until today and I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of new customers," Bagby said.

With an estimated 35,000 fans visiting the expo this weekend, entrepreneurs are hoping they'll be racing to the bank thanks to the new Formula 1 track.

The Formula 1 Expo continues on Sunday.