Formula Run on, but no open house

AUSTIN (KXAN) - This weekend's "Formula Run" 5K foot race will take place as scheduled. But hopes for an open house in the main grandstands of the new racetrack had to be scrapped.

Despite some buildings at the Circuit of The Americas still not having the proper permits, Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee says he is sure the venue will be in compliance by the start of practice runs on Friday, Nov. 16. The main race is set for Sunday, Nov. 18.

“I have every confidence they will be ready because the things lacking in the grandstands are very minor,” said Lee.

During the last inspection, inspectors did not issue a certificate of compliance for the main grandstands after minor issues were discovered. Most of the issues can be fixed with cement or paint, according to Lee.

However, CoTA was forced to nix potential ideas of an open house for this upcoming weekend which would have allowed fans into the main grandstands.

CoTA on Tuesday released this statement:

“We considered an open house but never scheduled one because we knew it would come down to an issue of timing and whether it would make sense for a significant portion of our management team to work on an open house event while we're in the heat of final race preparations”. 

Lee says the CoTA track will require the most permits for single site in the county’s history.

“We’ve been working on Circuit of The Americas for two years,” said Lee, who expects to have inspectors at the track during race events to make sure temporary vendors and fans are in compliance with fire codes.