Formula One track races toward finish

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Bulldozers don't move quite as fast as a Formula One race car, but they're needed for just awhile longer if drivers want to race in Austin.

Work continues at a fever pitch at the Circuit of The Americas $350-million development in southeast Travis County with the event scheduled Nov. 16 - Nov. 18.

"It's going really well. We've increased to 700 workers on site and we've paved the majority of the track," said Ali Putnam, CoTA spokeswoman.

As many as 120,000 patrons are expected to be in the grandstands that will surround the 3.4-mile course. But the hottest seats are at the top of Turn No. 1.

"From the start-finish area its a 133 foot  change in elevation," Putnam said. "The cars will reach speeds of 160- or 170 miles per hour, then make an immediate left hand turn downhill, so it's really exciting for both fans and drivers."

Per the governing rules of Formula One, the track must be "race ready" 60 days before the event, although finishing touches can still be put on in other areas. Developers say they'll make the deadline.

General tickets are still available, but without purchase of a personal seat license -- a 15-year commitment with amenities -- then fans will be taking a shuttle bus to the track. A PSL allows parking on the track's grounds.

Prices for the races vary . The hot seats at Turn No. 1 go for $1,483. General admission cost for a three-day pass is $159. Grandstand bleacher costs for three-day passes are priced at $299, $399 and $499, depending on location.

Certain seats at the track are sold out.