This past Saturday, I received a private venue tour at the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit. This tour goes behind the scenes of one of the world’s most advanced Formula 1™ circuits! The Yas Marina Circuit is open to the general public for escorted track tours only. However, I was able to see more areas not typically shown during the regular tour. I was taken around the circuit in comfort on these comprehensive excursions, stopping at key locations including the North Grandstand, the Yas Marina, Shams Tower and the Yas Drag Racing strip. In addition, my tour guide placed a special call in order to get special permission to take me on the circuit. This was definitely a surprise! He also took me to see the circuit’s high-tech facilities, including Race Control, the Team Buildings, the uniquely air-conditioned Support Pit garages, the state-of-the-art 500-seat media centre the Paddock area and the Podium where pictures are taken by the winners with the trophy.
This was a must-see experience for me because I received my Master's in Sports Administration from Xavier University and often times we would discuss Formula 1 Circuits. Now, some years later, I am finally able to observe and learn all aspects of a Formula 1™ circuit and get an inside look at what’s normally not visible to fans during race weekends. What an EXPERIENCE!!
This was a must-see experience for me because I received my Master's in Sports Administration from Xavier University and often times we would discuss Formula 1 Circuits. Now, some years later, I am finally able to observe and learn all aspects of a Formula 1™ circuit and get an inside look at what’s normally not visible to fans during race weekends. What an EXPERIENCE!!
Drag Racing: Chevrolet Camaro "A Tuesday Car"
Start Your Engines...
So what's next on my list to do at THE YAS MARINA CIRCUIT...
2011 FORMULA 1™ ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX - November 2011
Year after year, crowds are mesmerized by the sight of the sun setting on Yas Marina
Circuit. The combination of thundering engines, live entertainment, and a rapt audience
make this an experience like no other. The Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi
Grand Prix takes racing to a whole new level.
Across the event, ticket-holders will witness incredible on-track action featuring the world’s
leading racing drivers. Watch as they are challenged by 21 turns and the longest straight on
a current Grand Prix circuit, with top speeds of almost 320km/h. From thrilling racing on-
track to live bands, DJs, family activities and merchandise kiosks in the oasis areas, this is
one event you won’t want to miss.
ASTON MARTIN GT4
The Aston Martin GT4 looks like its distinguished Vantage sibling, but moves fearlessly like a race car. Light on its wheels, this vehicle navigates sharp corners with ease and crosses a straight with the swiftness of a cougar. The interior has been modified from its road-friendly counterpart to suit professional racing needs, with racing seats, an additional instrument panel, protection bars and plastic windows. Built in an entirely separate factory by racing specialists, the GT4 combines a powerful 4.7-litre V8 engine with sleek curves, high-acceleration and sophisticated performance. The drive more than lives up to the promise of its beautiful shape, not to mention the GT4 has one of the best-sounding engines ever made! These cars are beautiful to look at and brilliant to drive.
F1 2-SEATER
This is the closest that I will get to a ride in a real F1™ car. In fact, very few will experience the speed
and excitement of an F1 2-Seater in their lifetime. I will see firsthand just how much effort and
intensity goes into the process of putting a Formula 1™ vehicle on the circuit. I can only anticipate the power, acceleration and the cornering forces of these prestigious machines. This is motorsports at its finest.
The cars were commissioned as single-seater racers for F1™ Grand Prix and have been converted into
two-seaters. The F1 2-Seater has been built to F1™ manufacturing and safety standards, fitted with
current F1™ suspension, brakes and tyres, and powered by V10 engines producing more than 700
bhp. I will be catapulted to speeds of up to 300 km per hour, experience G-force of up to 5G and
feel the heart-pounding excitement of a vehicle that is designed to run at up to 16,000 rpm. This ride is
not for the faint hearted!
Visit the Yas Marina Website at: http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/Default.aspx, for more information.
At the podium with the 2011 1st Place trophy!
Panoramic view from the North Grandstand
