On Wednesday, October 21st, Circuit of the Americas and The Exotics Network present Road to the Race: Austin’s Official Prelude to the USGP.

Now in its fourth year, Road to the Race returns to the Long Center for an unforgettable night in the heart of downtown Austin, bringing together 100+ hypercars and supercars, Formula 1 display cars, live entertainment, interactive experiences, and thousands of motorsport fans for the night that sets race week in motion.

The evening begins across the iconic Long Center grounds, where an extraordinary lineup of cars will take over one of the most spectacular settings in Austin, framed by the beautiful downtown skyline. Live entertainment, racing simulators, food and drink vendors, and a C-130J military flyover will carry the energy through the outdoor showcase before guests transition inside for the centerpiece of the night — a major live charity auction benefiting The Long Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center.

The auction is at the heart of what Road to the Race is built to accomplish. It brings the community together around a shared opportunity to give back, with net proceeds supporting two organizations that make a meaningful impact across Austin and Central Texas.

Before race weekend takes over Austin, this is where the city, the cars, and the community come together.

The Charity Auction — The Core of the Experience

At the core of Road to the Race is a major live charity auction benefiting The Long Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center, with net proceeds divided equally between both organizations.

Expect rare experiences, exclusive motorsport access, extraordinary lifestyle offerings, and opportunities rarely available to the public. And among them, one offering will stand apart from the rest.

We encourage every guest to arrive ready to participate, bid, and help us make an incredible impact for both organizations.

Event Highlights

100+ Hypercars & Supercars: Rare cars from across the country, creating an automotive showcase unlike anything Austin has ever seen.
Formula 1 Display Cars: Multiple F1 display cars in the heart of downtown Austin.
C-130J Military Flyover: A special flyover above the Long Center during the evening.
Live Charity Auction: Rare experiences, exclusive opportunities, and one exceptional centerpiece.
Live Entertainment: Music and entertainment throughout the evening.
Racing Simulators: Experience racing simulators offering an incredibly immersive driving experience.
Local Food & Drink: Austin-area food trucks and drink vendors available for purchase.
VIP Hospitality: Private climate-controlled lounge, open bar, light bites, an “Emperor’s View,” and front-row auction seating.
Formula 1 Ticket Giveaway: Every paid GA ticket includes one entry to win two 3-day GA tickets to the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA.

The Venue — The Long Center

Set against the downtown skyline, the Long Center offers one of the most spectacular views in Austin and an unmistakable setting for Road to the Race. Its terrace and grounds become the stage for the outdoor showcase before the evening continues inside for the charity auction and VIP experience.

The Long Center is also one of Austin’s most important nonprofit cultural institutions, serving as home to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Opera, and Ballet Austin while supporting local artists, arts education, and community programming throughout the city.

Show Field Vehicle Requirements

Show Field placement is reserved for a limited number of approved vehicles, with each car selected and positioned by The Exotics Network as part of the overall presentation across the Long Center grounds.

Per Fire Marshal requirements, vehicles selected for the Show Field must:

Be fully staged before the event begins
Arrive with no more than 1/4 tank of fuel
Turn over their keys to The Exotics Network event team upon arrival
Remain in position until the event concludes at 9:30 PM

Selected owners will receive detailed staging and vehicle release instructions prior to the event.

FAQ

Do I need a ticket?

Yes. A valid ticket is required for every guest.

What does General Admission include?

Access to the full outdoor showcase, Formula 1 display cars, live entertainment, racing simulators, C-130J flyover, and live charity auction.

Every paid GA ticket also includes one entry to win two 3-day GA tickets to the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA.

Can I purchase VIP?

Yes. For the first time at Road to the Race, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available for public purchase.

VIP includes the private, climate-controlled Kodosky Lounge, an open bar, complimentary light bites, an “Emperor’s View” overlooking the event and skyline, and front-row seating for the charity auction.

Is food included?

Local food and drink vendors will be available for purchase. VIP guests receive complimentary light bites and an open bar.

Can GA guests attend the charity auction?

Yes. The charity auction is open to both GA and VIP guests. VIP guests receive reserved front-row seating.

We encourage every guest to come ready to participate and help us raise as much as possible for The Long Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center.