Volunteer sign-up opens for F1 track

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Interested in racing? As many as 1,000 volunteers are needed to help work the events at Circuit of The Americas track, once it is complete.

Announced Wednesday, Central Texas residents can sign up online to become a volunteer through a program coordinated by the Austin Sports Commission in conjunction with CoTA.

The first Formula One U.S. Grand Prix race is set for Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 at the track being built east of Austin, outside of Elroy.

The registration system will be used to recruit volunteers for a variety of other events occurring at the new track, including the V8 Supercars race series and several other international motorsports series to be identified in the coming months.

Individuals can also register to volunteer for events recruited to the city by the Austin Sports Commission.

Various volunteer opportunities will include a variety of positions and time commitments to fit every individual’s interests and background, according to CoTA staff.

Potential areas with a need for volunteers include:

• customer service
• way-finding
• ushering
• transportation
• welcome centers at Austin Bergstrom International Airport and Downtown Austin

Individuals will be asked to “opt-in” for different events on the website, with the first event being the F1 race at Circuit of The Americas . Nonprofits, organizations or other groups interested in volunteering together may register for group volunteer opportunities.

“A strong volunteer force is vital in operating a successful, large-scale event,” said Steve Sexton, president of Circuit of the Americas. “We expect to recruit approximately 1,000 volunteers for the Formula 1™ event alone. There is also a need for a regional volunteer force from which all city-wide events can recruit experienced, motivated helpers. We look forward to working with the Sports Commission to build the first of its kind in Austin.”

“We’ve been fortunate enough to land some unique events like the Davis Cup quarterfinals, the USA Volleyball Junior Nationals and the World Football Festival coming this summer,” said Matthew Payne, executive director of the Austin Sports Commission. “Creating a volunteer database will give Austin another competitive advantage because of the important resource it will provide to event organizers. Plus, we know that Austin is full of dedicated, community-minded individuals who want to make a difference—and who want visitors to our city to have a great experience.”

Circuit of The Americas has begun working with local area universities to recruit students for various volunteer positions. Individuals that volunteer have the benefit of experiencing the inaugural F1 event held at the only purpose-built Grand Prix racetrack in the United States.

Volunteers will receive specialized training by experienced CoTA staff, branded clothing to wear during volunteer hours and an invitation to participate in special events leading up to race day.