Crosbie Prepared for Circuit of the Americas Challenge

Invercargill racing driver Alex Crosbie was more interested than most while watching television coverage of the recent Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. That is because the 17-year-old Southlander will be racing at the iconic venue himself from 31 October until 3 November as he contests the final round of the F4 US Championship.

There is little doubt that Crosbie is one of the fastest drivers in the series. After a difficult start at the opening round at Road America in Wisconsin in May he had fought back to be third in the championship, just two points off second place heading into the penultimate round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park two months ago. However, at that round he did not start the first race after an engine failure which cost him dearly and consequently, he arrives at the final round fourth in the championship standings albeit just 6 ½ points behind American Connor Roberts.

Crosbie has taken one win and five podiums in his ten race starts in the championship to date.

There has been a two-month break since the last round so Crosbie has done some laps in his Tatuus FT-50 chassis at his home circuit Teretonga Park in New Zealand as well as some at Hampton Downs in a current FT-60 chassis to ensure he is race ready for the weekend.

“I’m excited to get back in the car,” he said before travelling back to the States. “I have done some simulator work preparing for the track and COTA has a different feeling from all the other tracks. Being a Formula 1 circuit it has so much more room than the other circuits. It is a cool track and it will be tough learning it. There are so many corners, about twenty, but it will be fun to learn it.”

“My goal is to get on the podium and take wins. It would be ideal to pull some more points back after our last outing,” says Alex.

Australian’s Nicholas Stati and Daniel Quimby are first and second in the championship with Roberts and Crosbie third and fourth.

Testing is available to competitors on Wednesday 30 October with two practice sessions followed by qualifying and the first race on Thursday 31 October.

Race 2 is on Friday with Race 3 on Saturday. All F4 US Championship races are thirty minutes long.

Alex competes in the F4 US Championship with Crosslink / Kiwi Motorsport and his American campaign is supported by Golden Homes in the Southern Lakes. He acknowledges the support of his parents for his racing and appreciates all those watching and supporting his efforts back home in New Zealand during his campaign.