A high-flying dog circus, medieval-style showdowns, pig races and other off-road fun are all coming to town for NASCAR race weekend at Circuit of the Americas this spring.
While the drivers lining up for the EchoPark Grand Prix Automobile Triple Weekend (March 25-27 at Circuit of the Americas) will remain the headliners, racing fans expect a blast and wacky that doesn’t involve tires.
From a human cannonball to BMX stunts, the extravaganza will take place March 26-27 at the racetrack.
But enough talk – let’s take a look at this exciting range.
Continued:UT Student Jaskaran Singh Wins “Jeopardy!” National College Championship, $250,000 grand prize
Great American High Diving Show
National and world champion divers will take off from an 80-foot platform for an entertaining dive, including costumed and flame-filled divers.
Times: March 26 at 10.05 a.m. and 11.20 a.m.; March 27 at 11:05 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The Rocketman Valencia
A human cannonball – yes, you read that right – will launch over 55 mph and 65 feet into the air to land in a safety net 165 feet away. Kudos to whoever was tasked with figuring out the physics behind this stunt – it sure couldn’t be me.
Times: March 26 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; March 27 at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Swifty Swine Pig Racing
The little pigs go racing at 24 km/h? You can bet your bacon. The heated contest will feature “Swifty”, the world record-holding swimming pig.
Times: March 26 at 9.15 a.m. and 10.55 a.m.; March 27 at 10:15 a.m., 11:55 a.m. and 1:10 p.m.
canine stars
Featured on the hit show “America’s Got Talent” last season, this team of adopted dogs from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and South Korea will showcase their world-class athleticism for a full show.
Times: March 26 at 9.40 a.m., 11.45 a.m. and 2.45 p.m.; March 27 at 10:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.
Circus picnic
Fire-eaters, stilt-walkers and other performers will roam the grounds of the Grand Plaza Stadium and Main Stands to bring carnival-style entertainment to the circuit.
Times: March 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Robert Castillo’s BMX Freestyle Team
This group of extreme action sports athletes will come together to perform a host of BMX stunts for a gravity-defying showcase.
Times: March 26 at 9.30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.; March 27 at 10:15 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Slamming axes
Fans can practice their ax shooting skills on this interactive display.
Times: March 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Turn 12) and from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (amphitheatre); March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Continued:What to eat and drink near Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium
color cartel
Graffiti artists APSE and Iva will bring their bold and creative style to the circuit throughout the weekend.
Times: March 26 from 8 a.m. to noon; March 27 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Turn 12 and Pit Lane)
Mobile Texas Escape Room
Inside an “adventure trailer”, participating detectives can join hands to find clues and solve puzzles to escape their entrapment in the Mobile Escape Room Texas fan experience.
Times: March 26 from 9 a.m. to noon; March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Full Steel Combat
Stepping back in time, medieval soldiers clad in steel will go into battle with axes, swords and shields in hand to see who is the mightiest knight of them all.
Times: March 26 at 10.30 a.m. and 2.15 p.m.; March 27 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:35 p.m.
Musical performances and race program
After the on-track action wraps up on March 26, the venue will host After Party at The Amp with tribute rock band Hairball. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a Q&A with NASCAR Cup Series drivers and NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin. Hairball will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for a two-hour concert.
To close out the weekend, the Grammy-nominated band Midland will perform an hour-long concert before the start of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix NCS race. The Dripping Springs band will take to the front stage at 12:45 p.m. before the EchoPark Motoring Grand Prix at 2:30 p.m.
Continued:222 seconds of celebrity interviews from past SXSW events
If you are going to
Tickets for the NASCAR Triple Weekend at Circuit of the Americas are on sale now at nascaratcota.com/tickets. Three-day weekend packages for adults start at just $99 and $10 for kids 12 and under.
For full details, including the full race schedule, visit nascaratcota.com.