After yet another multi-year gap, Formula One returned to America with the 2012 United State Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. The track was superb, amenities quite reasonable for an inaugural race, and the GP itself memorable. (Lewis Hamilton stalked Sebastian Vettel for half the race before overtaking with a handful of flaps left to take the win.) What I remember the most, though — and despite tremendously convenient and complementary bus service to the circuit — were the huge lines on the way out, as most spectators departed at the same time. Sad but true.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Tolsma of HitYourMarks.com, a new racing blog.

Austin F1 or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the F1