Need advice on attending a race

[dicec2]

Alright, I admit it, I've never been to an F1 race. When we had Indy, I was deploying with the Navy. Everytime I went overseas, the timing never worked out. BUT...but now I'm going to Austin, baby! I'm staying in a hotel and I know to be there really early each day. My questions though, are about the other stuff. What should I (or am allowed to) bring with me? Are backpacks allowed? Can I fill one with food and water? I'm bringing all the cash I can muster for swag. How about the meet the driver sessions, or pit passes? I'm just about clue-less here, so any help would be appreciated. Also, any other advice/hints/tips you can think of. Thanks!

[Corey]

Anything but homicidal weapons. Or food & drinks, if the track is being a money robber.

[hudson77]

Never had any problems taking food and drink into tracks in europe. Not familiar with U.S.A. Food and Drinks are usually expensive at the tracks i've been to. Check out the timetable at the curcuits website (if they have one) for pitwalks and autograph sessions.

[Tifoso]

I would leave the backpack at home. The race day isn't that long, and you won't be held up.

[Suzie]

I have always been able to bring food and drink into the circuit at a race - the only time I have had to remove drinks from my rucksack was at Barca testing last year.
You will be able to bring a backpack, no problem. I'd check with the track itself nearer the time regarding what you are allowed to bring in.

[Tifoso]

I have always been able to bring food and drink into the circuit at a race - the only time I have had to remove drinks from my rucksack was at Barca testing last year.
You will be able to bring a backpack, no problem. I'd check with the track itself nearer the time regarding what you are allowed to bring in.

You can certainly bring one. You have to wait in a long search line, though (at least over here).

[voiko]

Does anyone know in Melbourne if the drivers do any signings or stuff before the practice days or even at the track etc? They always go straight under the track where I can never catch them!!!

[Corey]

Does anyone know in Melbourne if the drivers do any signings or stuff before the practice days or even at the track etc? They always go straight under the track where I can never catch them!!!

You can try catching them at paddock entrances.

[voiko]

Yeh but the paddock is in the middle of the circuit and i believe you have to drive to get in there at which point you get stopped lol.. maybe if i just stand in my lego outfit on the road way with a big sign they will hop out and sign one for me!!!

[beanie88]

If you cross over the main pedestrian bridge across the main straight (pit exit) and then turn right, there is the area where they have all the car displays. If you walk through that, you can get right to the entrance to the paddock where the drivers get out. More often than not, there is a huge crowd there and you get crushed trying to get anywhere near the front. You will also find that there are people that stand there all day every day from the minute the gates open.

It is possible though.