Thousands enjoy event’s fourth year [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas – There’s nothing quite like NASCAR at the Circuit of the Americas.

“It’s very impressive,” said Karl Stephenson, “It’s amazing how big it is. You don’t realize how big this is until you get here.”

This is Stephenson’s first race at COTA.

“Just the excitement,” said Stephenson. “The energy that comes with everybody being here. There are so many different cars, and so many different personalities. It’s an amazing event.”

The 3.41-mile track is a unique challenge for drivers and a thrill for spectators.

“I like the section turn 12,” said Bowen Spencer, a NASCAR fan. “Those loops. It’s really fun to see them go fast and then have to slow down and take those sharp turns. It makes your adrenaline rush.”

Before the engines started, the big race opened with some familiar Central Texas faces, including FOX 7 Austin’s own Tierra Neubaum and Cameron Dicker, a Los Angeles Chargers Placekicker and former Longhorn and Lake Travis …