Earlier this month, some friends and I attended the Houston Grand Prix. Originally the race ran though the streets of downtown Houston and I was fortunate to attend that first race in 1998. Even in the rain that year, it was quite a sight (and sound) to see the cars running down city streets. Now, the circuit is created on the grounds of Reliant Park, beside the Reliant Stadium and the Houston Astrodome. 

Since there is no green space or windy downtown streets, it’s a much hotter experience over the huge parking lot at Reliant. This makes for a long, hot day, even in early October. But there is a lot to see in the infield, plus the races. Even those can be hard to see, unless you have a high seat in a grandstand, as the stands are right by the track. The concrete barricades and heavy wire fences also prevent a clear view almost everywhere on the track. 

This view was from a corporate tent by the Astrodome’s high-speed curve. The cars reach over 150 mph as they fly past. Because of the noise and heat, it might not be a place for small children, but any auto enthusiast will have a great time.