Circuit of the Americas to Unveil Giant Cowboy Hat
A Guinness World Records official will certify the 75-foot structure at the Austin racetrack this Thursday.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Theme Parks
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On October 15, 2026, a Guinness World Records official will arrive at the Circuit of the Americas to certify a new 75-foot-long fiberglass cowboy hat. The installation is located within the venue's Lone Star Land fan area and includes a themed bar underneath.
Why it matters
The project serves as a permanent tourist landmark, reflecting the chairman's desire to secure a Guinness World Record for the Austin site. The structure is intended to bolster the visitor experience ahead of the track's major racing events.
The fiberglass hat measures 75 feet in length and sits 15 miles from downtown Austin. Visitors can access the area via a $429 general admission Grounds Pass or a $20 Grand PrixView ticket.
The players
Circuit of the Americas
This major multi-purpose racing facility located near Austin serves as the host venue for various international motor sports events.
Guinness World Records
This global authority tracks and verifies world-record-breaking achievements across various categories and industries.
The details
The massive hat is a new permanent fixture situated in the Lone Star Land fan area at the Circuit of the Americas. It features a fully operational themed bar nestled beneath the structure, providing a unique attraction for attendees.
Timeline
September 2026: COTALAND theme park opened at the facility.
October 15, 2026: Guinness World Records official certifies the cowboy hat structure.
Week of October 19, 2026: The annual Formula 1 race weekend begins at the track.
Travel Outlook
The addition of this landmark follows the site's recent expansion with the opening of COTALAND in 2026. This move reflects a broader trend of racing venues increasing year-round tourism infrastructure to remain competitive beyond race weekends.
Fans visiting the track should note that the new landmark is located specifically within the Lone Star Land section of the property. Those attending the upcoming race weekend should prepare for high traffic, as the venue previously hosted a peak crowd of 440,000 in 2022.
The takeaway
Visitors planning a trip to the track can now include this record-seeking landmark in their itinerary. It is recommended to check ahead for specific access hours for the themed bar located beneath the structure during high-traffic event weeks.
Further reading
For more information on local attractions, visit the Theme Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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