America, Countries, Sport

Austin we have a Big Four problem

And as we follow Kimi Antonelli’s procession to the F1 World Championship we reflect that Austin we have a Big Four problem.

With the home of US Grand Prix (OK, there’s Vegas too) the 12th most populous city in the US with a million citizens.

So why when Austin can draw the big cars and big celebrities to central Texas can it not attract a marquee Big Four sports team?

Deep in the heart of Texas

Rodeo: And Texan it up

Well, we’re reliably informed by our Texan hombres that they’re the victims of Lone Star state politics.

And the rival interests of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

Although Alamo City does allow its little brother to host three Spurs NBA matches with the Houston Rockets in town just on Friday.

To coincide with the F1 circus.

On the right track: The F1 circus

The two February games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets.

Taking place during the annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo road trip.

When San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center is unavailable.

Music to our ears

Post with most: F1 headliner Post Malone

Now Austin’s place in the F1 calendar has become secure melding the two things it does best… music and cars.

Austin you see bills itself, not unreasonably, the World Live Music Capital of the World.

Wit Maroon Five, Post Malone and Alesso headlining the F1 weekend

Of course, as well as the US Grand Prix providing a showcase to the world for Austin.

A home run

Sing city: Austin

It is also a reminder that baseball, American Football, ice hockey and basketball choose not to cash in on the city’s possibilities.

Although Austinians still believe that they can win hearts and minds and a franchise.

And are pinning their hopes on becoming one of the two cities to claim one of the spots slated for Major League Baseball in 2032.

And seeing off the challenge of Salt Lake City, Nashville, Portland, Orlando, Raleigh and Montreal.

Major airlines fly into Texas although you may need to fly via a major hub.

 

 

 

America, Countries, Europe

See Lewis give rival bum’s rush with Cassidy Travel

And they’re off and take it as red you can see Lewis give them bum’s rush with Cassidy Travel.

Our grand prix Irish globetrotters Cassidy are again inviting all you petrolheads out there to follow the F1 circuit with them.

Hotshot Hamilton has, of course, got a fresh spring in his step now after joining the sport’s most glamorous team, Ferrari.

And he is confident that he will leave world champion Max Verstappen and the rest in his slipstream now he has got a faster car.

Float on Lewis

Who’s that rear-ending me? The Great Man

Now while Lewis likes little better than going at breakneck speeds around a track, he also loves a leisurely float at a Caribbean carnival.

And the only people moving at any lick were the girls in our party in Barbados at the Grand Kadooment closing festival of Crop Over.

When I pointed out that their favourite sportsman was hanging off the back of a float with his boardies only just staying on.

It’s probably the closest most ordinary petrolheads who aren’t invited into the VIP areas get to the Great Man.

Although Cassidy does its best, and is offering these packages around the world for the new season. 

Miami vibes

Go with the Flo: Rival Max Verstappen

Miami Grand Prix 2025

May 2-4.

Race Packages Includes:

5 Nights in Miami Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket (Upgrades Available)

Return Flights

Prices from €1739 per person.

Carcelona 

Say your prayers: In Barcelona

Barcelona Grand Prix 2025

May 30-June 1.

Race Packages Includes:

4-Nights in Barcelona Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket (Upgrades Available)

Return Flights (Optional)

Prices from €699 per person.

Hungaroaring

Fly the flag: Lew

Hungary Grand Prix 2025

August 1-3.

Race Packages Includes:

4- or 5- Nights in Budapest Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket (Upgrades Available)

Return Flights (Optional)

Prices from €639 per person.

The Lone Car State

Chase ’em down: At the Austin Grand Prix

Circuit of the Americas – Austin Grand Prix 2025

October 17-19.

Race Packages Includes:

5-Nights in Austin, Texas Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket

Return Flights

Prices from €1775 per person.

So because the world is your racetrack pick and choose and see Lewis give them bum’s rush with Cassidy Travel,

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Formula for excess

Of course the motor racing is just a diversion… the appeal of the grand prix is that it is a formula for excess.

And a chance to celebrity watch.

Bum’s rush: Lewis Hamilton

And as he’s our man then catch up with our fellow party reveller from Barbados’s Crop Over, Lewis Hamilton.

Petrolheads will, of course, dispute who is the GOAT and who the best fans are.

Take it as red

Fast cars: Monza

But it’s undeniable that the Ferrari’s red livery and prancing horse livery are the most recognisable symbols of the sport.

And that they transcend the sport as anybody who has been through airports around the world and tarried in their shops.

Particularly in Italy but the pick-up is global.

FI’s reach continues to grow and its fan base too, sparked by Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

And served on Irish shores by sports travel providers supreme Cassidy Travel.

Monza bonzer

Tifosi does it: In front of the fans

They are offering a range of F1 packages including the chance to become un tifoso ar Monza on August 31.

And eat, drink and be motory as the fast cars whizz by you on the sport’s fastest lap at 350km.

It’s a four-night package which includes a hotel and F1 ticket.

Which means a three-day grandstand ticket.

All for €839pp, based on two people sharing.

Take a pit stop

Fly the flag: Italian F1 fans


Flights are not included but can be added when purchasing with the package.

With the nearest airport Milan Linate, only 13kms away.

Though having enjoyed the charms of nearby Bergamo.

I’d advise Italianophiles to take a detour there before the racing with Ryanair flying into Milan Bergamo, 35kms away.

The Italians take their motor racing very seriously and their image.

They call it la bella fugura and you can be sure that no matter Max Verstappen’s procession to the flag all eyes will be on the Party Set.

And you can be one of them too… it’s a formula for excess.

Across the circuits

Abu Dhabi do: The Gulf


Cassidy, of course, are across all the circuits so look out too for their packages.

For Abu Dhabi, Montreal, Canada this season and Austria for next year.