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Thousands flock to U.S. Grand Prix (slideshow)
Photo by Annie DrabickyUpdate 7:21 p.m. CST, Nov. 18
Circuit of The Americas hosted 117,429 visitors for the U.S. Grand Prix, according to figures released by the circuit after the race.
The circuit reported that 65,360 visitors attended practice sessions on Friday and 82,710 visitors attended the qualifying races.
The circuit placed total weekend attendance at 265,499.
Update 4:06 p.m. CST, Nov. 18
Tens of thousands of race fans descended on the Circuit of The Americas track Nov. 18 for the 2012 United States Grand Prix.
After 56 laps, McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton took first place, followed by Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel in second and Scuderia Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso in third.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry presented the first place trophy to Hamilton at the end of the race.
In a news release, local and regional public safety authorities said no major incidents had occurred on race day as of 2 p.m. They noted that traffic flow to the track was heavy, but moved steadily.
Several race attendees told Community Impact Newspaper that they were pleased with the track and the event. Many had traveled from other states to attend.
Fans showed their support most commonly by wearing flags, either to support their team, their home country or their team's country.
Sauber driver Sergio Perez of Mexico and McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton of England had large fan bases at the race.
