Circuit of The Americas event raises more than $200,000 for Central Texas Food Bank

On May 10, Circuit of The Americas held a fundraising event for the Central Texas Food Bank that allowed attendees to drive the 3.4-mile Formula 1 track in Southeast Austin.

According to a media release from the track, more than 20,000 people—and 400 dogs—in 7,000 vehicles attended. Donations of money or nonperishable food supplies were recommended but not required at contactless drop-off points.

The event raised more than $200,000, a COTA spokesperson said in a media release, including $10,000 each from Germania Insurance and Austin Bold FC. That donation will provide more than 1.6 million meals to Central Texans in need.

“It was a wonderful day with perfect weather and people were just having a blast,” COTA founder and Chairman Bobby Epstein said in the media release. “It felt really good to see.”

The food bank is holding drive-thru distributions to donate food to those in need throughout May and says it is in need of volunteers. The next events are May 14 at Nelson Field and May 16 at the Austin Community College Highland Campus.

Those looking to donate or volunteer can do so at the food bank’s website.