The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has named the opening corner of its Formula One track ‘Big Red’ in honour of the circuit’s co-founder Red McCombs.
The Texas-based businessman was the circuit’s largest investor when construction got underway in 2010 ahead of COTA’s first Formula One race in 2012.
A naming ceremony took place at the circuit on Thursday, with the unveiling of the words ‘Big Red’ painted large in the run-off area.
The first corner has been a defining feature of the circuit since its inaugural race and includes a 30.9-metre elevation change from the start line to the apex of Big Red.
It is a tight left-hander that has witnessed a number of overtaking moves over the years.
Prior to the naming of Big Red, the circuit’s corners were all named after their respective turn numbers.