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COTA Girls

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The History of the Grid Girl

COTA Girls pose for a photoshoot following the USGP kick-off event, The Starting Grid

// The History of the Gird Girl

Known as the Race Queen in Japan, Pit Babe in Britain, Pretties in Thailand, Racing Model in Korea, there are many naming conventions for what the majority of us refer to as Grid Girls.

According to racing lore and legend, Rosa Ogawa was the first ever grid girl. Rosa first appeared in the late 1960s motor races in Japan to represent race winners, and as such cemented the grid girl as an icon at the race tracks. Officially, F1 grid girls hold up the grid number for their racer on the grid before races. They also welcome and cheer the three F1 racers who top the podium at each race.

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The Starting Grid: Ron Howard Visits Austin

Ron Howard speaks in Austin about the making of his film RUSH, slated for a Fall 2013 release

The official countdown to the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ kicked off in Austin, Texas on Thursday with a celebratory luncheon. Hollywood legend and two-time Academy Award®-winning director Ron Howard entertained a packed house of over one thousand attendees, while serving as guest speaker for The Starting Grid luncheon at Austin’s Downtown Hilton Hotel.

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The Starting Grid: “Don’t mess with Red and Bob!”

A Ferrari Formula 1 car on display at The Starting Grid Luncheon. Photo by Mike Boone.

The following is by AGP friend Mike Boone. Mike is an active participant in the Austin motorsports scene and contributes to this site from time to time. He attended The Starting Grid Luncheon and had this to share about his experience.  

The official countdown to the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ kicked off in Austin, Texas on Thursday with a celebratory luncheon. Hollywood legend and two-time Academy Award®-winning director Ron Howard entertained a packed house, while serving as guest speaker for The Starting Grid luncheon at Austin’s Downtown Hilton Hotel.

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Behind the Scenes with Ross Bennett, "COTA Girls" Designer

Earlier this week I had the privilege of speaking with Austin-based designer Ross Bennett of The Ross Bennett Collection. Ross was selected to design and style the Circuit of The Americas' COTA Girls - stylish ambassadors who will be part of the color and pageantry during race week festivities. The COTA Girls will be unveiled at the highly anticipated fashion show, Shift Into Style, this Friday night at the Bob Bullock Museum.

In this exclusive interview, Ross discusses the design process, his inspiration and experience as a fashion designer, and even drops a few hints at what we can expect to see on the runway this Friday. Of particular note for visitors, Ross talks about Austin's approach to fashion, how you can plan for your trip and what hot spots he likes to frequent. We also spoke about the most fascinating aspects of F1 and how they distinguish this class of racing from other series.

We hope to see you Friday as Circuit of The Americas presents Austin Fashion Week's Shift Into Style!

// DETAILS

What: Austin Fashion Week Kick-Off Event, Shift Into Style, presented by Circuit of The Americas

When: Friday, August 10, 2012 from 8:00PM - 11:00PM

Where: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701

Who: Circuit of The Americas, Circuit Events Host Committee, Austin Fashion Week, Alexander Rossi and more TBA

Fashion Lineup: Ross Bennett, Keepers, Ferrari, The Danes Collection and Linda Asaf

Food and Drinks: Parkside, Olive & June, Backspace, Truluck's, Iron Cactus, Siena and Sentelli's

Cost: $85 per ticket

// CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!

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