Motorsports/Racing
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The venue was brand new and amazing considering it was located in the middle of Brooklyn. The area has a close backdrop view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan and Ellis isiand. The race was exciting, the cars were super quiet and fast and the crowd energy was electric. NYPD and PA police provided excellent security. Thank you all.
1 – Location, location, location! It felt so nice to just be able to take a shuttle bus 2 blocks from my apartment rather than drive to Pocono or take Amtrak to Montreal for a change. But that’s just me obviously so now for the proper commentary. 2 – The event had a really mixed crowd, from racing fans to families on a day out, to what looked like office staff on a company social event. Very enthusiastic people. There was lots of conversation in the grandstand of racing people explaining tactics, drivers, and different forms of racing to the newbies. Of course you can do that in a series with no engine noise. For some around here, that seems to be a make or break issue but it doesn’t bother me. All the other series I watch have plenty of noise and I'm 49. 3 – The two things most agree that FE needs eliminating that are clearly visible on TV – the slow speeds and car change – are magnified live. The smaller tracks go a ways towards creatively reducing this, and if it gets them into big cities like NY, then I’m all for it to begin with. Certainly to the many newbies in the crowd, the cars seemed plenty fast. But let’s be honest: for old school race fans, the cars have to get faster each season ultimately for this series to really be important. Maybe the newbies won't care since they aren't comparing it to anything. But for me: 4 – Rubbin’ is not racin’ for open-wheel cars. I think because the cars are slower, the drivers take a lot more chances. There was a lot of contact on both days that you just wouldn’t see in F1 or Indy Cars because it would be too dangerous. However: 5 – The drivers were very good on the track in terms of pure skill. You might see failed F1 has-beens, but I see GP2 champs and rally stars. In most respects, it was top level talent. I really enjoyed predicting/explaining Bird’s pass-set up on Abt in race 1 to a family next to me. The drivers are experienced and every bit as hungry to win when the lights go out. 6 – There needs to be more viewing places. I can’t emphasize this enough. I know the idea is to make the place look crowded by squeezing as many people as possible into the two big public grandstands and a few visible corners. But the circuit needs to have more places to watch the race. Whole sections, including the finish line and podium area are completely inaccessible to the general public. And offer more ticket pricing options. Expensive or standing room isn't enough. 7 – They need to have Indy Car-style access to the paddock and pit areas. A single hour on Sunday won’t cut it. In fact, Formula 1 and NASCAR and every other series needs to do it too while I’m on the subject. But if FE is really serious about cultivating a new fan base and highlight this new tech, they have a special onus. 8 – Chaos at the shuttle bus stop and in the stands. The people who worked at the race were very nice and tried their best to help. But there was a lot of confusion all over the grandstands about assigned seating and also the shuttle busses taking people away after the race descended into anarchy. Buses were just stopping wherever they wanted and there would be a crazy dash to get to them. 9 – The widest audience demographic I’ve ever seen at a race. Everyone from senior citizens to children but especially lots of Millennials. That seems to be the demographic that every other racing series is having trouble attracting, but they were out in force in Red Hook over the weekend. 10 – Brooklyn grit. Red Hook is one of the few still-working industrial districts in New York and also has a lot of artists. But it’s hardly glamorous. The FE people really embraced the local vibe rather than trying to pretend they were bringing Monaco/Montreal glamor to NY. The local food trucks and restaurant stands were a nice touch - it's a shame they were charging "surge pricing" for their food though. 11 – Roborace was sort of interesting, but was not a race, just a car demo that went on way way way too long. It needs more Long Beach-style events before the race starts. 12 - They gave out American flags at the beginning of the race to anyone who wanted one. They could use a full-time American driver if they are planning on keeping the USA races in the schedule. My English wife was visibly affected when they played the UK national anthem after Bird's win - which surprised me because she's an immigrant to the US and hardly a jingoist for anyone. It got me thinking that an American victor might produce similar feelings on a US race. But you've got to be in it to win it. Having said all this, I had a great time, so did my wife and our two guests from Massachusetts. We will definitely be coming back if they do another one next year.
Went here after seeing a promo video with my girlfriend. Not really race fans, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and something different to try
Growing up in Brooklyn we have always spoken about having real racing in our own back yard. from rumors of drag racing at Floyd Bennett field. then there was the possibility of paul newman bringing indy cars to the area. there was some buzz of formula 1 racing through the streets of manhattan or jersey. To finally have a race series here that is looking to grow with the community is unbelievable. I'm definitely coming back every year its held in Brooklyn.
Didn't have too many activities for adults or kids.
I'm a huge anything auto race fan and I have to say I was a little disappointed in the way the event was organized. I've been going to the Indycar Grand Prix for the last 10 years and this is why I have something to compare the race too. I only went on Saturday and really couldn't see the need to go on Sunday. I think there should be more vendors and more interactions with your favorite team cars also there should be some other events to look at between races. Cars where not very visible through the barricades. All in all it was an experience and as for now not looking forward to next year but that could change if something more if there are changes.
the race was electric!! great seats and excitement at every turn. At only 43 laps the race was pretty short, but that made it more of an exciting event. less laps = less time to . get to the front!
This was by far one of the best experiences ever! It had some organizational flaws, but since its the first time ever that it happened, no big deal. The cars are just amazing and the drivers are so skilled! Not as fast as F-1, but can get the job done and super fun watching!
I had a great time. excellent seats, not a bad seat in the grandstand. plenty of food, lots of vendors, we could have used a few more ice cream trucks, very hot day. good race coverage from the commentators and video monitors throughout. Bathroom facilities were abundant. police presence and security was excellent.
I had a blast on that weekend! It had some organizational flaws, such as better views to the track, but being the first time ever that it happened, we can let that slide. But that wasn't a big of a deal, and the overall event was amazing! The cars are not as fast as Formula 1 for example, but are much faster than most of other racing cars out there. Can't wait for next year!!! See you soon F-E!!!!!
The FIA Formula E venue was a very well run event. The site was clean and safe although a bit cramped. The access to drivers was adequate. The fan experience would have been better if there were more things for kids seeing there were a lot of families there. The racing was excellent even though visibility in the main straight stands was obscured by the fencing. The large screen displays did keep you up to date as to the race and what was going on. My only complaint was that we did not have access to the entire course. At a road track event fans like to walk around the track to get different perspectives. At this venue we could not and to make matters worse the podium ceremony was in a secured VIP area so none of us regular people could attend it live. We also need more support racing.
My life long dream to see a professional auto race was realized when I got to see the Formula E Prix on Saturday and Sunday July 15 and July 16 The venue was first class We got free sunglasses and a bottle of water upon entering We got free re-fills of our water in the venue Lots of free giveaways including Hats The staff was kind, courterous and helpful to the fans The seating was great The day was full of activities including pratice, qualifying, racing and other events. It was a great weekend of auto racing
It was great to see professional racing in New York City. Fantastic for the drivers to be so accessible with the autograph session. And the race was decent. Things to improve... more shade. More places to get something simple like ice cream. There was one food truck with a 45 minute wait... that's an easy one to fix. At the end of the race, there needs to be a better way to get everyone out... perhaps open an exit at the north end of the main grandstand. There was a huge bottle neck squeezing a few thousand people into a 15 foot cut out of the fence. More and bigger screens for the fans to see the parts of the race not viewable from seats.
Amazing!!!! Nothing like it in the tri-state area.
We had a blast at the 2017 Qualcomm New York City ePrix on Saturday, the first day of the event. It was beautifully set up with so much energy all around. We could easily see how much thought and preparation went into it. The shuttle buses provided were comfortable and plentiful. Walking around Allianz eVillage was so much fun, and informative, as well. The race was exciting from the practice runs to the actual race itself. Can't wait to go again next year!
Saturday: The food / stage area was just a mob scene, long lines everywhere...an hour to get a beer is just unacceptable. On the plus side: porta potties were accessible and relatively clean
Finally international racing comes to NYC. This weekend, racing fans and techies were treated to the flair of hot cars and future Motorsports. Ticketmaster offered general admission tickets for the front straight grandstands. On Saturday, I had row P, which allowed me to view the esses. On Sunday, I had row B which gave me a close look at cars entering the straight. The E village offered great food, drink and a fabulous band. Electric technology was the winner. High point was Sundays drag race of a drone vs. Formula E car. Celebrities were here in profusion, from DiCaprio, Michael Douglas and his beautiful wife Caterine Zeta. The crowd was 75 percent race fans and 25 percent techies from Google and Apple. One negative thing was that the podium was in the VIP section and we could not be there in person. Electric motorcycles and electric BMW cars showcase the future. Tesla was missing. I recommend going next year as this is the future. Oh, the Roborace car without a driver is something out of speed racer. Great time for all.
Very badly organized. Screaming staff on each step (do you really need a person next to stairs to direct people which side to take?!), extremely long queues for an event with such low visitor numbers. Grandstands were installed in most boring parts of the track, the support announcer (not the main FIA one) had not clue what she was talking about. I have been to many FIA races around the world, this is by far the worst one. International racing should stay away from United States - these people are made for Nascar.
Wow. Spectacular first event. Organizers worked very hard to ensure you had an enjoyable time.
I have been waiting my whole life to see a Car Race in person. Now I have the chance
