Absurdly quiet downtown for the first official day of Formula One.
Guess most of the visitors are out at the track soaking up the ambrosial weather. Most of the locals skipped work to relax as well.
Luckily, the Statesman has deployed a small army of writers and photographers to the track. I’ve got part of the downtown beat until Sunday, when I join the pilgrimage to Elroy.
Friday morning, the glitterati assembled at the W Blue for brunch. Some familiar Austin bold names — Bobbi Topfer, Venus Strawn, Stephanie Coultress O’Neill, Matt Swinney, Justin Brown, for instance — buzzed in the upper lobby.
But the accompanying Full Tilt Fashion Show, among the first events for this Formula One day downtown, would not start until 1 p.m. at the earliest. So I wandered out into the Warehouse District to check out the Fan Fest for an hour or so.
Looks like your standard-issue street festival with the addition of slick promotional tents, including an enormous one for sponsor Mobil 1. Only a few tourists and locals weaving among the music, food and goods early in the afternoon.
Of course, all this will take off later in the day.
Back at the W, the fashion show started in the blue-hued room that will work nicely for a pop-up nightclub later.
On the front row sat Chris Niemi — Patrick Swayze’s widow — and Mica Mosbacher — Bob Mosbacher’s widow.
I’m seeing a lot more of the Honorary Consul of Iceland these days. Has she moved here?
The clothing from Austin designer Linda Asaf, shown with menswear from Keepers, was handsome if fairly conservative. The guests applauded loudly for the few “out there” pieces.
Heard about a fancy party last night at the home of Bobby Epstein, Circuit of the Americas chairman. One guest said the most honored man of the evening was legendary racer Mario Andretti.
Despite the slow social start, I expect a fast evening with the Race Ball at the Four Seasons, My Yacht club at Ballet Austin studios, Lounge 88 at the La Zona Rosa site, COTA Party at the Austin Convention Center and Best of Britain at a pop-up party space on West Cesar Chavez.
Sorry Ferrari folks, can’t make it out to Johnson City. Ditto all other parties that would put me on the road. Except for the shuttle, it’s all on foot for this Formula One.
Photos to come.