Roar! Feel the adrenaline? You’re standing before Driveway Austin Motorsports Academy. Driveway Austin wasn’t just a track. It was a dream. Former IMSA driver Bill Dollahite poured his heart into creating this European-style Formula 1 inspired racing school. He spent years searching for the perfect location. He finally settled on 50 acres of riverbank. It was a former landfill a place nobody wanted. But Dollahite saw potential.
Driveway Austin was more than asphalt and curves. It was a community. Dollahite co-founded the track with investors. He designed every detail. He drew inspiration from Imola Monaco and Road Atlanta. The initial Short Course opened in 2005. The Grand Prix Course followed years later. It was the first road course of its kind in Austin.
Driveway Austin’s name? A bit of a fib. During an inspection Dollahite told an inspector it was just a driveway. The truth was far more exciting. It became a training ground for everyone. Teenagers first responders even professional drivers honed their skills there. The track hosted performance driving manufacturer testing and media events. Sebastian Vettel even lapped the track. RADwood a show for 80s and 90s cars also graced the Driveway.
But Driveway Austin’s legacy extends beyond cars. The Driveway Series a weekly cycling race captivated the community. It started in 2006 growing in popularity. Over 400 riders participated by 2020. The races were thrilling high-intensity laps on the scenic track. It brought cyclists together. The Driveway Series was a testament to the track’s versatility its ability to foster community.
Driveway Austin closed in 2021 after 16 years. Dollahite sold the property to Oracle Corporation. Oracle plans to integrate it into a park. Driveway Austin may be gone but its spirit its impact on Austin’s motorsports and cycling scenes will live on. This place remains a reminder of passion innovation and community. Driveway Austin’s story is a testament to one man’s vision and its enduring legacy.