Giddy up, driver! Largest cowboy hat sculpture unveiled at Austin Formula 1 racetrack

This racetrack in Austin, Texas, USA would tip their hat at the drivers whizzing by… if only it wasn’t so large!

Towering over the racecars and spectators at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) track in the Lone Star State, this massive cowboy hat is breaking records as the biggest of its kind.

Featuring a solid metal brim and a crown reaching up into the sky, the 108 ft 2.6 in (33 m)-tall structure is the largest fiberglass sculpture of a hat (supported), and was unveiled this 19 October to great Texan fanfare at the Formula 1 track.

Located on one of the main thoroughfares at the park, the hat was sponsored by Tecovas – an Austin-based western-wear company – and wears the brand’s name proudly across its cap.

The attempt celebrated the state’s Western heritage while adding a new landmark to COTA, connecting the international appeal of Formula 1 with Austin’s local culture and identity.

The history of Formula 1 races dates back to the mid-20th century, though in recent years the high-speed automobile competition has gained immense popularity overseas after Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series. 

Austin is home to the annual United States Grand Prix, though the COTA park is different from many other F1 venues as it maintains year-round offerings that make it a family destination in the area.  

In addition to the racetrack, COTA has developed into a larger entertainment destination, along with an amphitheatre hosting major concerts, an observation tower, go-kart tracks, and even its own amusement park called COTALAND.

Read more stories about record-breaking sculptures in our dedicated Arts and Entertainment section!

To celebrate the launch of their newest record-breaking attraction, the park pulled out all the stops – treating attendees to a day full of Southern entertainment. 

“The results announcement was very Texas,” said Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric, who was there to witness the event. 

“[They had] riders on horseback, a trick lasso performer, and Speed Bump – an armadillo and local soccer club mascot!”

And in the future, COTA continues to have big plans for their big cowboy hat.

The park teased that they might build a bar underneath the brim – and perhaps later down the line, they’ll introduce a giant sombrero hat to showcase another part of Austin culture.

So hats off to the crew behind this record-breaking sculpture – you are Officially Amazing!