Hot Lap Program Instructor

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Opening in 2026, COTA’s amusement park, COTALAND, is on over 30-acres featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and 30 rides.

Position Overview

The Hot Lap Program Instructor is responsible for delivering high-performance passenger ride experiences in a safe, professional, and consistent manner. Instructors represent the face of the program and must combine advanced driving skill, professionalism, guest interaction, and operational discipline.

This role requires precision, consistency, and the ability to operate under strict safety and timing procedures while providing an exciting and memorable experience for participants.

On-Track Operations

• Conduct high-performance hot laps with passengers onboard in accordance with COTA operating procedures
• Deliver a thrilling yet controlled and safe passenger experience
• Maintain consistent lap times and operational flow as directed by Program Management
• Execute proper passenger loading/unloading procedures
• Perform warm-up, cooldown, and pit-in/pit-out procedures according to SOPs
• Monitor vehicle condition and report any issues immediately

Safety & Compliance

• Prioritize passenger and instructor safety at all times
• Follow all race control instructions and communication protocols
• Operate radio equipment professionally and efficiently
• Understand and comply with all flagging procedures and emergency response protocols
• Manage passenger concerns including motion sickness, anxiety, or discomfort
• Support ride safety operations by completing a secondary verification of participant restraints prior to vehicle dispatch, ensuring seatbelts and helmet straps are correctly secured per established safety protocols
• Support incident reporting and operational debriefs when required

Guest Experience

• Represent COTA and manufacturer partners professionally
• Create a welcoming, exciting, and premium experience for guests
• Communicate clearly and confidently with participants 
• Maintain a calm and composed demeanor under pressure

Operational Duties

• Attend all required training sessions and operational briefings
• Assist with vehicle staging and rotation management
• Support timing objectives and throughput efficiency
• Collaborate with mechanics, operations staff, race control, and program management
• Maintain punctuality and readiness for scheduled shifts

Required

• Valid driver’s license
• Valid racing competition license and significant high-performance driving experience
• Prior experience in motorsports, driver coaching, racing, OEM programs, or performance driving events
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and track driving fundamentals
• Ability to communicate professionally with guests and team members
• Comfortable operating under structured operational procedures

Preferred

• Professional racing experience
• Previous experience with OEM driving programs or ride-along programs
• Motorsport instruction/coaching experience
• Familiarity with COTA circuit layout
• Experience operating radio communication systems in motorsport environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend extended periods outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to safely enter and exit performance vehicles repeatedly throughout the day
• Ability to maintain high levels of focus and situational awareness for extended periods

Schedule & Availability

• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and event days
• Shift structure subject to operational demand
• Availability for training and program launch activities required

Performance Expectations Instructors will be evaluated on:

• Safety and consistency
• Passenger feedback
• Operational discipline
• Communication quality
• Vehicle care and professionalism
• Ability to maintain program timing and throughput targets

Program Philosophy

The goal of the Hot Lap Program is to deliver a premium, safe, and unforgettable motorsport experience while operating at the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.