COTA's new roller coaster strands riders twice and faces $1m lawsuit ahead of US Grand Prix

The Circuit of the Americas is facing scrutiny off the track ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, after its new roller coaster experienced two safety shutdowns during its public opening and became the subject of a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million.

COTALAND, the theme park built at the Austin circuit, opened at the end of September. On its first Saturday of operation, the Circuit Breaker coaster stopped while 19 riders were onboard, leaving them suspended in the ride’s vertical tilt position for approximately nine minutes before the vehicle was returned to horizontal and guests were helped off. The following day, the same ride stopped again — this time for around two minutes — before riders were able to exit normally.

Organisers confirmed no injuries occurred on either occasion and no medical treatment was required. In a statement, they described both incidents as routine safety shutdowns triggered by the ride’s automated monitoring systems.

“Circuit Breaker, like modern roller coasters and other major thrill rides, has numerous sensors and safety systems that continuously monitor operating conditions,” the statement read. “If a required condition is not satisfied, the system may automatically stop the ride rather than allow it to continue. Occasional operational stops are a normal part of operating sophisticated amusement rides.”

The venue added that its goal was to complete the necessary checks efficiently, minimise inconvenience to guests, and return the ride to service once those checks were satisfied.

Despite the reassurances, the incidents have attracted legal attention. CBS Austin reports that Matthew Cantu has filed a lawsuit against Circuit of the Americas seeking more than $1 million in damages, adding a significant off-track complication for the venue as it prepares to host one of Formula 1’s most popular race weekends.

COTA has established itself as a flagship stop on the F1 calendar since joining the schedule in 2012, regularly drawing some of the largest crowds of the season. Whether the controversy surrounding COTALAND will affect attendance or sentiment at this weekend’s event remains to be seen, but the circuit’s management will be hoping the Circuit Breaker’s troubles stay firmly outside the paddock.