Circuit of The Americas got a boost for its purpose-built facility on this week from one of the current stars of the Australian-based V8 Supercars series, which is set to visit the Austin, Texas road course next year following the inaugural United States Grand Prix on Nov. 18.

Mark Winterbottom was in the U.S. as part of a media tour promoting his involvement with the Disney-PIXAR movie Cars 2, in which Winterbottom lent his voice to the character “Frosty” in the Australian version of the movie. He took time out for a tour and test drive of portions of the circuit – still undergoing construction – in a Mustang GT, (ABOVE) and came away impressed. (Click here for video.)

“The circuit's topography, including the dramatic changes in elevation, will make for some really fun racing and a great show for fans,” Winterbottom said. “While I didn't get to drive the full circuit, the sequence of turns I did sample were fantastic, and I can't wait to come back and take a lap around the finished racecourse. Circuit of The Americas will be a welcome addition to our future V8 Supercar lineup!”

Winterbottom was also enthusiastic about nearby Austin.

“Austin has a really cool vibe. There's lots to see and do, and I think international visitors will find the city very sophisticated, yet laid back and welcoming,” Winterbottom said. “It's a great destination for motorsports enthusiasts and their families because there's something for everyone in terms of good food, great shopping, exceptional music and entertainment, loads of parks and recreational activities, and, of course, a purpose-built grand prix circuit that will host some of the best auto racing in the world!”

COTA's main grandstand is now nearing completion after Miró Rivera architects finalized the structural works around the building. The pit building is also nearing completion, while the first layer of pavement has been applied around the majority of the track, from Turns 1-12 and from Turns 18-20. In coming weeks, the construction team will complete the first layer of pavement around the 3.4-mile course.

Track officials have decided to add more grandstands between Turns 9 and 10 and Turns 10 and 11 "in place of other types of seating that had been planned for those areas." As a result there are 15,000 additional reserved seats available. For ticket information, visit www.circuitoftheamericas.com/tickets.