Rookie Colton Herta described the racing at COTA as likely to be "spectacular" because of the overtaking opportunities it offers. Rossi, who finished 12th in the 2015 United States Grand Prix at COTA racing for Manor Marussia, stated he was "very happy" that the IndyCar Series is "headed to the best road course". He also described COTA as "unlike any other track...by far the smoothest, widest track that we have". Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti added that he had "been pushing for this race for a long time".