News Summary
Daniel Ricciardo, former Formula 1 driver, is embracing a new venture in Austin with ‘Dabble Dan’s Tailgate Party’. This exciting initiative focuses on enhancing the tailgating experience for American football fans, complete with a competition offering a VIP package for one lucky winner. Ricciardo aims to create a vibrant community atmosphere, celebrating sports culture while connecting with fans. As the U.S. Grand Prix approaches, local enthusiasm for Ricciardo remains strong, showcasing the seamless transition from racing champion to tailgating host.
Austin, Texas – Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo has transitioned from racing to entrepreneurship by launching a new tailgate party business called Dabble Dan’s Tailgate Party. The Austin-based venture has emerged in partnership with the Australian betting company Dabble, marking a new chapter for Ricciardo following his exit from competitive racing.
To celebrate the launch of Dabble Dan’s Tailgate Party, Ricciardo has initiated a competition that will allow one winner and a guest to experience a full weekend of American football this September. The grand prize includes flights, three nights of accommodation, VIP tickets to the tailgate party, and a personal meet-and-greet with Ricciardo himself, enhancing the overall experience for fans and participants.
This business venture comes after Ricciardo announced on social media that he is not ready for retirement, indicating that he craved the excitement and energy that racing provided. His short-lived retirement was marked by feelings of dissatisfaction and a lack of buzz that propelled him back into the spotlight of a new passion.
Ricciardo’s departure from Formula 1 occurred after he was officially dropped from Red Bull’s junior team, known as VCARB, following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. His recent endeavors with Racing Bulls failed to reignite his career after a challenging stint with McLaren, coupled with a year as Red Bull’s reserve driver. This exit has been somewhat controversial, as many fans expressed dissatisfaction with the way his departure was managed.
During this transition, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies acknowledged that the team could have handled Ricciardo’s exit more effectively, though he clarified that Ricciardo was aware of the unfolding situation prior to its public announcement. Notably, Ricciardo will miss the U.S. Grand Prix weekend, as his departure from Formula 1 was solidified just before the event.
Despite these challenges, Circuit of the Americas chairman Bobby Epstein expressed hope that Ricciardo could still make an appearance during the U.S. Grand Prix. Ricciardo was previously set to receive the “Keys to the City” of Austin during race weekend, but this acknowledgment has been postponed due to his recent exit from VCARB.
Throughout his racing career, Ricciardo has maintained a beloved status among fans in Austin, where his impact is still felt, even after stepping away from the competitive scene. Epstein elaborated that Ricciardo’s influence in the motorsports community remains significant, despite lacking a current competitive seat.
Ricciardo’s latest season in Formula 1 was challenging, as he struggled alongside teammate Yuki Tsunoda, often failing to score points. Nevertheless, his captivating personality and positive demeanor have left a lasting impression, securing his role as a fan favorite.
Although Ricciardo’s future trajectory in the racing industry remains uncertain, an announcement regarding the ceremony honoring him with the “Keys to the City” is anticipated as event organizers work to reschedule the celebration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ESPN: Daniel Ricciardo’s Exit
- Google Search: Daniel Ricciardo
- SI: Ricciardo to Appear at US GP
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Formula 1
- Motorsport: Ricciardo’s Goodbye at Austin GP
- Google News: Daniel Ricciardo US Grand Prix
- Planet F1: Ricciardo’s US Grand Prix Exit
- Talksport: Ricciardo’s Return to US GP
- GP Fans: Why Ricciardo Isn’t Racing
- Motorsport Week: US GP Chairman on Ricciardo
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
