European and American version of sportscar racing same weekend in Austin

2013 Austin weekend

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is bringing the "Spirit of Le Mans" to the Lone Star State Sept. 19-20 for what will be a Texas-sized celebration of sports car racing and live music. The all new Lone Star Le Mans mixes the best of international endurance racing, like the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France, with sights, sounds and flavors as big as Texas. Fans will enjoy unprecedented, open access to majestic, high-tech racing machines and the skilled competitors who pilot them, including famous drivers like TV star Patrick Dempsey and former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber. The Lone Star Le Mans also marks the debut of night racing at Austin's award-winning grand prix circuit.

TEXAS-SIZED HORSEPOWER…

The Lone Star Le Mans will feature one of the largest collections of world-class, professional sports car teams and drivers assembled to race in North America on one day. Up to 180 unique sports cars will be on track throughout the weekend. The prestigious series competing include the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and their support series. Drivers from the FIA WEC and TUDOR Championship endurance series will come together for two back-to-back races on Saturday, Sept. 20, with FIA WEC teams racing into the night—and under the lights—for the very first time at Circuit of The Americas. This is the only time both series will compete at the same track on the same day in 2014, and it's the only North American stop for the FIA World Endurance Championship this year.

Throughout the weekend, the entire circuit will be filled with remarkable race cars, from futuristic prototypes to production-based Grand Touring vehicles bearing the marques of the world's most prestigious automakers, including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche, SRT and Toyota. Fans will enjoy incredible access, as both the TUDOR Championship and FIA WEC teams invite spectators into their workspace to get up-close-and-personal with the drivers and their amazing machines. The Lone Star Le Mans is a dream come true for sports car enthusiasts, offering an open Paddock throughout race weekend, pit and grid walks, track invasions, car displays, interactive racing games and driver autograph sessions.

TEXAS-SIZED PARTY…

The Lone Star Le Mans will also be the place to party with concerts, fireworks, great food and more! In keeping with host city Austin's reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World," the Lone Star Le Mans will offer live music throughout the venue, including performances in COTA's award-winning Austin360 Amphitheater. A fireworks display during the FIA WEC six-hour race on Saturday will light up the night, and COTA will again offer regional tastes and treats from Austin's famous food trucks. Guests looking to spend the entire weekend at the track can take advantage of affordable circuit campsites—or rent a luxury RV space along COTA's Back Straight and soak in the action from the comfort of their four-wheeled home.

"The Lone Star Le Mans blends the 'Spirit of Le Mans' with the most competitive sports car racing in North America presented Texas-style," COTA President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Dial said. "Being true to our roots, the Lone Star Le Mans will include authentically Austin influences, such as live music in our award-winning Austin360 Amphitheater. We know sports car enthusiasts will love the behind-the-scenes access to cars and drivers, plus fan favorites like pit walks, track invasions and car displays. Event goers will enjoy the festive party atmosphere throughout the circuit. All guests will be part of an important track milestone, as we race into the night and under lights for the first time at Circuit of The Americas."

"The Lone Star Le Mans, featuring the FIA WEC's 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas, will be the first of five races outside of Europe, and the partnership with TUDOR United SportsCar Championship will provide the fans with a full day of family entertainment, including a tribute to the sports car," said FIA WEC Chief Executive Officer Gerard Neveu. "The new name of the event reflects the European-American style of the event—the Spirit of Le Mans in Texas. We are looking forward to a great event this September."

"In a very short period of time, Circuit of The Americas has become one of the most prestigious venues in the TUDOR Championship and a favorite of our drivers, teams, manufacturers and fans," noted Scott Atherton, president and chief operating officer of the International Motorsports Association, which sanctions the TUDOR Championship. "If you're a fan of sports car racing, the Lone Star Le Mans weekend is a must. Nowhere else in the world can you see the best and most competitive sports car racing in North America and the world's best sports car technology sharing the same stage on the same day."

Tickets for Circuit of The Americas' Lone Star Le Mans go on sale Thursday, April 17, at noon CT and start at $79 for a two-day (Friday-Saturday) pass. Kids ages 12 and under receive free general admission with a ticketed adult. Tickets allow guests to sit in reserved seats AND explore all general admission areas of the venue. To purchase tickets, visit www.circuitoftheamericas.com or www.ticketmaster.com.