WEC - COTA

The Lone Star Le Mans brings the FIA World Endurance Championship to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This six-hour endurance race represents the only North American stop on the WEC calendar and showcases the pinnacle of sports car racing at one of the continent's premier racing facilities.

About the Lone Star Le Mans at COTA

Circuit of the Americas hosts this major international endurance race featuring two competitive classes: Hypercar and LMGT3. The event attracts top manufacturers and teams from around the world who compete on a circuit known for its technical challenges and diverse characteristics. The race format tests both driver skill and machine reliability across multiple hours of competition.

The Circuit of the Americas

COTA spans 3.426 miles with 20 turns that flow in an anti-clockwise direction. The track features significant elevation changes that create a unique racing environment. The circuit opens with a steep uphill climb to Turn 1, locally known as "Big Red," which challenges drivers from the start. The first sector includes fast-flowing Esses that demand precision, while the Turn 15 complex tests technical driving ability.

The combination of 11 left-hand turns and 9 right-hand turns creates a balanced layout. Long straights allow Hypercars to reach high speeds, while tight technical sections require strong mechanical grip and driver finesse. This variety makes COTA a complete test of endurance racing capabilities.

Race Categories and Participants

Hypercar Class

The premier Hypercar category features entries from Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot, and Toyota. These manufacturers compete with their most advanced racing machinery. The field is expected to include 17 Hypercar entries, each pushing the boundaries of performance and technology.

All newly approved Hypercars must include an Energy Recovery System (ERS), which captures and deploys energy during the race. This technology requirement reflects the championship's commitment to innovation and efficiency alongside pure speed.

LMGT3 Class

The LMGT3 category brings together nine manufacturers: Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. This class features 18 expected entries of production-based sports cars modified for endurance racing. LMGT3 provides close competition and strategic racing throughout the six-hour duration.

Technical Regulations

The championship implements specific technical rules for the Hypercar class. Rear wing flex is limited to 2.5 millimeters under a load of 100 Newtons, ensuring consistent aerodynamic performance. Wing mountings and front skid rigidity follow harmonized standards across all entries.

Manufacturers can access EVO Jokers, which are additional development allowances granted by the FIA and ACO if a significant performance deficit exists. This system helps maintain competitive balance throughout the season.

Michelin provides new Pilot Sport Endurance tires for both Hypercar and GTP categories. These tires feature a visible tread pattern and incorporate a higher percentage of sustainable materials, aligning with the series' environmental goals.

History of WEC at COTA

Circuit of the Americas opened its gates to major racing series since its construction, hosting Formula 1 since 2012. The facility has welcomed MotoGP, NASCAR, and the FIA World Endurance Championship to its grounds. WEC has maintained a relationship with American venues, including previous races at Sebring and COTA.

The circuit forms part of a four-pillar strategy that includes Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, and WEC as cornerstone events. This approach establishes COTA as a hub for diverse racing disciplines. The facility also plans to open COTALAND, a major amusement park adjacent to the track.

What Makes This Race Special

The Lone Star Le Mans stands as the sole WEC event in North America, giving fans on the continent direct access to world-class endurance racing. The six-hour format creates a strategic challenge where teams must balance speed with reliability and tire management.

COTA's layout rewards well-rounded cars that handle both high-speed sections and technical corners. The elevation changes add another layer of difficulty, affecting braking points and acceleration zones. Drivers and teams face changing track conditions as the race progresses through different times of day.

The combination of Hypercar and LMGT3 classes creates multi-class racing where faster cars must navigate through traffic while LMGT3 teams battle for class honors. This dynamic produces strategic opportunities and requires awareness from all competitors.

The WEC Experience at Circuit of the Americas

Attending the Lone Star Le Mans offers fans access to paddock areas where teams prepare their cars. The six-hour race format allows spectators to watch the competition unfold over an extended period, seeing how strategies develop and teams respond to changing circumstances.

Circuit of the Americas provides multiple viewing areas around the 3.4-mile circuit. Fans can observe different characteristics of the track, from high-speed sections to technical corners where drivers push their limits. The facility infrastructure supports a comfortable viewing experience for endurance racing fans.

This event brings together international teams and drivers competing at the highest level of sports car racing. The race counts toward the FIA World Endurance Championship standings, adding significance to every lap completed and every position gained.