There will be a new name for the event, which will be known as the Lone Star Le Mans weekend, reflecting the spirit of Le Mans in the Lone Star State of Texas.
Both the TUDOR Championship and FIA WEC races will take place on Saturday 20 September, to provide two separate races and 8 hours and 45 minutes of endurance racing in one day. The penultimate round of the TUDOR Championship will start at 12h05 and will last 2 hours and 45 minutes. From 15h00 the pitlane will be transformed to prepare for the start of the 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas. The race will start at 17h00 and will run into the night under the lights, with the chequered flag being waved at 23h00.
In addition there will be a full day of entertainment with live music, the fan village and an autograph session on Saturday morning with all the drivers from both championships. Saturday evening will include a spectacular fireworks display.
Gerard Neveu, CEO of the FIA WEC, said: “The 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas will be the first of five races outside of Europe and the partnership with the TUDOR Championship will provide the fans with a full day of family entertainment, including a tribute to the sportscar, which will end under the floodlights in true Le Mans style. 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 on the 20 September.”
Scott Atherton, president and COO of IMSA, said: “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 favourite of our drivers, teams, manufacturers and fans. 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.”
“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.”
Jeff Carter
Photo: CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS (AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA), 6 HOURS OF CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2013.
