After a short summer break, the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) will bounce back into action later this week for round six of the 2024 season – the Lone Star Le Mans – which takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas (30 August – 1 September).
Nestled in the heart of Texas, COTA is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and challenging layout. Since opening in 2012, the circuit has quickly become a favourite among drivers and teams alike due to its dramatic elevation changes, a signature uphill run into Turn 1, known as “Big Red” and its triple-apex right-hander which forms turn 16, 17 and 18.
It has been four years since the WEC last raced at COTA, the last event taking place in February 2020. Over the years, the circuit has hosted some memorable WEC races, including fierce battles for victory and dramatic weather-affected races. Now the WEC is back stronger than ever with 13 global manufacturers including three American marques (Cadillac, Corvette and Ford) and will see a total of 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars battle it out on the Texan circuit on what will be America’s Labour Day weekend.
At 5.5km in length and run in anti-clockwise direction, COTA features 20 turns (11 left/9 right). Hypercars reach speeds in the region of 305kph where approximately 44% of the lap is travelled with a fully-opened throttle. During each tour of the circuit, Hypercar drivers will shift gears an estimated 54 times.