Lone Star Le Mans 2024: WEC returns to Austin

The World Endurance Championship returns to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, for the sixth round of the 2024 season, marking the return of this event after a four-year hiatus. This race weekend coincides with Labor Day in the United States, adding a special appeal for local fans.

COTA, known for its challenging 5.5 km layout and marked elevation changes, has gained popularity since its opening in 2012. This year, the WEC features a diverse grid with 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars competing on the Texan track, including the participation of three American manufacturers: Cadillac, Corvette, and Ford.

History of the WEC at COTA and Category Evolution

Since its inclusion in the calendar in 2013, COTA has become an important venue for the WEC. In 2020, the Lone Star Le Mans was one of the few opportunities for American fans to witness an endurance race amid the pandemic. In that edition, the LMP1 category grid was reduced to just three cars: the Toyota TS050 Hybrids and the Rebellion R13. However, one of the most notable changes since then is the introduction of the Hypercar category, which has replaced LMP1 as the main class in the WEC. For 2024, the Hypercar category features a much wider and more competitive grid, with 18 cars entered, including major manufacturers such as Toyota, Porsche, Ferrari, Cadillac, and Peugeot. This change has not only increased competitiveness but also diversified the technologies on the grid, with different approaches to powertrains and aerodynamics.

Another significant change is the expansion of the LMGT3 class, which has replaced the LMGTE Am category that was raced in 2020. The new category has attracted a greater number of participants and manufacturers, including Porsche, BMW, McLaren, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Ford. This has generated more intense competition and allowed various strategies on the track to flourish, in contrast to the lower participation seen in the GTE Am class during the 2020 race.

Highlighted Local Drivers

Among this year's competitors, the participation of Texan Ben Keating stands out, returning to the WEC driving the Proton Competition team's Ford Mustang LMGT3. Keating is a veteran at COTA, having won several races in IMSA's GTD category. Despite not having tested the new car, his experience on the circuit gives him a considerable advantage. In addition to Keating, local fans will be able to support Ian James, who participates with an Aston Martin Vantage AMR, and Ryan Hardwick, who also competes in the LMGT3 category.

Competition in the Hypercar Category

The 2024 WEC season has witnessed intense competition in the Hypercar category. Toyota Gazoo Racing leads the championship with a narrow advantage over Porsche Penske Motorsport, while Ferrari remains in the fight following their victory at Le Mans. With three rounds remaining, including the one in Austin, the championship's outcome is still to be decided, making this race a crucial event.

Expectations and Event Schedule

The Lone Star Le Mans will begin with practice sessions on Friday, August 30, followed by qualifying and Hyperpole on Saturday. The main race will take place on Sunday, September 1, at 1:00 PM local time, and it is expected to be an action-packed event with the participation of the world's best teams and drivers.

The WEC returns to Austin stronger than ever, featuring a diverse grid and renewed competition in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories, ensuring an unforgettable spectacle at the Circuit of the Americas.