Hertz brings fans closer to the action at Lone Star Le Mans 2025

A wild, wet test at COTA

The Lone Star Le Mans World Endurance Championship race in Austin is notorious for its unpredictable weather and 2025 was no exception. From scorching sunshine to torrential downpours, the teams on the main track and Gold Kart track faced a constant battle against the elements.

The ever-changing conditions on the famous COTA racetrack added an extra layer of complexity to what is already a highly challenging race, forcing drivers and engineers to make split-second.

Hertz Team JOTA holds its ground

Qualifying for the 2025 Lone Star Le Mans race weekend was heavily impacted by weather delays and torrential rain, disrupting the usual rhythm and forcing teams to adapt quickly. Despite the chaotic conditions, Hertz Team JOTA demonstrated its resilience, securing top 10 finishes with both cars.

The team's success was largely due to the skill and experience of their drivers, including Alex Lynn, Callum Ilott, and Norman Nato, who expertly navigated the treacherous conditions of the COTA circuit. Their ability to maintain composure and deliver consistent performances, even amidst the chaos, was crucial.

Hertz Team JOTA's extensive experience in endurance racing shone throughout the challenging race weekend. Their strategic choices, particularly regarding tire selection and pit stop timing, proved to be pivotal in maximizing performance. The team's ability to make quick, informed decisions in response to the ever-changing conditions allowed them to overcome the obstacles and secure valuable points.

Gold Kart brings fans into the action

Fans of endurance racing were able to enter the action themselves in 2025, with exclusive Gold Kart events available only to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members. Fans were selected to experience the thrill of an adrenaline-spiking go-kart race during the World Endurance Championship weekend, at the Speed City karting track at COTA, Circuit of the Americas, just moments from the big race.

Winning on and off the track

The Gold Kart event in 2025 took place on September 6th between 12pm and 3pm, followed by a further three hours of open-track driving. 72 participants were randomly selected from Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members and divided into four teams.

Three teams were led by drivers – Jensen Button, Alex Lynn and Norman Nato – and the final team was led by Tom Brady as a virtual coach. The drivers on each team rotated every 15 minutes throughout the three-house endurance race, with a five-minute break between each stint.

This fun and accessible competitive kart race mirrored the WEC race happening just a few hundred feet away, with participants soaking up the thrilling vibes of both events. Following the endurance race, the track remained open for a further three hours, during which attendees and racing fans were invited to book a time slot for open-track driving.

Time slots could be booked before the race or during, with proof of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership required. This exclusive fan experience for Hertz loyalty customers was not just about the adrenaline.

Participants were also playing for some exciting prizes. The winning team got to take home a team trophy and some signed memorabilia, as well as a VIP pit tour of the Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA garage for an exclusive peek behind the scenes.

Open track, VIP access and fan activations

Hertz takes the time to engage motorsports fans beyond World Endurance Championship races, with exclusive perks, interactive experiences and VIP access opportunities to make the event even more memorable.

A weekend full of perks

While only a lucky 72 could join the Gold Kart endurance race, the open-track driving experience after the event allowed those not chosen to take a turn on the track.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members were also offered access to discounted race tickets, plus a range of other benefits such as team merchandise, concessions, and photo opportunities not available anywhere else.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to join, offering great value alongside priority access and member-only perks at motorsports events like Lone Star Le Mans.
These experiences let fans step out of the stands and into the action, transforming their race weekend.

Why Gold Plus Rewards matters

With the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, you get more than just a rental service. Membership also unlocks exclusive motorsport experiences perfect for petrolheads, of which Gold Kart is just one. Hertz Gold Plus Race Activations offer unique opportunities to become more involved in the racing experience, beyond spectating. Members also get first look at exclusive perks as well as motorsport experiences.

More than points and perks

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is completely free to join, and is designed to make renting a car easier, faster and more rewarding. Key benefits include:

Skipping the counter – Beat the queues and go straight to your vehicle
Hertz Ultimate Choice® – Decide what you drive, with access to exclusive vehicles at select locations
Earn points for every dollar spent – Points not only count towards free rental days; they also upgrade your loyalty tier experience. The higher your tier, the greater the rewards
Access reservations at your fingertips – With the Gold Plus app, you can view and manage your reservations and rewards from anywhere

As well as rewards to make your car rental easier and more affordable, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members also gain exclusive access to motorsports events and activities. At Lone Star Le Mans in 2025, these meant being included in the draw for the Gold Kart event, opportunities to book open-track driving, fan activations, discounted race tickets and more.

Joining the loyalty program isn’t only about making your travel more convenient – it opens the door to all these unforgettable experiences for fans of motorsports.