Visitor and circuit guide to Lone Star Le Mans at COTA racetrack

Feel the roar of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Austin. That’s right, Lone Star Le Mans is back at the iconic Circuit of the Americas - the only WEC race held in the U.S. and the sixth stop in this year’s championship. Among the thrilling lineup of world-class brands and drivers is Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, with Alex Lynn, Norman Nato, Will Stevens, Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais and Jenson Button.

We’ve gone full throttle with this guide to help you make the most of race weekend, from its significance in the WEC, the best way to travel to the COTA circuit, and where best to sit to catch trackside thrills.

Everything you need to know about Lone Star Le Mans

The 2025 Lone Star Le Mans takes place from September 5 to 7 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. As the only U.S. race on this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar, it’s a must-see event and the sixth of eight races in the season.

Lone Star Le Mans brings the spirit of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans to Austin with a six-hour endurance format. Instead of racing toward a finish line, teams compete to cover the greatest distance in the allotted time.

This race is a fan favorite for good reason. You’ll see a range of world-class vehicles, from Hypercars to GTE-Am entries based on luxury road cars. The Texas heat adds another layer of intensity. Endurance racing also allows teams to rotate up to three drivers per car, using strategic timing to maintain peak performance throughout the event.

Getting to Austin and COTA

Tip: If you're parking at the track, be sure to purchase a parking pass in advance. COTA has three main parking zones: Red (L, R, S), White (A, N, T), and Blue (C, D, E, F, G, H, K). Your pass will direct you to a specific lot, so follow the official directions on the Circuit of the Americas website for a smooth arrival.

By plane

Flying in for race weekend? The nearest airport to COTA is Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, just 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. Once you’re in the city, it's easy to reach the track whether you plan to drive yourself or hop on a local shuttle service.

By car rental

Renting a car with Hertz gives you the freedom to explore Austin and get to COTA on your own schedule. With convenient pickup and drop-off locations, it’s a flexible way to experience race weekend your way.

About Circuit of the Americas

The concept of COTA was first conceived in 2010, driven by the desire to host the F1 in the US. The ultimate destination for racing was designed by motorsport architect Hermann Tilke in collaboration with an investment group led by Red McCombs.

COTA was first added to the WEC roster in 2013 and is nestled on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills near downtown Austin. It’s one of the greatest racetracks in the United States and has hosted the biggest names in sports entertainment since 2012. It’s highly celebrated and also hosts the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix and MotoGP.

The COTA experience

The track runs in an anticlockwise direction and is 5.5km in length. It has 20 turns, 11 left and 9 right. The longest straight measures almost a mile, allowing for great speeds. In the six-hour race, Hypercars can reach speeds of over 180mph, where 44% of the lap uses a fully open throttle.

It’s also recognized for elevation changes, with a variation of over 130 feet. The elevation difference is most notable with a sharp climb into Turn 1 – a tight left-hand hairpin bend. The sequence between Turns 3 and 6 is also notably iconic, with fast, sweeping curves that test the rider’s precision.

The track offers an unbeatable viewing experience. It boasts 120,000 seats and a 251-foot observation tower. This unique feature allows fans to enjoy 360-degree views of the famous racetrack. There’s also a 14,00-seat open-air amphitheater that’s hosted some big names in music, from Metallica to Elton John.

Best places to watch the race

Good news. General admission (GA) tickets for COTA allow access to multiple trackside viewing areas without assigned seats. You have the flexibility to move around the COTA circuit and take in the thrills from different perspectives throughout the race.

Turn 1 hill is commonly considered the best spot, thanks to its elevation and size. Turn 19 is also popular, as fans can be dotted along the entire length of Turn 18 all the way to Turn 19.

There are also various fan zones to explore with a GA ticket, offering entertainment, food and different interactive experiences.

Grandstands at COTA circuit

There are multiple Grandstands to choose from at COTA. While the Grandstands are subject to change, you may be able to enjoy the action from the:

Main Grandstand. The premier grandstand with the most direct view of the start/ finish straight, pit lane, garages and podium.

Turn 1 Grandstand. At the top of the Turn 1 hill, it offers a great view from a higher elevation of the start/ finish, Turns 1-2, Turns 16-18 and Turn 19 in the distance.

Turn 12 Grandstand. On the straight leading to Turn 12, this grandstand could have a view of Turns 12-15, and even all the way to Turns 3-6, depending on which row you’re sitting in.

Turn 15 Grandstand. Located along the long curve of Turn 15 and down the exit straight. Depending on which section you’re sitting in, you could have a view of Turns 12 to 16. If you’re in Section 25, you could catch a glimpse of Turns 1 and 2 as well.

Things to do in Austin during race week

The event weekend attracts tens of thousands of spectators to Austin. While known for its food and music culture, Austin has also become the place to be for motorsports fans.

Experience the motorsports fan zone

The fan zone is open to all ticket holders and boasts live entertainment – from dancing lessons to face painting. You can also enjoy one of the best views in motorsports on top of the Tower Observations Deck.

Check out the music scene

Austin is a beating hub of live music. During the day, you’ll find musicians scattered across town or performing at live events and festivals. By night, clubs, coffee houses, bars and concert halls come alive. After all, it’s the Live Music Capital of the World® for a reason.

Discover Austin’s attractions

From world-class museums to glorious green spaces, Austin has so much to experience. Uncover the story of life at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. Step into the whimsical Cathedral of Junk and discover an eclectic collection of unconventional art or ‘junk’. Austin also has an abundance of trails to explore, so you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the city limits.

Best things to do in Austin

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Eat your way through the city

Austin’s food scene is bold, vibrant and diverse. It’s known for barbecue, fusion cuisine and Tex-Mex. Food trucks are a huge part of the food culture, so much so that there are an estimated 2,000 mobile street vendors in Austin. Enjoy the unpretentious, ultimate park-and-eat experience from fresh lobster rolls to pizza slices.

Don’t miss sampling the city’s beloved morning dish – the Tex-Mex breakfast taco, made with fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheese. Make sure you plan in some good ol’ Texas barbecue too, and chow down on some smoked sausages, brisket and ribs.

Plan your trip with Hertz

Experience Lone Star Le Mans your way with a Hertz rental. Travel to the COTA racetrack on your terms and make your race weekend one to remember. Why not turn your adventure into a road trip? Make the most of your rental and go further afield in Texas and beyond.

You can find your perfect rental in our new fleet range, from family-friendly SUVs to something more compact for city cruising.

To reserve your dream vehicle, we recommend booking in advance for the race weekend.

Book now

_{This webpage is provided for informational, promotional, and entertainment purposes only. The information and opinions are provided as of the date they are made, and we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, either when posted or thereafter. The information and opinions provided are not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. Please carefully review the terms and conditions in connection with any rental transaction. Individual results and experiences may vary.}