Following a short summer time break the FIA World Endurance Championship is gearing as much as return to motion, with subsequent on the schedule being this weekend’s Lone Star Le Mans occasion happening on the iconic Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas
Nestled within the coronary heart of Texas, COTA is well known for its state-of-the-art services and difficult format. Since its opening in 2012, the observe has turn into a favourite amongst drivers and followers alike, finest identified for its dramatic elevation adjustments, together with the enduring uphill run into Flip 1 (generally known as “Large Purple”), and the sweeping triple-apex part that kinds Turns 16 to18.
It has been 4 years since WEC final raced at COTA, with the newest occasion held in 2020. Over time, this circuit has hosted memorable WEC races, that includes some fierce battles. Now, the championship returns stronger than ever, boasting 13 world producers, together with three American manufacturers – Cadillac, Corvette and Ford. A complete of 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 vehicles will compete on the 5.5km anticlockwise format, which options 20 turns (11 left/9 proper) and with Hypercar-class vehicles anticipated to achieve speeds within the area of 305kph, and with 44% of the lap spent at full throttle. There are additionally roughly 54 gear shifts per lap.
With simply three rounds remaining this season (COTA, Fuji, Bahrain), the championship battle is about to enter a vital stage. After Toyota’s win within the Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo, the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Producers’ Championship has tightened significantly. Porsche, having completed on the rostrum in each race this yr, leads with 126 factors, simply 4 forward of Toyota’s 122 factors, because of their victories at Imola and São Paulo. Ferrari, buoyed by its win within the 24 Hours of Le Mans, stays within the hunt with 109 factors. With 91 factors nonetheless up for grabs, it’s a three-way battle for the title between Porsche, Toyota, and Ferrari.
Within the new-for-2024 LMGT3 class, the season has been thrilling, marked by intense battles throughout all 5 races. The Manthey group’s Porsche 911 GT3 Rs have persistently carried out nicely, nevertheless it faces agency competitors from Group WRT’s BMW M4 LMGT3, United Autosports’ McLaren 720S, Coronary heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3, and AF Corse’s Ferrari 296 GT3. The all-female Iron Dames crew, driving a Lamborghini Huracan GT3, secured pole positions at each Interlagos and Spa-Francorchamps, underlining its rising competitiveness. Different standout performances have come from the TF Sport Corvette Z06, Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3, and Proton Competitors’s Ford Mustangs.
Because it stands, the 2 Manthey groups lead within the championship with 100 and 75 factors respectively, adopted by Group WRT with 74 factors and Coronary heart of Racing with 55 factors. The ultimate three races will likely be important in deciding the 2024 title.
The entry checklist for the Lone Star Le Mans contains three native drivers, together with double FIA WEC class title-winner Ben Keating, who will drive the #88 Proton Competitors Ford Mustang LMGT3 automobile. Keating, a Texas native, has a robust observe file at COTA, with three IMSA GTD class wins within the final 4 races held on the circuit. Additionally racing for the house crowd will likely be Ian James, proprietor and driver of the Coronary heart of Racing Group’s Aston Martin, and Ryan Hardwick within the #77 Proton Competitors entry.
Race motion kicks off on Friday, August 30, with follow classes, adopted by qualifying and Hyperpole on Saturday. The six-hour race will begin at 13:00 native time on Sunday.
2024 Lone Star Le Mans schedule
Friday 30 August
12:40 – 14:10 Free Observe 1
17:10 – 18:40 Free Observe 2
Saturday 31 August
11:00 – 12:00 Free Observe 3
15:00 – 16:10 Qualifying and Hyperpole
Sunday 1 September
13:00 – 19:00 Lone Star Le Mans
