6 Hours of Austin 2024

The Lone Star Le Mans as we know it was first held as the WEC’s 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas in 2013, but its current name was introduced by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its race at the circuit in 2014. The WEC then adopted the name from 2020 onwards, and though the event did not appear on the calendar for the following three seasons, it returns for 2024.

The Circuit of the Americas is located in Travis County, south-east of Austin, Texas and close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It is a 3.426-mile (5.514 km) circuit with 20 turns. The circuit was purpose-built for Formula 1 and was designed by famed architect Hermann Tilke, who also designed the Sepang, Shanghai, Yas Marina and Bahrain tracks, among others. It officially opened in 2012 and has hosted hundreds of races across several series since.

Though the circuit was purpose-built for Formula 1, many other series have raced there. MotoGP hosted its first race at the circuit in 2013 and has raced there every year since, bar 2020. NASCAR hosts its Texas Grand Prix at COTA in March, while May hosts GT World Challenge America. Later in the year, MotoAmerica races at the circuit, before single-seater racing returns in November.

While the WEC has now found its home at the Circuit of the Americas, it is not the only circuit in the US which has hosted the championship. In 2012, 2019 and from 2022 to 2023, the series raced at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. Under its former guises, the championship also raced at Daytona International Speedway and Watkins Glen International.

Porsche won three previous editions of the WEC race at the Circuit of the Americas, taking victory in the 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas in 2015, 2016 and 2017. It also finished second and third overall in 2014, while also taking three LMGTE podiums across the years.