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August 24, 2015

FERRIS WHEEL, FIREWORKS, AND MORE ADDED TO LONE STAR LE MANS

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Lone Star Le Mans, Circuit of The Americas’ Texas twist on the world’s greatest endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, returns to Austin September 17 through September 19. The three-day event culminates in a Saturday of almost nine hours of racing and entertainment, including the only night race finishing under the stars and topped off with a dazzling fireworks show.

Famed racer Jim Hall, a native Texan and renowned sports car and Formula One racer, will be the Grand Marshal of Lone Star Le Mans. Hall built and created the concept of Chaparral race cars, one of the most innovative car designs of the 1960s, and the car will be on display at the track for race-enthusiasts to enjoy. Fans will have the opportunity to speak with the racing legend during his Q&A and autograph session. There will also be various manufacturer displays of the latest and greatest models from Audi, Porsche, Chevrolet and Mazda.

“Lone Star Le Mans delivers an unparalleled experience of sports car racing and entertainment and has quickly become a signature event in Central Texas,” says Jason Dial, President & CEO, Circuit of The Americas. “This year features racing legend Jim Hall as our Grand Marshal and famous drivers like TV star Patrick Dempsey and former F1 driver, Mark Webber. The incredible access for fans of all ages to get up close to the cars and their drivers along with the live music, fireworks and Ferris wheel make for a great family outing.”

All weekend long, fans and families will find exciting entertainment and music at the award-winning Grand Prix circuit, along with interactive car displays and an open paddock where fans can get up close to the drivers and their cars.

Beyond the races and live music, a Texas-sized experience and wide variety of family-friendly activities, games, and attractions will be also accessible throughout the facility. On Saturday, September 19, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a special performance from KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil on the front straight. Two talented vocalists from the live production of KOOZA will deliver the National Anthem as part of race entertainment. KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil performs at Circuit of The Americas under its signature blue and yellow big top from September 2 through October 8.

There will be a Family Fun Zone, a Ferris wheel and the Track will also be introducing Château COTA, a French Themed village that will include a wine tasting from Le Sommelier, crepes from Crepe Café, Coffee & Espresso.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be filled with racing from two premier sports car series: the North American-based Tudor United SportsCar Championship and the global FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), along with the Porsche GT3 Cup, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. Circuit of The Americas’ 3.4-mile racetrack will be humming on both days with cars from top manufacturers such as Audi, Toyota, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Chevrolet and more. Fans will enjoy unprecedented, open access to majestic, high-tech racing machines and the skilled competitors who pilot them, including famous drivers like Patrick Dempsey and former Formula 1™ driver Mark Webber. Additionally, an open paddock, pit lane walks and autograph sessions will give fans unbelievable access to these incredible race machines and the men and women who drive them.

COTA previously held a social media competition in search of a talented singer to perform the National Anthem for the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and the Tudor United SportsCar Championship and will announce the winner on their Facebook page this week.

As a special feature for race weekend, COTA is partnering with Alamo Drafthouse for an exclusive sneak peek ahead of the U.S. premiere in November of the acclaimed documentary “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans” on Friday, September 18. Follow Circuit of The Americas on Facebook and Twitter and stay tuned for more information.

Tickets for Lone Star Le Mans start at $49, and guests 15 and younger receive free general admission! Car Corral packages are available and grant fans access to a Multi-Turn reserved seat ticket as well as an exclusive parade lap around the circuit in their own vehicle. VIP Hospitality packages are also available and include access to a Multi-Turn reserved seat ticket, the paddock, food and beverage throughout the weekend, exclusive entertainment opportunities and a complementary parking pass for every four tickets purchased. Camping and trackside RV spots are also available. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets to Lone Star Le Mans, please visit circuitoftheamericas.com.

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