Tickets on sale now for American Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship weekend at Circuit of The Americas(tm)

Racing 'double-header' features top endurance teams and only World Endurance Race in North America


Austin, Texas, June 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Circuit of The Americas today announced that tickets are on sale for what promises to be a powerhouse weekend of racing and entertainment, Sept. 20-22, as the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the FIA World Endurance Championship pay their first visits to the new, world-class sports and entertainment facility in Central Texas. The series teaming up for this racing double-header in Austin have connections to the legendary 24 Hour of Le Mans endurance race, which will celebrate its 90th running at the Circuit de la Sarthe near Le Mans, France, later this month. 

The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) presented by Tequila Patrón offers a unique, multi-class auto racing format that brings together five diverse and technically-driven categories of international racecars in battles of endurance at speeds topping 180 mph. The series is based on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but typically offers shorter-distance races. Austin's ALMS race will run approximately two hours and 45 minutes and feature teams racing the world's most iconic automotive brands, including BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Honda, Lotus, Mazda and Porsche.

ALMS shares Circuit of The Americas' commitment to innovation and sustainability, and the series is recognized as the Global Leader in Green Racing by top federal agencies for its focus on alternative energy solutions. Additionally, there is a hometown connection for the series' presenting sponsor, Tequila Patrón, a product of Patrón Spirits, which was founded by Austin, Texas-based entrepreneur and Circuit investor John Paul DeJoria.

The World Endurance Championship (WEC) was created in 2011 by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body for international motorsport, and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), replacing the ACO's former Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. The series' marquee event is the 24 Hours of Le Mans, held each summer at Circuit Le Mans in France, and each WEC event embraces the "Spirit of Le Mans" while offering six hours of endurance racing.  Austin's race, the 6 Hours of Circuit of The Americas, will follow that pattern.

WEC features multiple classes of cars competing in endurance races, with sports prototypes competing in the Le Mans Prototype categories, and production-based grand touring vehicles competing in the GT Endurance categories. Vehicle manufacturers and drivers compete for points and the chance to win "World Champion" titles each season. Circuit of The Americas is the only new addition to the WEC roster for 2013, joining circuits in the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Brazil, Japan, China and Bahrain as host sites for the World Endurance Championships. The 2013 competition is shaping up to be the biggest and most competitive yet for the series with manufacturers representing Audi and Toyota in the prototype division taking part, while Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin will produce entries for the GT Endurance class.

Three-day tickets for the event are $79 and allow guests the option of sitting in a reserved seat or viewing the action from one of the spacious general admission areas positioned around the 3.4-mile racetrack. Students and military members can purchase three-day tickets for $49 when they present a valid student or military ID at the Circuit Ticket Office. Children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. VIP Paddock and Car Corral options are also available and run $549 and $139, respectively, for a three-day pass.  Individuals interested in Car Corral options should contact a Circuit sales representative at 512.301.6600.

To purchase three-day tickets and on-site parking ($45 for a three-day pass) in advance of the event, visit http://circuitoftheamericas.com/alms-wec.

About Circuit of The Americas

Circuit of The Americas is a world-class destination for premium sports and entertainment. It is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and is home to the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX while also hosting MotoGP™, V8 Supercars™, GRAND-AM Road Racing™, American Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championships. The Circuit of The Americas' master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element is a 3.4-mile circuit track. Other support buildings include the Austin360 Amphitheater, an expansive outdoor live music space; an iconic 251-foot, 25-story tower with observation deck; an events and conference center; a banquet hall; and a state-of-the-art medical facility. For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com, www.Austin360Amphitheater.com or the Circuit's dedicated FTP site, media.circuitoftheamericas.com.

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