Hertz Puts Fans in the Driver's Seat at Lone Star Le Mans

Exclusive ‘Gold Kart’ experience with Tom Brady and Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA offers fans prizes, VIP tour and more

ESTERO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the World Endurance Championship (WEC) makes its only U.S. stop at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on Sunday, Sept. 7, Hertz, together with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, is bringing fans an action packed weekend of racing, interactive competition, and exclusive experiences that showcase the excitement of endurance racing like never before.

Hertz Gold Kart Series

To get passionate motorsports fans revved up for the big race at COTA, Hertz is hosting the first ever Hertz Gold Kart Series – a 3-hour endurance style kart race on Saturday, Sept. 6 at COTA’s Speed City karting track, giving fans the chance to compete on teams captained by Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA driver and F1 World Champion Jenson Button and his teammates Alex Lynn and Norman Nato, with NFL legend and Hertz ambassador Tom Brady as a virtual coach.

A total of 72 participants who previously entered the Hertz Gold Karting sweepstakes will compete in endurance-style sprints on the COTA karting track, supported by the team captains. The winning team will receive a team trophy, a signed Team JOTA helmet, and a VIP tour of the Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA pit lane garage during the WEC race day.

“For more than a century, Hertz has been about creating opportunities for people to move with freedom and confidence,” said Gil West, CEO of Hertz. “With WEC making its only U.S. stop in Austin, we’re giving racing fans and our customers alike the chance to go beyond spectating — to experience endurance racing alongside world-class drivers from Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA and Tom Brady.”

“I’ve always loved competition, and racing brings that same drive, teamwork and adrenaline rush that I thrived on in football,” said Tom Brady. “I can’t wait to rally Team Brady and give fans an unforgettable experience as we head into an incredible weekend of racing at COTA.”

“With the Gold Kart Series, Hertz has come up with a brilliant initiative to bring motorsport fans even closer to the action,” said Jenson Button. “Karting is where it begins for most professional racing drivers and even for amateurs, there’s nowhere to hide. I have high hopes for Team Button – after a 1-2 finish at the last race, I’m hoping for a double podium at our home race this weekend!”

The Fan Experience

Following the Hertz Gold Kart Series race, there will be three hours of open-track driving. To gain access, fans must have a WEC ticket and show proof of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership. Gold Plus Rewards is free to join and makes renting a car faster, easier and more rewarding. Members can enjoy exclusive rates when booking on Hertz.com or the Hertz app, skip the counter at select locations, and earn points redeemable for free rental days and more.

Up to 200 members will have the opportunity to participate in 10-minute races from 3 to 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 6, and enjoy concessions, team merchandise and interactive photo zones. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members will also enjoy exclusive perks, including discounts on Lone Star Le Mans tickets and access to race-day activations.

Photo assets are available here.

About Hertz

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. is one of the world’s leading car rental and mobility solutions providers. Its subsidiaries, including The Hertz Corporation, and licensees operate the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, and Firefly vehicle rental brands, with more than 11,000 rental locations in 160 countries around the globe. The Company also operates the Hertz Car Sales brand, which offers a range of quality, competitively priced used cars for sale online and at locations across the United States, and the Hertz 24/7 car-sharing business in Europe. For more information about Hertz, visit www.hertz.com.

About Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA

Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA is a collaboration between JOTA Sport and Cadillac Racing, combining the rich legacy of Cadillac’s motorsport pedigree with JOTA’s renowned expertise in endurance racing. Together, they compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship, pushing the limits of performance and innovation on the world’s most prestigious racing stages.