WELCOME LETTER / 2024 SEASON
. 2024 SCHEDULE
SRO HISTORY AND THE BASICS
FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA POWERED BY AWS
PIRELLI P-ZERO SPOTLIGHT
GT AMERICA POWERED BY AWS
SRO SUSTAINABILITY AND DIVERSITY
PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA
TGRNA GR CUP
TC AMERICA POWERED BY SKIP BARBER
2024 RACE VENUES
INDIANAPOLIS 8 HOUR PRESENTED BY AWS PREVIEW
AWS SPOTLIGHT
GT1 SPORT CLUB
SRO ESPORTS
he 2024 season of SRO Motorsports America is upon us and we are delighted to have you join us for another exciting and fulfilling year ahead. The level of competition across our respective series including Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, GT America powered by AWS, Toyota GR Cup North America, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School is already shaping up to be more intense than ever before, and we are ready to witness all the thrilling on-track battles and storylines that are to unfold.
SRO Motorsports America prides itself on its ability to merge tradition with innovation. As we look to the future, it is also imperative to reflect on the steps that have been taken thus far to improve and change the trajectory of racing for all future generations to enjoy. Under the stewardship of our CEO and Founder, Stephan Ratel, the organization has achieved notable success by establishing comprehensive regulations and standards within the realm of motorsports. Presently, we have aligned ourselves with The Climate Pledge, an endeavor initiated by Amazon and Global Optimism, dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
We greatly look forward to showcasing the level of talent within our sport while bringing you an unparalleled level of access to the action. Renowned for their prow-
ess and determination, our drivers deliver captivating performances that will keep you on the edge of your seats throughout each and every round. We take pride in fostering an inclusive environment, offeing fans an open paddock experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the best GT racing in the world.
We are also delighted to welcome back the Toyota GR Cup North America single-make series back into our paddocks this year. We have the privilege of working with 21 manufacturers within our organization, and we hold a great deal of gratitude for their ongoing involvement and contribution to the development of cutting-edge automotive technology across North America.
For those unable to attend our races in person, we hope you can join us virtually by livestreaming all our series and races via the GT World channel on YouTube or through our SRO Motorsports Twitch. MavTV will broadcast Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, accompanied by highlight packages from our other series. We also look forward to seeing you add to the conversation online and engaging with us across social media platforms.
Excitement permeates the onset of the 2024 race season, and the team at SRO Motorsports America remains committed to going above and beyond to deliver the very best that motorsports has to offe.
S. Greg Gill President & CEO, SRO Motorsports America
APR 5 - 7
APR 19 - 21
MAY 3 - 5
MAY 17 - 19
JULY 19 - 21
2 7 6 3 8 5
AUG 16 - 18
SEPT 6 - 8
OCT 4 - 6
SRO Motorsports Group has been the steward of global GT racing for more than three decades. Well before taking on a controlling stake in what is now SRO Motorsports America and forging a lasting bond between the North American Pirelli World Challenge series and international championships, founder and CEO Stéphane Ratel championed the cause of production-based GT racing on the world stage, revitalizing a concept that was at risk of fading into obscurity.
The introduction of the highly successful Group C and GTP regulations in the 1980s and 1990s saw the swift emergence of prototypes in European and American sports car racing. With the continuous expansion of prototype fields, Grand Touring cars were gradually marginalized, leading to prototype-exclusive lineups at many of the world’s most prestigious sports car races.
Between 1986 and 1992, GT cars found themselves excluded from numerous pivotal events on the racing calendar, such as the esteemed 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, as the World SportsCar Championship faced its demise due to exorbitant costs associated with acquiring and operating
exotic prototypes, an opportunity arose for a GT resurgence.
In 1993, following his recent success in organizing the Gentleman Driver’s Trophy single-make series for the exotic Venturi 400 supercar the year prior, Ratel spearheaded the return of GT racing to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In stark contrast to the record-low entry of merely 30 cars in 1992, all of which were prototypes, the subsequent year witnessed a robust field of 48 cars, including seven Venturis that upgraded to a special Le Mans homologation. The endeavor proved to be an outstanding success.
Equipped with enhanced cars yet lacking a series to showcase their capabilities post-Le Mans, Ratel collaborated with race
promoter Patrick Peter and Porsche single-make series organizer Jurgen Barth to pioneer and create a groundbreaking global GT championship: BPR (Barth, Peter, Ratel). That decision sparked the meteoric rise of GT racing around the world.
Massive manufacturer interest and thrilling, competitive races featuring some of the most legendary cars of the era caught the eye of the FIA, leading to the establishment of the FIA GT Championship in 1997. In 2001, the famed 24 Hours of Spa was converted from a race for touring cars to the crown jewel in the international GT calendar, a status it maintains to this day. By 2010, the series had progressed into a full-fledged FIA World Championship for GT cars and drivers, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of what SRO has become in the present day.
While the FIA GT1 World Championship featured some of the most iconic cars and famed drivers of the era racing at prestigious venues across the globe, the substantial expenses for manufacturers to
“SRO also pioneered and implemented a Balance of Performance to keep costs in check while promoting automotive diversity that enriches sports car racing.”
compete at the highest level and on an international scale amidst a global economic downturn proved to be unsustainable. Consequently, the championship was not renewed beyond its third season in 2012.
However, out of the ashes of the FIA GT1 World Championship arose the foundations of the global Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS, the standard-bearer for GT racing today. Recognizing a potential over-dependence on factory participation in the World Championship, Ratel and SRO launched the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011, centered around the 24 Hours of Spa. A sprint championship was introduced in 2014. Along the way, SRO shifted away from the awe-inspiring yet financially burdensome GT1 and GT2 regulations, and instead embraced a GT3 ruleset developed through SRO, FIA, and RACB cooperation. The privateer-focused platform flourished and continues to be in use today.
SRO also pioneered and implemented a Balance of Performance to keep costs in check while promoting automotive diversity that enriches sports car racing. Despite facing initial pushback, the move proved to be ahead of its time as B.o.P is
a fixture of modern sports car racing in series worldwide.
SRO embarked on a global endeavor in 2016 with the launch of the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli. The series connects classic long-distance races at Spa, Bathurst, and Suzuka, while building a new endurance racing legacy at famed venues such as Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Expansion into the Asian market ensued in 2017 following an acquisition of a controlling stake in the Pirelli World Challenge the year prior. Australia joined the family in 2021 to create a multi-faceted global Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS unified by standardized rules and regulations.
SRO’s involvement extends even further with its global GT4 and GT2 regulations, a partnership with the FIA in the multi-disciplinary FIA World Motorsport Games, pioneering vision in integrating esports into the global motorsports landscape, and beyond. Never before has GT racing been so united in a shared vision and purpose worldwide.
Today, with hundreds of GT cars racing in dozens of SRO series around the globe, it is hard to imagine a world without exotic production-based sports cars competing on auto racing’s illustrious platforms. Since the early 1990s, SRO has been the torchbearer leading GT racing back to its rightful place of prominence. The sport has resurged with newfound vitality and is ready to soar to even greater heights.
Corvette Z06 features a 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 engine that’s capable of 670 horsepower and can take you from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds. 1
The Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship represents the foremost GT racing series in North America. Spanning renowned tracks all around the United States, from Sonoma Raceway in California wine country, to Austin’s dazzling Circuit Of The Americas, to the infamous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, prioritizing and showcasing elite GT3 competition across the nation.
The global Fanatec GT World Challenge platform spans across four continents, with America, Asia, Australia, and Europe divisions. A total of 44 rounds occur around the globe across 31 different venues, taking place at the most prestigious race tracks including Mount Panorama Circuit, Fuji International Speedway, Spa-Francorchamps, and Road America. Nine elite manufacturers are entered across the championships, facing off to secure the top spot. Points are allocated for the top ten finishers in every race to determine the standings, with the winners awarded 25 points.
Each round takes place over the course of three days, with practice sessions, qualifying, and two 90-minute double-header races. The heightened level of competition had attracted the most prominent manufacturers and teams, each fielding two drivers per entry. The classification system comprises three classes based on the combined driver ratings, including PRO, PRO-AM, and AM.
A plethora of top-tier GT3 manufacturers will face off in wheel to wheel battle,
with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-AMG, among others, all vying for an opportunity to rise to the top of the Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS leaderboards. Each team features world class, highly skilled drivers all eager to show off why this is one of the most fiercely competitive series in motorsports.
The 2024 season signifies the beginning of a brand new chapter for multiple manufacturers. Popular American brands
will be ready to make their mark, with DXDT Racing is set for a championship campaign with the brand new Corvette Z06 GT3.R, while the Ford Mustang GT3 is expected to arrive on the scene mid-season. Comparatively, Aston Martin is hitting the ground running with the introduction of the Vantage GT3 EVO.
A straightforward and easily identifiable classification system aids spectators in tracking each team’s progress within their
respective class. Cars bear labeled number decals on the side panel, hood, and rear bumper, denoting their category. White decals signify the PRO Class, while black decals indicate the PRO-AM Class, and red decals for the AM Class.
Moreover, the impact of this championship extends globally, with the series welcoming the Intercontinental GT Challenge championship for the season finale Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS, as well as serving as a tie-in with the historic CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
The 2023 season provided a great deal of excitement, and 2024 is shaping up to be just as wildly thrilling. Last year’s PRO Class
Championship saw a season-long battle unfold between Racers Edge Motorsports’ Ashton Harrison and Mario Farnbacher and RS1’s Stevan McAleer and Eric Filgueiras, with the latter duo emerging victorious as champions in the final round. Now as both pairings step aside, it is time for a new storyline to come into play. In the PROAM Class, it was also a nail biter between CrowdStrike by Riley and Wright Motorsports, with just four points separating the two teams after all was said and done. The advantage went to longtime teammates George Kurtz and Colin Braun.
The Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship will be visiting tracks from coast to coast. The opening rounds take place at Sonoma Raceway, followed by trips to Sebring International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas, VIRginia International Raceway, Road America, and Barber Motorsports Park. The season will conclude at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Audiences can tune in to the races in real time via livestreams on the
GT World YouTube channel and SRO Motorsports Twitch. MavTV will also be airing time-delayed broadcasts of each race. For those looking to relive the action from past seasons, the GT World YouTube channel is the place to go.
· GT3 EXCLUSIVE SERIES
TWO 90-MIN RACES OVER A THREE-DAY RACE WEEKEND
· EXCLUSIVE MEDIA COVERAGE WITH DEDICATED TV, LIVE TV BROADCASTS, AND REAL-TIME LIVE STREAMS WITH WORLDWIDE AVAILABILITY
· CLASSES: PRO, PRO-AM, AM
gt-world-challenge-america.com @gtworldcham /gtworldchallengeamerica @gtworldchallengeamerica
TYPEMANUFACTURERDESCRIPTION HOMOLOGATION
FIAPorsche 911 GT3 R (991) GT3 041
FIAMercedesMercedes-AMG GT3 GT3 042
FIAFerrari 488 GT3 GT3 044
FIACorvette Corvette C7 GT3-R GT3 045
FIAToyota Lexus RC F GT3 GT3 046
FIAAcura Acura NSX GT3 EVO22 GT3-047
FIANissan NISSAN GT-R GT3 2018GT3-048
FIABentley CONTINENTAL GT3 2018GT3-049
FIAPorsche 911 GT3-R (991.ii) GT3-050
FIAAston MartinVantage AMR GT3 GT3-051
FIAMcLaren 720S-GT3 EVO GT3-052
FIABMW M4 GT3 GT3-053
FIAPorsche 911 GT3 R (992) GT3-055
FIAFerrari 296 GT3 GT3-056
FIALamborghiniHuracan GT3 EVO2 GT3-054
FIAFord Mustang GT3 GT3-TBD
FIAChevroletCorvette Z06 GT3.R GT3-TBD
FIAAston MartinVantage AMR GT3 2024GT3-TBD
RACBPorsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport GT2-001
RACBAUDI R8 LMS GT2 GT2-002
RACBKTM KTM X-Bow GT2 GT2-003
RACBMaserati MC20 GT2 GT2-TBD
From the very beginning, Pirelli has been synonymous with performance. Founded in Milan in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli, the company was at the forefront of the emerging rubber tire industry from the very beginning as the automobile rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
From its earliest days as a tire manufacturer to the present day, Pirelli has used motorsports as both a laboratory and a showcase for its tire technology, with Pirelli-shod cars and bikes winning countless races and championships. The lessons learned on the race tracks of the world have gone directly into Pirelli’s line of passenger, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle tires in showrooms around the world.
Today, Pirelli’s commitment to utilizing the crucible of motorsports as a test bed for its tires continues in SRO America. The challenge of creating high-performing yet durable tires at the wide variety and road
and street courses on the calendar is no small feat. Adding to the complexity is the need to produce tires for a wide variety of high-performance vehicles. High-downforce, rear wheel drive GT3 cars with massive cornering speeds, GT4 machines with less aerodynamic grip, while retaining much of the power, of their GT3 cousins, and a mixture of front- and rear-wheel drive touring cars all can be found in the SRO America paddock, and each is a unique engineering challenge for a tire supplier. Pirelli’s high-performance line of P-Zero tires can be found on them all.
That 2024 marks the fourteenth-consecutive season as the official tire partner
of SRO America speaks to Pirelli’s commitment to that challenge. GT and touring car racing has the added benefit of utilizing race cars that are derived from road-going models, meaning that many of the lessons learned on the race track are immediately applicable to Pirelli’s street tire division. With over a dozen world-class manufacturers in the SRO America paddock, that provides Pirelli ample real-world experience working with and developing tires for many of the automotive makes and models available in showrooms across the country.
Pirelli’s tires have been developed to provide exceptional grip, handling, and stability, enabling drivers to push their
PIRELLI SYNONYMOUS WITH PERFORMANCE
vehicles to the limit and achieve the best possible performance on the track. It is no coincidence that with each new generation of P-Zero race tire, track records regularly start to fall. With Pirelli tires, drivers can be confident that they are equipped with the best possible equipment to take on some of the most difficult circuits in the world, no matter the conditions.
Pirelli’s commitment to motorsports extends beyond North America as the official tire partner of SRO’s global GT racing programs. With continental GT World Challenge championships in Europe, Asia, and Australia, in addition to the global Intercontinental GT Challenge, Pirelli’s motorsports footprint extends to nearly every corner of the globe.
Outside of sports car racing, Pirelli remains the sole tire supplier to the Formula 1 World Championship and supplies its tires to many of the top teams in the World Rally Championship, including the Toyota Gazoo Racing team that fielded 2023 World Champion Kalle Rovanperä.
Looking toward a greener future, Pirelli is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and using eco-friendly materials in its tire manufacturing process. Pirelli has developed innovative technologies to minimize tires’ environmental impact, including using bio-based materials and developing eco-friendly compounds and this focus
“Pirelli is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and using eco-friendly materials in its tire manufacturing process.”
on reducing environmental impact is one that SRO America and Pirelli share.
Through over a century of involvement in motorsports, Pirelli has established its reputation as an innovator in the industry. From developing new compounds or tread designs for increased grip in wet conditions to the development of run-flat and eco-friendly tires, racing has long been the proving ground for Pirelli’s road car products. The same race-winning technology you see on the race cars at the track today is available to you at your local tire dealer.
Pirelli tires can be found in many locations, including tire dealerships, auto repair shops, and online retailers. Pirelli has a network of authorized dealerships and service centers across the globe, making it easy for customers to find and purchase Pirelli tires. In addition, Pirelli tires are also available from various online retailers, including major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Tire Rack, and Discount Tire.
SRO Motorsports America welcomed the GT America powered by AWS championship back in 2021, marking the inception of a fiecely competitive inaugural season. This series is reminiscent of SRO Motorsports America’s roots with its single-driver sprint race format while also providing an element of modernity with newer racing machinery added to the SRO portfolio.
The GT America powered by AWS series features two 40-minute sprint races per race weekend with a single-driver format tailored to Bronze-rated drivers, making it a preferred choice among customer racers. It is segmented into three classes based on car type, such as GT2, GT3, and GT4, and the series sees a great deal of participation and representation from major manufacturers including Audi, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ford, McLaren, and Toyota, among others.
Mercedes-AMG remained a preferred choice among drivers and teams in prior seasons, leading the pack with the most entries in the GT3 Class, whereas Aston Martin secured the top spot with the most entries in the GT4 Class, with the GT2 field seeing a medley of manufacturers across the board.
Distinguishing each car by its engine output, power, and drivetrain configurations is a straightforward process, with the GT3 car standing out amongst the rest, boasting the most power but limited downforce, followed by GT2 and GT4. Additionally,
visual cues such as the side number panel and rear bumper number panel, differentiated by label and color, aid in identifying the class to which each car belongs. The GT2 class is marked by blue panels, red for GT3, and yellow for GT4.
The GT America powered by AWS will also be partaking in the Grand Prix of Long Beach for the third and fourth rounds of the season, racing in support of the INDYCAR series at one of the most challenging and exhilarating street circuits in North America.
In 2023, it was Memo Gidley and TKO Motorsports who rose to the top of the
leaderboard to clinch the GT3 Class Championship, accumulating an impressive eight wins along the way. The GT4 Championship was fiercely contested until the very end, ultimately won by Jason Bell of Flying Lizard Motorsports by a mere two points. Finally, CJ Moses of GMG Racing emerged victorious in the GT2 Class Championship.
The GT America powered by AWS will kick off the 2024 season alongside the roster of SRO Motorsports America championships at Sonoma Raceway, before making their way to the west coast for the Grand Prix of Long Beach, a street course shared with the INDYCAR Series. GT America powered by AWS will then return for the remaining SRO Motorsports America calendar, with visits to Sebring International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas, VIRginia International Raceway, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Race fans can tune in to live streaming of the events on GT World’s YouTube
channel and the SRO Motorsports Twitch, complemented by MavTV’s coverage featuring live broadcasts and time-delayed transmissions for each race. For those seeking to rewatch races from previous seasons, the GT World YouTube page has them covered to relive all the action.
· MULTI-CLASS GT MIX
TWO, 40-MINUTE RACES PER WEEKEND
· CLASSES: SRO3, GT2, AND GT4
· ONE STREET COURSE
FREE LIVESTREAM BROADCASTS
TYPEMANUFACTURERDESCRIPTION HOMOLOGATION
RACBPorsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport GT2-001
RACBAUDI R8 LMS GT2 GT2-002
RACBKTM KTM X-Bow GT2 GT2-003
RACBMaserati MC20 GT2 GT2-TBD
FIA AUDI R8-LMS GT3 017
FIA BMW E89 Z4 GT3 023
FIA Lamborghini-DGallardo LP 560-4 GT3 024
FIA Porsche 911 GT3 R GT3 025
FIA Corvette Callaway Corvette Z06R GT3GT3 026
FIA Mercedes AMG GmbHMercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3GT3 028
FIA Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 GT3 029
FIA Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 GT3 030
FIA McLaren MP4-12C GT3 031
FIA Aston MartinV12 Vantage GT3 GT3 032
FIA LamborghiniHuracan GT3 GT3 040
FIA BMW F13 M6 GT3 GT3 043
Invitational LamborghiniHuracan Super Trofeo EVO & EVO2GT2
RACBSaleen Saleen S1 GT4-032
RACBAudi R8 LMS GT4 GT4-038
RACBBMW M4 GT4 GT4-029
RACBMercedes BenzMercedes-AMG GT4 GT4-033
RACBAlpine A110 GT4 GT4-034
RACBAston MartinVantage AMR GT4 GT4-036
RACBPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRGT4-037
RACBToyota Gazoo RacingGR Supra GT4 EVO GT4-039
RACBGinetta G56 GT4 GT4-041
RACBPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS ClubsportGT4-042
RACBMcLaren Artura GT4 GT4-045
RACBBMW M4 GT4 (G82) GT4-044
RACBLotus Emira GT4 GT4-TBD
RACBNissan Z GT4 GT4-TBD
RACBFord Mustang GT4 GT4-TBD
ment and reporting of its greenhouse gas emissions, adoption of decarbonization strategies, and offsetting any remaining emissions with tangible and beneficial measures to attain net-zero carbon emissions by the target date. This initiative recognizes the imperative need for accelerated action towards achieving a low-carbon future.
SRO Motorsports Group has aligned itself with a consortium of influential entities by confirming its commitment to The Climate Pledge. Co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, this initiative aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s target established during the COP 21 UN Climate Change Conference in 2015. Fulfilling this ambitious goal will significantly bolster global efforts to curb global warming and combat the ongoing climate crisis. As a result, SRO has undertaken three primary areas of action: regular measure-
The SRO Group’s commitment to The Climate Pledge underscores its comprehensive dedication to sustainability. With environmental endeavors spanning across four continents, including the prioritization of electric vehicles, integrating biofuel, phasing out single-use plastics, reducing waste, and maximizing recycling at on-site events. As the first global sportscar organization to sign on to The Climate Pledge, the SRO Group is dedicated to working towards a greener future for all.
The upcoming season will also include an expanded utili-
“The SRO Group’s commitment to The Climate Pledge underscores its comprehensive dedication to sustainability.”
vironmental initiatives aligned with SRO’s on-track activities. These proactive steps ensure that sustainability continues to be a central component to the organization’s operations
as it engages in the critical battle against climate change.
Link to website: https://www.sro-motorsports.com/sustainability/
For SRO Motorsports America, diversity and inclusivity within the realm of motorsports is not merely a perfunctory gesture aimed at optics or compliance. Rather, it is an ongoing conversation that holds a great deal of importance within the SRO community.
The organization is committed to the pursuit of continuous improvement and following through on strategies and fostering a platform that encourages existing successes while striving for more growth. This sport thrives off the competitive spirit present within us all, and the SRO Group is focused on creating an environment where every competitor can push their limits with full confidence and support.
SRO America continues to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI), with annual donations dedicated to a range of programs for Littles, with activities in the realms of racing, engineering, and STEM. This is integral to BBBSCI’s mission of involving young individuals in activities that nurture their growth and development, and thereby broadening their horizons and opportunities for exploration.
There are a growing number of opportunities to cultivate further growth within the sport by fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and openness. The SRO Group encourages existing fans to introduce newcomers to the excitement of GT racing, whether by inviting them to attend a race weekend or by tuning in for broadcasts and livestreams. The community’s greatest asset lies in its ability to warmly embrace and integrate new individuals, thereby enriching the collective experience for all
The Pirelli GT4 America championship has quickly established itself as one of the most captivating and competitive series in North America. Introduced in 2020, the GT4 series has risen up the ranks and had unprecedented levels of growth, with a wide variety of manufacturers going head to head in search of glory across three classes of competition.
The Pirelli GT4 America championship operates on a sprint format, with two 60-minute races taking place per round. Teams are composed of two drivers, each completing their own respective stints and performing driver changes mid-race. The driver rating combination of the teammate pairings determine the class they compete in, with the Silver Class consisting of amateur and emerging professional drivers. The PRO-AM Class includes a mix of professional and amateur drivers, and the AM Class incorporates two amateur drivers.
Classes are easily identifiable for spectators and viewers through colored
and labeled number decals situated on the side panel, hood, and rear bumper of each car on track, consistent with all series under the SRO Motorsports America umbrella. The Silver Class is denoted by silver decals, the PRO-AM Class by black, and the AM Class by red.
The diversity, inclusivity, and high level of performance and competition across all three classes has caught the attention of major global manufacturers, with the likes of Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ford, Porsche, and Toyota all taking part in the championship with several entries apiece, tailoring their GT4 machinery to cater to customer needs.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Pirelli GT4 America series is only poised for further growth and success. Accumulating over 40 entries on the grid year after year, the series is the front runner in GT4 competition, consistently delivering action-packed races at each and every track visited. Fans have also witnessed the emergence of top teams in North America, with the likes of BimmerWorld, RS1, Heart Of Racing Team, and NOLASPORT, among others, reaching new heights and leaving their mark in the history books.
The series continues to evolve and grow year over year, and this upcoming season will feature a brand new challenge for the Pirelli GT4 America grid in the form of a three-hour endurance race taking place during the fifth round of the season at Circuit Of The Americas.
Last year, the Silver Class championship title fight came down to the last round of the season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Although Conquest Racing’s Michai Stephens and Jesse Webb took the final race victory of the season and kissed the famous bricks, it was Auto Technic Racing’s Zac Anderson who emerged victorious at the top of the championship standings.
A similar storyline unfolded in the PROAM Class, with a tight battle spanning the entirety of the season between NOLASPORT’s Matt Travis and Jason Hart and BimmerWorld’s James Walker Jr. and Tyler McQuarrie. In the end, the former were crowned champions, separated by one single point, a testament to the intensity of the competition.
Meanwhile, James Clay and Charlie Postins of BimmerWorld continued to assert their dominance in the AM Class, clinching the championship title early in the season once again, with a total tally of 7 wins and 5 podiums.
The Pirelli GT4 America championship showcases exhilarating competition at renowned circuits across the country. Kicking off the season at Sonoma Raceway alongside the entire SRO Motorsports America lineup, the championship then makes its way to Sebring International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas, VIRginia International Raceway, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, before concluding at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Pirelli GT4 America also benefits from comprehensive coverage, including global
livestreams on the GT World YouTube channel and SRO Motorsports Twitch, with television broadcasts on MavTV during race weekends. Positioned as a frontrunner in both North American and international GT4 racing, Pirelli GT4 America remains poised for further expansion and acclaim.
· GT4 EXCLUSIVE CHAMPIONSHIP
· TWO 60-MINUTE RACES OVER THREE DAYS CLASSES: SILVER, PRO-AM, AM
· FREE LIVESTREAM COVERAGE
TYPEMANUFACTURERDESCRIPTION HOMOLOGATION
RACBSaleen Saleen S1
GT4-032
RACBAudi R8 LMS GT4 GT4-038
RACBBMW M4 GT4 GT4-029
RACBMercedes BenzMercedes-AMG GT4GT4-033
RACBAlpine A110 GT4 GT4-034
RACBAston MartinVantage AMR GT4 GT4-036
RACBPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR GT4-037
RACB Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Supra GT4 EVO GT4-039
RACBGinettaG56 GT4 GT4-041
RACBPorsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport GT4-042
RACBMcLarenArtura GT4 GT4-045
RACBBMW M4 GT4 (G82) GT4-044
RACBLotus Emira GT4 GT4-TBD
RACBNissan Z GT4 GT4-TBD
RACBFord Mustang GT4 GT4-TBD
Toyota Racing is looking for fans like you who are ready to do more than just watch — who are ready to join in on the action. And this season you can BE PART OF SOMETHING GREATER.
After a successful inaugural season, Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA) gears up for their second season of the GR Cup Series. The GR Cup is sanctioned by SRO Motorsports America who has an established reputation as leaders in GT racing for the past three decades.
The GR Cup Series is a thrilling fourteen race series held at seven iconic racetracks across the United States. Competitors and fans alike can experience the action at Sonoma Raceway, Sebring International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas, VIRginia International Raceway, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The action consists of (2) 30-minute practice sessions, (2) 15- minute qualifying sessions, and (2) 45-minute sprint races.
To continue the excitement, the GR Cup offers participants one million dollars in total purse and prizes with the support
TOYOTA’S
GR CUP RETURNS UNDER SRO BANNER IN 2024
“most of the race will be up to the team and driver to correctly identify the nuances of the track and turn consistent laps.”
of numerous Toyota Gazoo Racing North America partners. The top-10 finishers are awarded after each race, with race winners earning up to $12,000 and the season champion taking home $30,000.
TGRNA welcomes several returning partners to the track in 2024, including Mobil 1, Continental, Endava, Segra, GEARWRENCH, Yahoo, Racing Spirit, JBL, OMP, and Stratasys.
Catch all the action of the GR Cup series by joining SRO Motorsports America and Toyota Gazoo Racing at any of the events or tune into the live stream on the GTWorld YouTube channel.
You can stay up to date with all the latest GR Cup Series news online at grcupseries.com, by liking us on Facebook (officialgrcup) and following along on Instagram (@officialgrcup).
Single-make racing is a category of motorsports where all drivers compete using identical (homologated) cars from the same manufacturer. This provides an even playing field for the competition, where most of the race will be up to the team and driver to correctly identify the nuances of the track and turn consistent laps. The GR86 has been designated as the race vehicle in the GR Cup.
Originally a stock GR86, the vehicles are transformed into the GR86 Cup car in TGRNA’s state-of-theart facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. Here it is fitted with Bosch engine management, custom Borla exhaust, SADEV 6-speed sequential transmission, Alcon brakes, JRI adjustable shocks, OMP safety equipment, roll cage, carbon fiber rear wing, 22-gallon fuel cell, TGRNA designed MacPherson strut, Stratasys custom bodywork, a TGRNA designed splitter and more.
TThe TC America powered by Skip Barber championship remains a prominent fiture in the realm of professional touring car racing, benefiting fom a longstanding and fruitful partnership with Skip Barber Racing School. he championship serves as a pivotal launching pad for professional racing endeavors in North America, and is widely regarded as the premier platform for emerging driver talents as they navigate and learn the complexities of wheel to wheel racing. The series has nurtured a great deal of drivers throughout the years, and has seen the emergence of highly reputable competitors who continue
to achieve success across other SRO Motorsports America championships, including Samantha Tan, Kevin Boehm, James Clay, among others.
The TC America powered by Skip Barber series serves as an important chapter within the very rich history of Touring Car racing, which started back in the mid 20th
century when manufacturers began modifying production cars for racing purposes. The influence of these origins remains evident in contemporary touring and GT cars. The present day championship is rooted back to the Speedvision World Challenge, which also was named Speed World Challenge and eventually Pirelli World
Challenge prior to its acquisition by the SRO Motorsports Group, and served as a platform for touring car competitions in North America.
Structured into three distinct competition classes including TCX, TC, and TCA, the series features factory-built or supported turn-key race cars. Drivers partake in two 40-minute sprint races over the course of a race weekend, sharing the track with the other SRO Motorsports America series such as Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, GT America powered by AWS, and Pirelli GT4 America.
Just like in the other series, each class is identifiable through numbered decal panels located on the hood, side panels, and rear bumper of the cars. They are distinguishable by color in order to assist in differentiating between classes. More specifically, the TCX Class decal panel is red, the TC Class is blue, and the TCA Class is yellow.
Prominent racing teams utilize the TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School championship as a primary training platform for up and coming drivers. Although the series is generally perceived as an entry-level level, the machinery utilized remains highly impressive, featuring brands such as BMW, Subaru, Mini Cooper, and Honda. These manufacturers extend premier support to participating teams and drivers.
The level of competition is also not to be underestimated, requiring drivers, teams, and manufacturers alike to push their limits throughout the entirety of the season. The 2023 season saw standout performances, such as Colin Garrett’s dominant charge to the TCX Class title, the fierce season-long championship battle between Clayton Williams and Jeff Ricca in the TC Class which came down
to the final race, with a similar storyline unfolding in the TCA Class between Spencer Bucknum and Devin Anderson.
Leading manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, MINI, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen span across the three different categories of competition and are well-represented across the grid. Noteworthy circuit destinations encompass Sonoma Raceway, Sebring International Raceway, Circuit Of The Americas, VIRginia International Raceway, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Live streaming of the races is available on GT World’s YouTube channel and the SRO Motorsports Twitch account, supplemented by MavTV’s provision of live broadcasts and time-delayed transmissions for each
race. For those interested in revisiting past seasons or previous races, the GT World YouTube page serves as an ideal platform for reliving the thrilling moments of action.
TWO 40-MIN RACES PER WEEKEND
· SINGLE DRIVER SERIES
· THREE CLASSES: TCX, TC, TCA FREE LIVESTREAM COVERAGE
JAMES CLAY Founder/Owner, BimmerWorld
At OPTIMA® Batteries, we build and test every battery in the world’s most advanced facility. Everything that goes in guarantees you get the most out — on the track, the trail, the dirt… anywhere ultimate power, performance and reliability are needed.
TYPEMANUFACTURERDESCRIPTION HOMOLOGATION
WC BMW M2 CS (Cup) WC-TCX-201
WC Acura Integra Type S TCX WC-TCX-203
TYPEMANUFACTURERDESCRIPTION HOMOLOGATION
WC Honda Civic Type-R (2017 - )WC-TC-310
WC HyundaiVeloster N TC (2019 - )WC-TC-311
WC HyundaiVeloster N DCT TC (2021 - )WC-TC-311
WC Mini CooperMini JCW Pro TC WC-TC-312
WC HyundaiElantra N Cup WC-TC-313
WC Mazda 3 TC WC-TC-314
Ginetta GTA Invitational
TYPEMANUFACTURERDESCRIPTION HOMOLOGATION
WC Honda Civic Si (2017 – ) WC-TCA-406
WC HyundaiVeloster Turbo TCA WC-TCA-410
WC Mini CooperJCW (2019 - ) WC-TCA-411
WC Honda Civic Si FE1 (2022 - )WC-TCA-412
WC SubaruBRZ (2022 - ) WC-TCA-413
SRO Motorsports America will be competing at North America’s most prestigious and challenging road courses and street tracks from coast to coast. Iconic and historic venues such as Sonoma, Sebring, Circuit of the Americas, VIR, Road America, and Barber Motorsports Park will set the scene for thrilling on-track battles to come. Additionally, the GT America powered by AWS series will be taking on the concrete walls and narrow turns of the streets of Long Beach, California. The season will conclude at the Racing Capital of the World, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The recently resurfaced Sonoma Raceway will serve as the host of the first wo races of the season across all four series, with the rolling California hills serving as the perfect backdrop for the opening round. Renowned for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings, this venue offers a dynamic blend of adrenaline-pumping action and natural beauty. The 12-turn, 2.52-mile track presents a formidable challenge to drivers, featuring elevation changes, technical corners, and long straights.
SONOMA, CA CIRCUIT: 12 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 2.52 mi GTWCA
The streets of Long Beach, California hold a great deal of motorsport history within the cracks of the concrete that make up the 11-turn, 1.968 mile track. Established in 1975, it was quickly heralded as one of the most iconic street circuits in North America. The layout includes a unique combination of fast straights, tight corners, and challenging chicanes, all encompassed within the lively cityscape. GT America powered by AWS will be showcasing top-tier GT racing during the INDYCAR weekend utilizing GT3, GT2, and GT4 machinery.
LONG BEACH, CA CIRCUIT: 11 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 1.968 mi
Sebring Raceway, situated on the grounds of the former Hendricks Army Airfied, was converted into a racetrack and it hosted its inaugural endurance race in 1950. It went on to become one of the most historic circuits in the world, with its long straights comprising old concrete airstrips, embodying Sebring’s rugged essence over the years. Drivers must navigate the 17-turn, 3.741-mile circuit with precision, as they encounter the distinctive challenge of managing the bumps, a hallmark of Sebring’s renowned character.
SEBRING, FL CIRCUIT: 17 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 3.741 mi
18 MAY 17
Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a standout on the 2024 calendar as the sole purpose-built FIA track in the country, most famous for hosting the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. With pristine facilities and imposing grandstands, COTA is a state-of-the-art modern track with all the qualities that make it an exhilarating experience from start to finish The 12-turn, Austin based circuit will also welcome the GT1 Sports Club for its inaugural visit to America, setting it apart as a must-see event.
AUSTIN, TX CIRCUIT: 12 Turnss | TRACK LENGTH: 3.427 mi
The Heart of Racing uses the promotion and exposure of our motorsports programs to raise funds and awareness for quality pediatric medical care. Since the program’s inception, we have raised over 10 million dollars to support our partners at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) is a legendary track nestled in Alton’s countryside landscape. Boasting a rich history dating back to 1957, the old school circuit has become one of the United States’ premier road racing venues. The 3.27-mile layout winds through sweeping corners and lush forests, offering a rollercoaster racing experience for the ultimate thrill seekers. With 17 turns that test both skill and courage, VIR provides a true test of drivers’ abilities.
VA CIRCUIT: 17 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 3.27 mi
Known as America’s “National Park of Speed,” Road America is regarded as one of the toughest tracks to master worldwide. Virtually unchanged since its inception in the early 1950s, the 14-turn track spans 4.048 miles and has solidified its eputation as one of the world’s most demanding road courses, making it a favorite amongst drivers and fans alike. Though its origins emerged from grassroots racing, it has since grown into a cornerstone of motorsport excellence in the United States.
ELKHART LAKE, WI CIRCUIT: 14 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 4.048 mi
GTWCA Round 9 + 10 GTAM Round 11 + 12
Round 8 + 9
9 + 10
Barber Motorsports Park is a new addition on the 2024 calendar. Opened in 2003, this venue quickly gained acclaim for its highly interesting and unique aspects. Designed by Alan Wilson, the track seamlessly integrates natural terrain with modern elements, creating a dynamic and visually stunning racing environment. With its combination of technical challenges and cultural attractions, Barber Motorsports Park continues to captivate motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.
BIRMINGHAM, AL CIRCUIT: 16 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 2.38 mi
The final ound of the season will be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the road course confiuration hosting the SRO America series finaes, in addition to the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli championship. Nicknamed “The Brickyard,” it is every racing driver’s dream to win at this historic track and kiss the famous bricks at the start-finish ine. Drivers and teams will face off in earch of clinching championship titles and emerging victorious at one of the most distinguished circuits in motorsports history.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN CIRCUIT: 14 Turns | TRACK LENGTH: 2.605 mi
The world’s top GT teams, drivers, and manufacturers of the Intercontinental GT Challenge are set to return once more to the Racing Capitol of the World for the fifth running of the Indianapois 8 Hour presented by AWS at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As if a chance to stand on the winners’ rostrum at the Brickyard wasn’t enough already, this year the stakes are even higher as the Indy 8 Hour serves as the finae for both the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS seasons, with multiple championships up for grabs.
ith a history dating back to 1909, no extant motorsports venue has a greater legacy than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition to the famed Indianapolis 500, Formula 1, Moto GP, NASCAR, and, of course, sports cars have their own heritage at the venue. The Indy 8 Hour stands apart as the longest event on the IMS calendar,
and in 2022 became the first race at the Speedway to race into the darkness and ending at night.
Indianapolis joined the Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar in 2020, and this year will be the fourth and final stop for the globe-trotting series that also includes the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour, the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa, and the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. With four grueling endurance events at a quartet of the most iconic tracks anywhere on the planet, there is no bigger prize in global GT racing than the Intercontinental GT Challenge crown. That’s why top international teams and manufacturers annually make the trek to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to join the cars and the stars of Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.
“Both the SRO America regulars and the Intercontinental GT Challenge interlopers will have a part to play in settling the global championship.”
Both the SRO America regulars and the Intercontinental GT Challenge interlopers will have a part to play in settling the global championship. New for 2024, the manufacturers fighting for the prize will no
longer need to nominate entries to score points. Instead, every entered car from a registered manufacturer will have the chance to contribute toward its marque’s tally, regardless of which series or class it
is competing in. Although Mercedes-AMG has won the last two manufacturers’ titles, a strong contingent from Porsche and BMW will be vying to upend the two-time defending champions.
Adding to the spectacle of the Indy 8 Hour weekend is a full offering of SRO-sanctioned racing throughout the weekend, including a pair of races each for Pirelli GT4 America, GT America powered by AWS, and TC America powered by Skip Barber. The popular pre-event parade of race cars to nearby Main Street Speedway, Indiana will return as well, giving fans unparalleled access to the cars and drivers and replicating similar events held at Bathurst and Spa. Taken together, it makes for a festival of GT racing that a true motorsport fan will not want to miss.
The event opens to the public, Friday, October 4, featuring three qualifying sessions and the Super Pole Shootout. Saturday, October 5, sees the fifth running of the Indianapolis 8 Hour powered by AWS, a fun filled day for the whole family, with a plethora of activities throughout the historic venue. As darkness descends, settle it to watch fireworks soar over the speedway as the checkered flag falls for the final time in 2024 for Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge.
SRO Motorsports Group has cultivated a longstanding, successful partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. Spanning from 2019 to present day, and beyond, AWS’ presence across the global GT World Challenge platform has only continued to grow, becoming the presenting entitlement sponsor in 2020.
SRO Motorsports Group and AWS are growing together ahead of another thrilling season, with their renewed partnership expanding across the Fanatec GT World Challenge America, Europe, Asia, and Australia championships. AWS continues to stand as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and global expansion in the realm of global motorsports.
nessing AWS’s machine learning algorithms, SRO can collect actionable insights from this data and as a result assist in facilitating real-time decision-making for teams, optimizing race strategies, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the sport.
broadcasts of its events to global audiences. Moreover, AWS’s personalized recommendation engines and interactive fan engagement platforms enhance viewer immersion, fostering a deeper connection between fans and the sport.
AWS, serving as the designated global technology provider for SRO, extends its cutting-edge array of cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning throughout all SRO series worldwide. This significant partnership offers an exceptional experience for teams, drivers, and fans, raising the bar for engagement and innovation in motorsports to unparalleled levels. AWS has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of SRO’s operations through advanced cloud computing capabilities, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency, safety, and entertainment quotient of SRO racing events.
AWS’s robust data analytics tools also enable SRO Motorsports Group to gather and analyze large amounts of data during races. This data encompasses crucial metrics such as car telemetry, driver performance, track conditions, and fan engagement. By har-
Additionally, sensors located across circuits capture timely data on track conditions, weather patterns, and environmental factors, all of which is seamlessly integrated within AWS’s cloud computing infrastructure. This enables officials to optimize track management, make adjustments on the fly, and adapt event logistics. By leveraging AWS’s capabilities, SRO Motorsports Group can ensure smoother race operations and minimize disruptions, thereby enhancing the overall experience for teams, drivers, and spectators alike.
“AWS’s robust data analytics tools also enable SRO Motorsports Group to gather and analyze large amounts of data during races.”
The collaboration between SRO and AWS has already seen significant achievements, including the RaceVision Powered by AWS concept, offering real-time insights and on-screen graphics that bring fans closer to the action with data like top speeds and cornering prowess. This partnership has also been instrumental in advancing SRO’s e-sports initiatives, leveraging AWS’s virtual machines and media services to host race servers and livestream events with professional broadcast quality.
AWS’s contribution extends beyond the confines of the track, breaking down barriers in the digital, virtual, and real life realms of motorsport to enrich the experience of fans around the world. Through AWS-powered video streaming and content delivery solutions, SRO Motorsports Group delivers high-definition, low-latency
Looking ahead, the partnership is committed to exploring new, innovative methods that utilize AWS’s extensive set of global cloud-based products to further enhance GT racing around the world. AWS will also continue to play a pivotal role in SRO’s Balance of Performance (BOP) criteria, a cornerstone of modern GT competition, by assuming data hosting responsibilities.
The world of motorsports has long captivated enthusiasts with its adrenaline-fueled action and cutting-edge technology. Amidst this landscape, the GT1 Sports Club by Curbstone emerges as a prominent beacon, catering to the passion and fervor of motorsport aficionads. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure and excitement of racing, pushing the boundaries of excellence and redefining its andscape.
“This GT1 Sports Club season promises to be exciting and full of spectacle, starting off with an inaugural trip to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas from May 18th and 20th.”
Hyper car owners will be presented with the wonderful and rare chance to display these feats of automotive excellence on track in front of thousands of eager spectators and enthusiasts who share the same unbridled passion for motorsports and extraordinary engineering. From the 777 Hypercar, to the Apollo Intensa Emozione, and everything in between, these magnificent cars will be granted the opportunity to shine and dazzle in high-profile settings.
The GT1 Sports Club is a non-competitive Track Day series that brings together an incredible collection of hyper and super track cars from a wide variety of the world’s top manufacturers. This presents an exceptionally exclusive opportunity for hypercar and super track car owners to bring their prestigious GT1 cars on track to showcase and highlight the most innovative and groundbreaking racing machinery in the world.
This GT1 Sports Club season promises to be exciting and full of spectacle, starting off with an inaugural trip to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas from May 18th and 20th. This presents an exceptionally exclusive opportunity for hypercar and super track car owners to bring their prestigious GT1 cars to the track to be featured in the GT1 exhibition during the Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS race, and will also be distinguished as the first time the GT1 Sports Club program will be held on American soil on one of the most grand stages in the country, much to the delight of all fans who will be in attendance.
The focus will then shift to the Centenary of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. Taking place from June 28th to 30th, all eyes will be on the prestigious race as it steps into the spotlight as one of the pinnacle events
of the 2024 season. The GT1 Sports Club will play a significant role in the festivities for this world renowned endurance race, hosting an impressive exhibition in the heart of the GT1 Village. Additionally, during a special 25-minute on-track driving session, a selection of iconic cars will roar through the picturesque and iconic Ardennes forest, adding to the excitement of the event.
The GT1 Sports Club holds immense significance within the motorsport community, presenting a one of a kind program tailored for GT1 hyper and supercars. These meticulously curated events showcase remarkable car collections at renowned racetracks worldwide. Combining the thrill of driving with a captivating exhibition, these gatherings provide a distinguished ambiance, creating an unparalleled platform for hyper and supercar owners and enthusiasts to unite and immerse themselves in extraordinary automotive craftsmanship.
SMOOGE RACING IS A PREMIERE, CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING TEAM COMPETING IN MULTIPLE GT CHAMPIONSHIPS THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA - INCLUDING GT4 AMERICA AND THE TOYOTA GR CUP SERIES, PROVIDING AN UNPARALLELED PLATFORM FOR DRIVER DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER? CONTACT US TODAY AT SMOOGERACING.COM
SRO Motorsports America’s commitment to Esports is set to continue in 2024 with a greater integration between the competition on the virtual and real-world race tracks of North America’s premier GT racing championship. In partnership with industry-leading brands like Fanatec and Kunos Simulazioni, SRO America is set to continue its trailblazing role of utilizing Esports as a platform to connect with fans as well as to identify the motorsports stars of tomorrow
he SRO has long been a global leader in Esports within the motorsports space. Through Assetto Corsa Competizione, the groundbreaking official simulation developed by Kunoz Simulazioni and released to the public in 2019, race fans around the globe have been able to immerse themselves in the captivating world of professional GT racing like never before. Starting with a focus on the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, the simulation has seen numerous expansions over the years to include many of the cars, drivers, and tracks of the SRO’s North American championship, faithfully recreated with a stunning degree of realism.
2020 saw the creation of the first edition of SRO America’s Esports championship, #GTRivals, pitting the established drivers of the series against guest racers from other
disciplines and top sim racers that vied to qualify for a coveted chance to race against the real-world professionals. The success of #GTRivals led to a greater integration with the global SRO Esports championship in future seasons and generated a passionate community of racers of both the real-world and virtual variety.
In addition to creating a stronger bond between the passionate virtual racers and the real-world motorsports events they are simulating, Esports is a potential new avenue for talented drivers to enter the SRO ladder with a lower financial barrier
of entry than traditional racing. Pirelli GT4 America driver Bryan Heitkotter began his motorsports career by winning an Esports competition backed by Nissan over a decade ago, helping to prove the gamer-to-racer concept. Chances are, many of the motorsports stars of the future will get their start racing virtually long before they ever set foot in a real race car.
In 2024 Esports is a part of the training and preparation regimen for many professional drivers. For some, like Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS regular Daniel Morad, virtual racing is as
“In 2024 Esports is a part of the training and preparation regimen for many professional drivers.”
much a part of the job of being a professional racing driver as driving an actual Mercedes-AMG GT3 or GT4. Morad has been an official Mercedes-AMG sim racing driver alongside his role with the manufacturer in physical racing since 2021.
The lines between virtual and real have never been more blurred. The realism of modern simulator software like Assetto Corsa Competizione is now matched by the sophistication of the sim-racing hardware like wheels and pedals. In fact, when BMW was designing its all-new M4 GT3 and GT4 machines, the Bavarian marque turned to sim-racing equipment supplier Fanatec to create its steering wheel. The same steering wheel utilized in the BMW M4 GT3 and GT4 cars you see on the track is directly compatible with Fanatec’s direct-drive wheelbases available for anyone to purchase. It’s no wonder why so many professional drivers use Esports to stay sharp between races.
Follow Kevin Boehm on social media for a behind-the-scenes look into life as a
FANATEC is the leading dedicated sim racing hardware brand, including force feedback steering wheels, pedals, and complete cockpits for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-based racing simulators. Featuring enthusiast-grade equipment, built by sim racers, for sim racers designed and engineered in Germany. Fanatec racing simulation hardware is built to the highest standards so that you can perform at your best.
www.fanatec.com
CrowdStrike returns as the Official CyberSecurity Provider of SRO Motorsports America. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity technology company, is the leader in cloud-delivered endpoint protection. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform offes instant visibility and protection across the enterprise and prevents attacks on endpoints on or off he network.
www.crowdstrike.com
EBOOST provides clean performance products such as daily energy products, pre-workout and recovery - that increase energy, focus, and all-around well-being. Through its new partnership with SRO, EBOOST’s SUPER FUEL is a sparkling natural energy drink like no other, crafted with plant-based caffine and fortified with vitamins, minerals, nootropics, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Try one today at SRO’s Hospitality Center located in the SRO paddock.
www.eboost.com
Amazon Web Services (AWS), the new global presenting sponsor of Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS, continues to be the Official Cloud and Machine Learning Provider for SRO globally. AWS is a secure cloud services platform, offeing compute power, database storage, content delivery and other functionality to help businesses scale and grow. Explore how millions of customers are currently leveraging AWS cloud products and solutions to build sophisticated applications with increased flexibility, scalability and reliability.
www.aws.amazon.com
Pirelli’s motorsport excellence is based on a tradition of innovation and reliability in competition and is the number one tire choice for the world’s most exciting racing series. Pirelli has consolidated its position as the leading tire supplier to GT racing throughout the world with the arrival of the Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS: a global championship that brings together the SRO’s GT series in America, Europe and Asia. Pirelli is also headline sponsor of the new Pirelli GT4 America series: one of the fastest-growing categories in the series.
www.us.pirelli.com
ROWE offes a full range of products with a high vertical production range, always manufactured in audited sustainable processes. In addition to many motor oils and winter chemicals for many various types of vehicles, we also offer lubicants for a wide variety of other utilizations and applications. ROWE’s commitment to motorsport is not just simply about a passion for the sport or creating an image. Utilizing the “driving laboratory” enables ROWE to research new lubricants, optimizes formulations and thereby create what cannot be replicated in any laboratory in the world: the practical test implemented under extreme conditions.
www.rowe-oil.com
Since 1998, Pershing has been part of the Ferretti Group, world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels. Pershing is the utmost expression of performance, technology and innovation in the yachting world, matched with the very best of the Italian sense of style, beauty and luxury, evoking the constant search for more surprising designs, more sophisticated materials, and more elegant furnishings.
www.pershing-yacht.com
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies TOYOTA’s commitment to overcoming every limit to make “ever-better” cars. Motorsports initiatives have given Toyota broad perspective and deep experience, which the company has applied to the development of numerous production cars. Some of these model line-ups are ideally suited for passing on the special motorsports DNA, particularly Toyota’s GR Series such as GR COROLLA, GR SUPRA, and GR86. SRO America is excited to welcome Toyota as the O ff icial Vehicle for the 2023 season.
www.toyota.com/racing/tgrna
Stay Frosty® Race Ready coolant reduces engine temps by up to 30°F compared to conventional glycol-based coolants. Formulated for high-compression, high-heat racing engines and SRO America’s Official Coolant. Stay Frosty Race Ready racing coolant is 100% water-based and biodegradable, plus it provides greater advantages to just using water in the radiator.
www.vpracingfuels.com
Skip Barber Racing School is the premier racing school in North America, conducting racing schools, driving schools and corporate team building events at road racing tracks across the country including Lime Rock Park, Laguna Seca, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Road Atlanta, and Sebring International Raceway. Since 1983, the Skip Barber Racing School has trained over one-third of all Indy 500 competitors and one-quarter of the NASCAR Cup competitors. Skip Barber Racing alumni have won every major U.S. auto racing championship.
www.skipbarber.com
VP is now recognized by many as the world leader in race fuel technology, with a catalog of more than 80 fuel blends and a growing roster of VP-fueled champions across the entire spectrum of motorsports. VP Racing is the Official and Spec Fuel for all SRO America championships. The passion and dedication of VP’s development team to staying on the leading edge of technology is legendary. Most of VP’s employees are or have been racers in one form or another and are driven by the competitive will to win. Together, the VP team intends to solidify its position as the true World Leader in Race Fuel Technology for years to come.
www.vpracingfuels.com
OPTIMA Batteries, manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc., provides industry-leading batteries which represent premium performance. OPTIMA will continue to strengthen its position in the aftermarket performance automotive industry by maintaining the position of Official Battery of SRO Motorsports America series. OPTIMA Batteries will also continue to offer wards for all podium finishing teams.
www.optimabatteries.com
5.11 joins SRO America as the O ff icial Apparel Partner for GT World Challenge America. With off ices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready.
www.511tactical.com
Catch all the races streamed live for free at:
GTWorld
SROMotorsports
Plus, catch the broadcasts on MAVTV
*Check series websites for airing dates
Keep up to date on all the latest with your favorite series on our social channels:
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: @gtworldchallengeamerica
TWITTER: @gtworldcham
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: @gt_america
TWITTER: @gt_america_
FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER: @gt4america
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: @touringcaramerica
TWITTER: @tc_america
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: @officialgrcup
