GT World Challenge America: A Comprehensive Overview
GT World Challenge America is a prestigious North American auto racing series that has captivated motorsports enthusiasts since its inception in 1990. This series is a significant contributor to the global GT World Challenge championship.
Key Facts
- GT World Challenge America is a North American auto racing series that was launched in 1990 by the Sports Car Club of America.
- It is managed by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation since 2018 and sanctioned by the United States Auto Club since 2017.
- The series consists of four driver classifications and five classes of vehicles: GT3, GT4, Touring Car, TCR, TC, and TCA.
- The GT3 class features high-performance sports cars, while the GT4 class includes sports cars at a lower preparation level.
- The Touring Car class consists of TCR homologated cars, and the TC and TCA classes feature modified production vehicles.
- The series has undergone various changes and partnerships over the years, including sponsorships from Playboy and Escort radar detectors.
- In 2010, the series moved away from its partnership with SPEED and signed a broadcast partnership with Versus (now NBCSN) for coverage.
- The series has expanded to include SprintX classes, which feature two-driver sprint races, and regional series like GT4 East and GT4 West.
- The Stéphane Ratel Organisation became the majority shareholder of WC Vision LLC, the series’ owner, in 2018.
- In 2019, the series acquired a new title sponsor, and the GT Sprint Cup in Europe and GT Series Asia became the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe and Asia, respectively.
Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS:
- Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS is the premier North American GT series, contributing to the global GT World Challenge championship.
- The series focuses on upper echelon GT3 racing and features 90-minute double-header races over a three-day race weekend.
- CBS Sports broadcasts live and time-delayed coverage of each event, and all races are streamed live globally.
- The series also helps host prestigious GT races like the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli Indianapolis 8 Hours and the Total 24 Hours of Spa.
History and Evolution
The series was initially launched by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and has undergone various changes and partnerships throughout its history. In 2018, the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO) became the majority shareholder, and the United States Auto Club (USAC) has sanctioned the series since 2017.
Classes and Vehicles
GT World Challenge America features five classes of vehicles:
- GT3High-performance sports cars
- GT4Sports cars at a lower preparation level
- Touring Car (TCR)TCR homologated cars
- Touring Car (TC)Modified production vehicles
- Touring Car A (TCA)Modified production vehicles with emphasis on cost-effectiveness
Format and Regulations
The series consists of four driver classifications and a variety of race formats. The GT3 class features 90-minute double-header races over a three-day weekend. The series has also introduced SprintX classes, which involve two-driver sprint races.
Partnerships and Coverage
CBS Sports provides live and time-delayed coverage of each event, and all races are streamed live globally. The series collaborates with prestigious GT races such as the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli Indianapolis 8 Hours and the Total 24 Hours of Spa.
Conclusion
GT World Challenge America is a highly competitive and dynamic series that showcases the pinnacle of GT racing in North America. The series provides a platform for talented drivers and teams to compete in high-performance vehicles, attracting a passionate fan base. With its exciting race formats and global reach, GT World Challenge America continues to be a leading force in the world of motorsports.
References
- GT World Challenge America
- Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS
- Fanatec GT World Challenge America
FAQs
What is GT World Challenge America?
GT World Challenge America is a premier North American GT racing series that contributes to the global GT World Challenge championship.
What classes of vehicles compete in GT World Challenge America?
The series features five classes: GT3, GT4, Touring Car (TCR), Touring Car (TC), and Touring Car A (TCA).
What is the race format for GT World Challenge America?
The GT3 class races in 90-minute double-header races over a three-day weekend. Other classes may have different race formats, including SprintX races for two-driver teams.
Who broadcasts GT World Challenge America races?
CBS Sports provides live and time-delayed coverage of each event, and all races are streamed live globally.
What is the history of GT World Challenge America?
The series was launched in 1990 by the Sports Car Club of America and has undergone various changes and partnerships over the years. The Stéphane Ratel Organisation became the majority shareholder in 2018.
What are the eligibility requirements for drivers and teams in GT World Challenge America?
Drivers must hold a valid racing license and meet the requirements for their respective class. Teams must have the necessary equipment and personnel to compete safely and effectively.
What are the safety regulations for GT World Challenge America?
The series adheres to strict safety regulations, including vehicle inspections, driver training, and medical protocols.
What are the prize winnings and incentives for competing in GT World Challenge America?
The series offers prize money, points towards the championship standings, and other incentives for drivers and teams who perform well.