GT World Challenge America - Round 1 & 2

The GT World Challenge America powered by AWS brings Rounds 1 & 2 to Sonoma Raceway in California. This season opener features two 90-minute races with GT3-class race cars competing across Pro, Pro-Am, and Am classes. The event runs alongside GT America, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America, Toyota GR Cup North America, and McLaren Trophy America series. Sonoma Raceway hosts the opening round of the 2025 GT World Challenge America season with 19 cars expected on the grid.

The Circuit at Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway sits in Sonoma, California, approximately one hour north of San Francisco. The facility spans 1,600 acres at 29355 Arnold Drive. The road course measures 2.52 miles in length and contains 12 turns. The asphalt surface challenges drivers with elevation changes and technical corner sequences. The track capacity accommodates up to 44,000 spectators.

The circuit features multiple configurations. The full road course includes the Carousel, a long banked turn that tests car setup and driver skill. The facility also operates a drag strip and NASCAR layout. The NASCAR configuration runs 1.99 miles and bypasses turns five and six with a straight section called the Chute.

Competitors and Teams

The 2025 season opener at Sonoma Raceway expects 38 drivers representing 17 teams. Eight manufacturers compete in the GT World Challenge America: Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. The Ford Mustang GT3 makes its series debut this season.

Team Lineups

Racers Edge Motorsports fields the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with Jason Bell and Michael Cooper. Heart of Racing Team runs Gray Newell and Darren Turner in the Vantage GT3 EVO. Random Vandals Racing operates two BMW M4 GT3 entries with Varun Choksey and Bill Auberlen in one car, plus Kenton Koch and Connor De Phillippi in another.

DXDT Racing brings Blake McDonald and Matt Bell in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Chouest Povoledo Racing runs Ross Chouest and Aaron Povoledo in a second Corvette entry. AF Corse fields two Ferrari 296 GT3 machines with Marcelo Hahn and Allam Khodair in one, and Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri in the other.

Dollahite Racing campaigns the Ford Mustang GT3 with Scott Dollahite and Anthony Lazzaro. Archangel Motorsports runs Todd Coleman and Aaron Telitz in the McLaren 720S GT3 EVO. Mercedes-AMG has three entries from JMF Motorsports, CRP Racing, and Regulator Racing. Porsche representation includes RS1, LAB Motorsport by GT Racing, and GMG Racing.

GT3 Technical Specifications

GT World Challenge America uses GT3-class race cars exclusively. These machines produce between 500 and 600 horsepower. The regulations permit coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles. Most cars feature rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. The series emphasizes manufacturer competition, with all entries scoring points for the global GT World Challenge Manufacturers' Championship.

Racing Heritage

Sonoma Raceway opened in 1968 as Sears Point Raceway. The facility was originally part of a planned resort complex. The track has hosted NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA events throughout its history. Sonoma Raceway remains the only NASCAR venue in Northern California.

The GT World Challenge America series traces its roots to 1990 as Pirelli World Challenge. SRO Motorsports Group assumed management in 2018. The series serves as the premier North American GT championship and contributes to the global GT World Challenge points structure.

Event Experience

The Sonoma Raceway venue sits in California wine country. Fans can access the paddock area and meet drivers throughout the race weekend. The event includes fan zone activities and opportunities to view the cars up close. The multi-series format provides varied racing action across different vehicle classes.

Round 1 and Round 2 of the GT World Challenge America at Sonoma Raceway showcase professional GT racing with factory-supported teams. The California location offers a scenic backdrop for the season opener. The race weekend delivers competitive GT3 racing with multiple manufacturers vying for championship points from the first races of the season.