GT World Challenge America - Round 3 & 4

The GT World Challenge America brings Rounds 3 & 4 to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This premier sports car racing series showcases GT3-class race cars from ten different manufacturers competing on one of North America's most challenging tracks. The weekend features two 90-minute races with mandatory driver changes during pit stops.

Race Format and Competition

Each race at Circuit of the Americas runs for 90 minutes. Teams must complete a driver change during a mandatory pit stop. Professional and amateur drivers share the cockpit to navigate the demanding 3.426-mile circuit. The GT World Challenge America format tests both driver skill and team strategy across the race weekend.

Circuit of the Americas Details

Circuit of the Americas holds FIA Grade 1 status and spans 3.426 miles with 20 turns. The track runs counter-clockwise and features a dramatic 133-foot elevation change at Turn 1. This steep climb creates a prime overtaking zone and challenges drivers from the start.

Track Design and Layout

The circuit draws inspiration from famous racing venues worldwide. Turns 2 and 3 mirror the Senna 'S' at Interlagos in Brazil. Turns 4-6 pay homage to the Maggots, Becketts, and Chapel complex at Silverstone in England. This blend of international influences creates a unique testing ground for GT3 machinery.

Facility Features

The main grandstand accommodates approximately 9,000 spectators. A 251-foot observation tower provides panoramic views of the circuit. The facility also includes the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Circuit of the Americas sits about 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

Participating Manufacturers and Teams

The 2025 GT World Challenge America season features record participation from ten manufacturers. Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, and Porsche all field entries in the series. This diversity creates close competition across the GT3 class. Pirelli serves as the official tire supplier for all competitors.

Series Background

The Sports Car Club of America founded the series in 1990. The SRO Motorsports Group has managed the championship since 2018. The series adopted its current name, GT World Challenge America, in 2020 as part of a global branding initiative. The championship was formerly known as the Pirelli World Challenge. Results from GT World Challenge America contribute points to the global GT World Challenge manufacturers' standings.

Support Series

The race weekend at Circuit of the Americas includes multiple support series. Pirelli GT4 America, GT America, Toyota GR Cup North America, TC America, and McLaren Trophy America all compete alongside the main GT3 races. This variety provides continuous on-track action throughout the weekend.

What Makes This Event Special

Round 3 & 4 at Circuit of the Americas combines world-class GT3 racing with a venue that hosts Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The technical layout demands precision from drivers while the elevation changes add a physical challenge. The variety of manufacturers and the mix of professional and amateur drivers creates unpredictable racing. This combination delivers compelling sports car racing at one of North America's premier facilities.