GT World Challenge America - Round 1

The GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS opens its season at Sonoma Raceway in California. Round 1 brings GT3 racing to one of North America's most technical road courses. The series introduces a significant format change for this season, replacing the previous two-race weekend structure with a single 3-hour endurance race.

New Race Format for the Season Opener

The gt-world-challenge-america series adopts a 3-hour race format this season. This represents a shift from the earlier sprint race approach. Teams and drivers will need to manage strategy, tire wear, and fuel consumption over the extended distance. The longer format adds complexity to pit stop strategy and driver changes.

The Sonoma Raceway Circuit

Sonoma Raceway presents a demanding test for GT3 machinery. The 2.52-mile road course features 12 turns and more than 160 feet of elevation change from its highest to lowest points. This creates unique challenges for car setup and driver skill.

Track Characteristics

The circuit combines high-speed sections with tight technical corners. The Carousel stands out as a notable banked turn that requires precise entry and exit speeds. Drivers face a mix of uphill and downhill braking zones throughout the lap. The track's layout demands strong mechanical grip and balanced aerodynamics.

Sonoma Raceway holds FIA Grade 2 certification and sits on approximately 1,600 acres. The facility offers permanent seating for 44,000 spectators. The venue is located about an hour north of San Francisco in California's wine country.

GT3 Cars and Competition Classes

GT World Challenge America features purpose-built GT3 race cars. These machines produce between 500 and 600 horsepower and comply with FIA GT3 regulations. The cars represent production-based models that have been modified for racing.

Participating Manufacturers

The grid includes entries from Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, BMW, Porsche, Aston Martin, McLaren, Chevrolet, and Ford. Each manufacturer brings different strengths to the circuit. Some cars favor high-speed stability while others excel in slower technical sections.

Driver Classes

The series runs multiple classes including Pro-Am combinations. Pro-Am entries require an amateur driver to start the race and complete a minimum driving time. This format provides opportunities for diverse driver lineups and adds strategic elements to the competition.

Weekend Schedule and Support Races

The Sonoma Raceway weekend includes several support series. GT America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America powered by Skip Barber, Toyota GR Cup North America, and McLaren Trophy America all compete during the event. This creates three days of continuous racing action across different vehicle categories.

Fan Access and Viewing Options

The event features autograph sessions with drivers and teams. Interactive fan zone displays provide closer access to the cars and technology. Spectators can explore the paddock area and view team operations between sessions.

Live coverage streams on the SRO GT World YouTube channel and SRO Motorsports Twitch channel. MAVTV provides live terrestrial television coverage across the United States. Multiple viewing options ensure fans can follow the race from various platforms.

Teams to Watch

Expected competitors include AF Corse, Archangel Motorsports, Dollahite Racing, Racers Edge Motorsports, and The Heart of Racing Team. These organizations bring professional operations and experienced driver lineups. Team strategies will play a crucial role in the 3-hour race format.

Circuit History and Legacy

The raceway opened in 1968 as Sears Point Raceway. Robert Marshall Jr. and Jim Coleman built the original facility on 720 acres. The track has hosted various racing series including NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA drag racing, and sports car championships over its history. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. acquired the venue in 1996 and implemented major renovations.

The facility has operated under several names including Infineon Raceway before adopting its current Sonoma Raceway designation. The track continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation as a driver's circuit.

What Makes This Round 1 Race Special

Sonoma Raceway's technical nature creates close competition. The elevation changes and corner variety prevent any single car from dominating every section. Weather conditions can shift during the race, adding another variable to team strategies. The 3-hour distance tests both equipment reliability and driver consistency.

The season opener establishes early championship points and sets the tone for the remainder of the campaign. Teams arrive with fresh equipment and new developments from the off-season. This race often produces surprising results as competitors learn the new season's competitive balance.

The California location provides an ideal setting for the opening round. Mild weather conditions typically prevail, allowing teams to focus on performance rather than extreme temperature management. The surrounding wine country offers a distinctive backdrop for sports car racing.