GT World Challenge America - Round 2

Round 2 of the GT World Challenge America comes to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for a major weekend of GT3 racing. This event marks an important chapter for the series as it adopts a new three-hour endurance race format. The shift from sprint races to endurance competition brings fresh challenges for teams and drivers at one of North America's premier road courses.

The New Endurance Format

The GT World Challenge America introduces a three-hour endurance race format for the season. This change emphasizes strategy, driver changes, fuel management, and pit stop execution. Teams must balance speed with consistency across the extended race distance. The format tests both car reliability and team coordination at Circuit of the Americas.

GT3 class cars from manufacturers including Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, and Porsche compete in the series. The GTA (GT Amateur) classification recognizes different driver skill levels within the competition.

Circuit of the Americas Details

Circuit of the Americas spans 3.426 miles with 20 turns in a counter-clockwise layout. The FIA Grade 1 facility features significant elevation changes, including a 133-foot hill at Turn 1. This opening corner provides a prime overtaking opportunity as drivers climb an 11% gradient.

The circuit combines fast, sweeping sections with tight, technical corners. The design draws inspiration from classic European road courses. The main grandstand accommodates approximately 9,000 spectators, while a 251-foot observation tower offers views across the facility.

Track Challenge for GT3 Cars

The varied corner types at Circuit of the Americas test different aspects of GT3 car performance. High-speed sections demand aerodynamic efficiency and power. Technical corners require precise handling and brake stability. The elevation changes add another layer of complexity for suspension setup and driver approach.

GT3 Technical Specifications

GT3 race cars produce between 500 and 600 horsepower. These purpose-built competition vehicles use rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems. Forced induction appears on cars equipped with it from the factory or where the series permits it to meet power targets.

Pirelli P Zero serves as the official tire supplier for the series. Vehicle weight varies based on power output and tire size. The SRO Motorsports Group sets technical regulations that govern car specifications. Eligible body styles include coupes, sedans, and convertibles.

Support Race Program

The weekend features multiple racing series alongside GT World Challenge America Round 2. Pirelli GT4 America hosts its "Lone Star Enduro," a three-hour race for GT4 specification cars. GT America powered by AWS includes a new Cup class for one-make racers from Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, and Ferrari Challenge. Toyota GR Cup North America and TC America complete the on-track program.

Fan Access and Experience

SRO America operates an open paddock policy at Circuit of the Americas. Fans can visit the garage area to see teams at work. The fan zone, autograph sessions, and grid walks provide direct interaction with drivers and crews. This access level distinguishes GT World Challenge America from many other professional racing series.

The Germania Insurance Amphitheater at the facility hosts additional activities throughout the weekend. The observation tower gives fans a unique perspective on race action across the entire circuit layout.

Series Background

GT World Challenge America operates under SRO Motorsports Group management and United States Auto Club sanctioning. The series represents the North American component of the global GT World Challenge championship. Competition at Circuit of the Americas has been part of the series schedule since 2013, establishing a strong connection between the event and the Austin venue.

The three-hour endurance format brings GT World Challenge America closer in character to international GT racing standards. Teams must plan driver lineups, manage tire wear across longer stints, and execute flawless pit stops. Round 2 at Circuit of the Americas offers teams an early-season test of their endurance racing capabilities on a challenging circuit that rewards both car performance and strategic thinking.