GT World Challenge America - Round 3

Round 3 of the GT World Challenge America takes place at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. This historic circuit hosts GT3-class competition with professional and amateur drivers competing across multiple teams. The 2026 season introduces a new 3-hour race format that replaces the previous two 90-minute races. The weekend features a 3-hour night race on Saturday, marking the first time this format appears at Sebring for this series.

Race Format and Competition

The GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS brings GT3-spec race cars to the 3.74-mile Sebring circuit. Teams and drivers face strategic decisions throughout the 3-hour race distance. The format emphasizes race craft, pit strategy, and teamwork. Cars produce between 500 and 600 horsepower, with manufacturers including Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche represented in the series.

Sebring International Raceway Circuit Details

Sebring International Raceway sits in Central Florida, approximately 70 miles from Orlando and Tampa. The track measures 3.74 miles with 17 turns. The surface combines 3.04 miles of asphalt with 0.7 miles of concrete. The front straight uses the original concrete poured in 1941, creating a unique and challenging surface for modern race cars.

Track Characteristics

The circuit features long straights, high-speed corners, and technical slow-speed sections. Turn 17 stands out as a fast, bumpy right-hander that tests both car and driver. The track surface remains notably rough and bumpy throughout, demanding careful suspension setup and driver precision. Three configurations exist at the facility: the Full Circuit, Short Circuit, and Club Circuit.

Technical Specifications

GT3-class cars compete with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems. The vehicles represent sports cars, sport-touring models, and performance variants of luxury automobiles. Forced induction appears on cars that use it from the factory or when the series determines it necessary to reach target power levels. All competitors use Pirelli P Zero tires. The cars feature coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles.

Fan Experience at Sebring

Sebring International Raceway offers paddock access to all spectators. Fans can view the teams, cars, and drivers up close throughout the race weekend. The facility operates more than 300 days per year, demonstrating its active role in motorsports. Tickets are available for purchase, and the circuit maintains its reputation as a fan-friendly venue.

Support Series

The race weekend includes multiple series beyond the GT World Challenge America. Pirelli GT4 America, GT America, Toyota GR Cup North America, TC America, and McLaren Trophy America may appear on the schedule. GT4 America uses a two-driver, pro-am format with teams combining professional and amateur talent.

Historic Background

Sebring International Raceway stands as North America's oldest permanent road racing facility, established in 1950. The track originated from Hendricks Field, a World War II airbase that trained B-17 pilots. The first race, the Sam Collier 6-Hour Memorial Race, took place on December 31, 1950. The first 12 Hours of Sebring race occurred on March 15, 1952. Sebring hosted the first Formula One race in the United States in December 1959.

Track Evolution

The circuit has undergone several modifications over the decades to improve safety and allow simultaneous use of the track and airport runways. The facility continues to use portions of the original airfield infrastructure. USA Today named Sebring one of the world's ten best auto races.

What to Expect from Round 3

The night race format brings new challenges to GT World Challenge America competition. Teams must adapt to changing track conditions as temperatures drop and visibility changes. The 3-hour distance requires at least one pit stop for fuel and tires, creating opportunities for strategic variation. The rough Sebring surface adds another variable, as teams balance car setup between speed and durability.

GT3 racing at Sebring combines professional driving talent with the demands of one of racing's most challenging circuits. The bumpy surface and long straights create close competition across different car makes and models. Balance of Performance regulations aim to keep multiple manufacturers competitive throughout the race.