GT World Challenge America - Round 3

Round 3 of the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS takes place at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. This event represents a major change for the series, as it features the new three-hour race format that replaces the traditional two 90-minute sprint races. The weekend includes a debut three-hour night race on Saturday, marking the first time GT World Challenge America will compete under the lights at this historic circuit.

New Race Format for 2026

The GT World Challenge America has adopted a single three-hour race format for the 2026 season. This change emphasizes strategy, stamina, and teamwork. Teams must plan their pit stop strategies carefully, as the longer race distance creates more variables. The Sebring event features a three-hour night race, which adds an extra challenge for drivers and teams. Racing at night requires different setups and approaches compared to daytime competition.

The new pit stop regulations give teams more flexibility. Teams can choose how many pit stops to make, and they no longer must change all four tires during each stop. Stops without refueling have no minimum time requirement, while full-service stops with refueling have a declared minimum time. Drivers face a maximum stint length of 50 minutes, which can extend to 55 minutes during safety car periods.

About Sebring International Raceway

Sebring International Raceway stands as America's oldest permanent road racing circuit. The first race took place on New Year's Eve in 1950. The circuit measures 3.74 miles and features 17 turns. The track sits on grounds that once served as Hendricks Army Airfield, a World War II B-17 training base.

Circuit Characteristics

Sebring is known for its unique mixture of asphalt and concrete surfaces. The concrete sections create notoriously aggressive bumps that test car durability and driver endurance. The circuit combines long straights with high-speed corners and technical slower sections. This variety demands different strengths from both the GT3 cars and their drivers.

The track layout includes turns and points named after early teams and drivers from Sebring's rich history. The circuit occupies a portion of Sebring Regional Airport, which gives it a distinctive character. Elevated viewing mounds around the circuit provide excellent vantage points, and fans have complete access to the competitor paddock.

GT3 Competition

The GT World Challenge America championship is exclusively for GT3-class race cars. The 2026 season features manufacturers from around the globe. Confirmed marques include Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche.

Notable Entries

Rebel Rock Racing will campaign the new No. 71 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO with Robin Liddell and Frank Depew. BMW has a strong presence through multiple teams. Riley Motorsports fields the No. 14 "Sparklefarts" BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Slade Stewart and Andy Lee. Random Vandals Racing runs the No. 188 for Derek DeBoer and Hampus Ericsson. Turner Motorsport moves Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley to Pro class competition.

AF Corse USA enters two Ferrari 296 GT3s, including the No. 163 for defending Am class champions Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri. Dollahite Racing campaigns the Ford Mustang GT3. Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) machines come from McCann Racing with Michael McCann and Zachary Vanier, plus three entries from Kellymoss including Michael Clark and Colin Braun.

Driver Classes and Regulations

Competition takes place across Pro, Pro-Am, and Am classes. New regulations for 2026 require Driver 1 in the Pro-Am class to be the amateur Bronze-rated competitor. This driver must qualify and start the race. Bronze-rated drivers must complete a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes in each three-hour race.

Technical Details

Pirelli P Zero serves as the official tire supplier for the series. A sophisticated Balance of Performance framework ensures competitive parity among the various GT3 cars from different manufacturers. This system allows different brands to compete on equal terms despite their unique engineering approaches.

Teams can perform driver changes, refueling, and tire changes simultaneously during pit stops. The strategic element of the three-hour format allows teams to choose different approaches. Some may prioritize track position, while others focus on tire conservation or fuel strategy.

Supporting Championships

The weekend also features races from other SRO America championships. Pirelli GT4 America, GT America powered by AWS, and TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School all compete at Sebring. This creates a full weekend of racing action across multiple categories.

Historic Significance

Sebring International Raceway has hosted major motorsports events for over seven decades. The circuit is most famous for the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, which has run since 1952. This race has been part of major international sports car championships throughout its history.

The track hosted the United States Grand Prix in 1959 and has welcomed FIA GT and FIA WEC events. GT World Challenge America and its predecessors competed at Sebring from 2001-2009 and returned to the calendar from 2021 onwards. NASCAR, through IMSA Holdings, LLC, has owned Sebring Raceway since September 2012.

What Makes Sebring Special

The brutal and bumpy concrete sections at Sebring are legendary in motorsports. These surfaces severely test car durability and driver endurance. Some experts suggest that 12 hours of racing at Sebring is twice as demanding as 24 hours at Daytona or Le Mans.

Despite its challenging nature, Sebring is considered one of the most fan-friendly circuits globally. The track is nestled within central Florida's orange groves, creating a unique setting. The combination of historic significance, demanding layout, and accessible atmosphere makes Sebring a special venue on the GT World Challenge America calendar.

SRO Motorsports Group has managed GT World Challenge America since 2018, with sanctioning by the United States Auto Club (USAC) since 2017. The series continues to grow and evolve, with the 2026 season representing a significant new chapter through the three-hour race format. Round 3 at Sebring International Raceway promises competitive racing as teams and drivers adapt to the longer format and night racing conditions.