GT World Challenge America - Round 4

Round 4 of the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS takes place at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia. This race marks an important moment for the series, as Road Atlanta returns to the GT World Challenge America schedule for the first time since 2011. The event brings premier GT3 racing back to this classic facility located about 35 miles north of Atlanta.

Race Format and Structure

The GT World Challenge America introduces a new format for the season. Each race weekend features a single three-hour endurance race instead of the previous two 90-minute sprint races. This change applies to all events except the Indianapolis 8 Hour. The extended race distance tests both driver skill and team strategy over a longer period.

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta presents a challenging 2.54-mile course with 12 turns. The track opened in 1970 and has built a reputation for its demanding layout. IMSA Holdings, LLC owns the facility, which also hosts Petit Le Mans and various other racing events throughout the year.

Track Characteristics

The circuit features significant elevation changes that create a dynamic racing environment. Drivers navigate through the famous "esses" between turns three and five, which require precise car control. Turn 12 stands out as a downhill, diving corner that challenges braking and turn-in points. The track underwent modifications in 1996 when a chicane replaced the original "Dip" at the end of the back straight.

Facility Features

The track includes modern pit and paddock areas that support professional racing operations. A 10,000-seat terrace surrounds Turn 10, offering views of one of the circuit's key corners. The Michelin Tower rises five stories and contains suites, hospitality spaces, a media center, and a rooftop deck. Families find the facility welcoming, with free admission for children 12 and under.

Competition and Participants

GT World Challenge America features GT3-class race cars from multiple manufacturers. The series welcomes entries from Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, and Porsche. Teams and drivers compete in various classes, including the returning Pro-pairing class. The series remains open to manufacturers, their teams, and qualified drivers who meet the championship's requirements.

Technical Specifications

GT3 cars form the core of the championship. These vehicles represent modified versions of sports cars, sport-touring cars, and performance luxury vehicles. The regulations permit coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles. Power output ranges from 500 to 600 horsepower, with forced induction allowed on appropriate models. All cars use rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems. Weight specifications vary based on power output and tire size. Pirelli P Zero tires serve as the official tire supplier for all competitors.

Series Background

The Sports Car Club of America created the series in 1990. The SRO Motorsports Group assumed management in 2018 and rebranded the championship as GT World Challenge America in 2020. The United States Auto Club provides sanctioning. The series connects to the global GT World Challenge championship, creating an international network of GT3 racing. MAV TV broadcasts races live and on delay, while global streaming reaches fans worldwide.

What Makes This Event Special

Road Atlanta's return to GT World Challenge America after a 15-year absence brings renewed attention to this classic venue. The track's elevation changes and technical corners create different racing dynamics compared to flatter circuits on the schedule. The three-hour race format allows for varied pit strategies and driver changes, adding strategic depth. The combination of GT3 machinery and Road Atlanta's demanding layout produces close competition across all classes. This round of the championship offers teams and drivers a unique test of speed, endurance, and racecraft on one of North America's most respected road courses.