Round 5

Round 5 of the GT World Challenge America brings GT3 racing to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This event marks a significant change for the series with the introduction of a new three-hour race format, replacing the previous two 90-minute sprint races. The extended race length shifts the focus to strategy, pit stops, and driver management, aligning the American championship with global endurance racing traditions.

Race Format and Structure

The 2026 season introduces a single three-hour feature race at each event. Teams will navigate a 15-minute qualifying session to determine the starting grid. The race weekend includes three practice sessions, with an additional 30-minute session added to the schedule.

Pit stop regulations have evolved for the new format. Teams no longer face mandatory four-tire changes if they complete a stop without refueling. Full-service stops that include refueling will have a declared minimum time. Teams can perform driver changes, refueling, and tire changes simultaneously.

Drivers face a maximum stint length of 50 minutes, which can extend to 55 minutes during safety car periods or full course yellows. Championship points are awarded to the top ten positions, with drivers required to complete at least 40 minutes of racing time to earn points.

Pro-Am Class Requirements

In the Pro-Am class, the Bronze-rated amateur driver must qualify the car and start the race. This driver must also complete a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes during each three-hour race, ensuring substantial participation from both professional and amateur co-drivers.

Road America Circuit

Road America stretches 4.048 miles across 640 acres of park-like grounds. The circuit features 14 turns and maintains its original configuration from 1955, making it unique among North American permanent road courses. The track combines natural elevation changes with long straights where speeds approach 200 mph.

Key Track Sections

The Kink presents a high-speed challenge that tests driver commitment. The Carousel offers a long, sweeping right-hander that demands smooth inputs. Canada Corner provides a heavy braking zone where drivers frequently attempt overtaking maneuvers.

The facility accommodates over 150,000 spectators through grandstands and hillside seating areas. On-site camping is available with more than 1,000 sites. The venue earned the nickname "America's National Park of Speed" due to its natural setting and high-speed racing character.

Expected Participants

The 2026 GT World Challenge America season features global manufacturers competing with GT3 machinery. Expected brands include Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche.

Confirmed Teams for the 2026 Season

Rebel Rock Racing campaigns the No. 71 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO with Frank Depew and Robin Liddell. Random Vandals Racing fields the No. 99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Derek DeBoer and Hampus Ericsson. Turner Motorsport runs the No. 29 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley. Riley Motorsports operates the No. 14 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Slade Stewart and Andy Lee.

Chouest Povoledo Racing enters the No. 50 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R with Ross Chouest and Aaron Povoledo. AF Corse USA runs two entries: the No. 12 Ferrari 296 GT3 with Matias Perez Companc and Frederik Schandorff in the Pro class, and the No. 163 Ferrari 296 GT3 with Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri Jr. in the Am class.

Dollahite Racing competes with the No. 6 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO featuring Cameron Lawrence and Alex Sedgwick in the Pro class. Chicago Performance and Tuning fields the No. 64 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 with Mads Siljehaug and Nicolai Elghanayan, confirmed for Road America participation.

Archangel Motorsports enters the No. 69 McLaren 720S GT3 EVO with Todd Coleman and Aaron Telitz. JMF Motorsports operates two Mercedes-AMG entries: the No. 34 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Michai Stephens and Mikaël Grenier in the Pro class, and the No. 27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Jason Daskalos and Lorcan Hanafin in Pro-Am. TR3 Racing campaigns the No. 9 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Brayton Williams and Will Bamber. Lone Star Racing adds the No. 11 Mercedes-AMG GT3 to the grid.

McCann Racing runs the No. 8 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) with Michael McCann Jr. and Zachary Vanier in the Pro class. Kellymoss has three Pro-Am entries: No. 017 with John Gilliland and Colin Braun, No. 13 with Todd Parriott and Riley Dickinson, and No. 88 with Loek Hartog. Wright Motorsports fields two Pro-Am cars: No. 31 with Dave Musial Jr. and Ryan Yardley, and No. 242 with Therese Lahlouh and Thomas Merrill. RS1 and GMG Racing continue their participation, with GMG's No. 32 driven by Kyle Washington and Tom Sargent.

Technical Specifications

GT World Challenge America features GT3-class race cars. These vehicles are production-derived but heavily modified for competition. Pirelli serves as the official tire supplier for the series.

The three-hour race format emphasizes durability and strategic planning. Teams must balance speed with fuel consumption, tire management, and driver stint allocation. The removal of mandatory four-tire changes for non-refueling stops provides strategic flexibility.

Support Series

The weekend includes multiple racing series. GT America powered by AWS, the Toyota Gazoo Racing North America GR Cup Series, Pirelli GT4 America, McLaren Trophy America, and TC America powered by Skip Barber all compete alongside GT World Challenge America, creating an all-sportscar weekend.

Series History at Road America

GT World Challenge America and its predecessor series have raced at Road America since the early 1990s. The series competed at the circuit during 1991-1996, 1998, 2002-2004, 2006, 2008-2009, and continuously from 2014 onwards. Road America itself was established in 1955 by engineer Clif Tufte after public road racing in Elkhart Lake became impractical.

Global Championship Connection

GT World Challenge America connects to a global platform. Results contribute to the worldwide GT World Challenge powered by AWS championship, creating international manufacturer competition across multiple continents.

What Makes This Event Notable

The transition to a three-hour race format represents a major evolution for the series. This change has reportedly generated double the interest from competitors compared to previous seasons. The format emphasizes strategic depth and collaboration between co-drivers while showcasing the reliability of GT3 machinery.

Road America offers fans extensive viewing opportunities throughout the 640-acre facility. The circuit allows open seating across the grounds, giving spectators multiple vantage points to watch the race unfold. The natural terrain and park-like setting create a distinctive atmosphere among North American racing venues.

The fan-friendly environment extends beyond race day, with activities like car parades into Elkhart Lake before race weekends. The combination of high-speed GT3 racing, strategic endurance competition, and Road America's unique characteristics creates compelling racing action for both trackside attendees and remote viewers.