GT World Challenge America - Round 7

Round 7 of the GT World Challenge America arrives at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 8 Hour. This endurance race brings GT3 competition to one of motorsports' most recognized venues. The event features multiple racing series competing on the same weekend, with GT World Challenge America serving as the headliner alongside Intercontinental GT Challenge competition.

Race Format and Series

The Indianapolis 8 Hour stands apart from other rounds in the GT World Challenge America season. While the series transitions to a three-hour endurance format for most events in 2026, Indianapolis maintains its traditional eight-hour race distance. This extended format tests both driver stamina and team strategy over a full day of competition.

The weekend includes several support series. Pirelli GT4 America, GT America, TC America, Toyota GR Cup North America, and McLaren Trophy America all compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the same event weekend.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course

The race takes place on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course configuration. This layout measures 2.605 miles and incorporates 16 turns. The track combines sections of the famous oval with the infield road course, creating a unique challenge for GT3 machinery.

The surface consists of asphalt with a historic section of original bricks remaining at the start/finish line. This yard of bricks gives the facility its "Brickyard" nickname. Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds the distinction of being the world's highest-capacity sports venue, with permanent seating for over 257,000 spectators and total capacity approaching 400,000 when infield areas are included.

Competition Classes and Technical Specifications

GT World Challenge America competition divides into three classes: Pro, Pro-Am, and Am. These classifications separate professional drivers from amateur competitors, creating multiple battles within the same race.

GT3 Race Cars

The series features GT3-specification race cars based on production sports cars, sport-touring vehicles, and performance luxury models. Manufacturers prepare these vehicles in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles. All cars use rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

Power output ranges from 500 to 600 horsepower. Forced induction is permitted on vehicles that feature this technology in production form or when series organizers determine additional power is needed to reach competitive targets. Pirelli P Zero tires serve as the spec tire for all competitors.

Teams and Manufacturers

GT World Challenge America attracts international racing teams and factory-supported programs. The series features GT3 machinery from multiple manufacturers. Recent grids have included entries from Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Nissan, and Porsche.

The Indianapolis 8 Hour draws additional international entries due to its status as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. This brings factory teams and professional driver lineups to compete alongside the regular GT World Challenge America participants.

Series Background

GT World Challenge America launched in 1990 under Sports Car Club of America management. The series has operated under SRO Motorsports Group direction since 2018, with sanctioning from the United States Auto Club beginning in 2017. The series adopted its current name in 2020 after previous identities including Pirelli World Challenge and Blancpain GT Series America.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Experience

Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909 and became the first racing facility to use "Speedway" in its name. The venue includes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum on its grounds, housing a collection of historic race cars and Indianapolis 500-winning machines.

The facility also features Brickyard Crossing Golf Resort, with four holes located within the oval's infield. Indianapolis Motor Speedway stands as one of only three tracks worldwide to host races that form part of the Triple Crown of Motorsports.

Round 7 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway represents a significant test for GT World Challenge America competitors. The eight-hour format demands consistent performance from drivers, cars, and pit crews throughout the race distance. Multiple manufacturers and racing teams will compete for victory on this historic circuit.