GT4 America - Round 3

Round 3 of the GT4 America Series takes place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This race weekend features two 60-minute sprint races with two-driver entries competing across Pro-Am, Silver, and Am classes. The event also includes support races from the TC America Series and GT America Series.

About Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas is located just 20 minutes from downtown Austin. The facility opened in October 2012 as the first circuit in the United States built specifically for Formula One racing. The track measures 3.426 miles in length and features 20 turns in a counter-clockwise direction.

The circuit showcases a dramatic 133-foot elevation change at Turn 1, known as "Big Red." This corner presents a significant challenge for drivers as they climb the steep hill. The track design draws inspiration from famous racing circuits around the world, including elements similar to Silverstone's technical sections.

The main grandstand can accommodate approximately 9,000 spectators, with total venue capacity reaching 120,000. Tavo Hellmund, Kevin Schwantz, and Hermann Tilke collaborated on the circuit design to create a venue that tests driver skill and car performance.

GT4 America Series Overview

The GT4 America Series evolved from the Pirelli World Challenge series GTS class. SRO Motorsports Group took control in 2018 and relaunched the series under its current name. The series features production-based sports cars modified to GT4 specifications, providing competitive racing with balanced performance across multiple manufacturers.

Technical Specifications

GT4 cars produce approximately 450 horsepower and weigh about 1,500 kilograms. The Royal Automobile Club Belgium handles homologation for GT4 vehicles, while SRO manages Balance of Performance adjustments to ensure fair competition between different manufacturers.

Expected Participants

The series attracts entries from manufacturers including Aston Martin, BMW, McLaren, Mercedes, Porsche, and Toyota. Teams field professional and amateur drivers in various class configurations. The GT America series has introduced a format that allows two drivers to share a single car, expanding participation options.

Race Format and Competition

Each GT4 America race weekend typically includes two separate 60-minute races. Driver pairs share duties behind the wheel, with mandatory pit stops for driver changes. The three-class structure separates competitors based on driver experience and rating, creating multiple championship battles within each race.

Pro-Am pairs professional drivers with skilled amateurs. The Silver class features emerging talent with specific age and experience requirements. Am class competitors are amateur drivers who bring their passion for sports car racing to professional-level competition.

What Makes This Event Notable

Circuit of the Americas presents unique challenges for GT4 teams. The combination of high-speed sections, technical corners, and significant elevation changes tests both driver ability and car setup. Turn 11, nicknamed the "Bobby Pin" after COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein, requires precision and confidence.

The venue has hosted major racing series including Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, and IMSA since opening. This racing heritage creates an atmosphere that appeals to competitors and fans of sports car racing.

Round 3 at Circuit of the Americas offers close competition across all three classes. The 20-turn layout provides multiple opportunities for overtaking, and the double-header format means teams must balance performance across both races. The Texas venue continues to serve as an important stop in the GT4 America championship.