GT4 America - Round 8 & 9

The Pirelli GT4 America series arrives at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for Round 8 & 9 of the 2026 season. This event pairs two 60-minute sprint races on one of America's most respected permanent road courses. GT4 America brings multi-class GT racing to the 4.048-mile circuit, featuring production-based sports cars from leading manufacturers.

Race Format for Round 8 & 9

Each round of GT4 America follows a sprint race format. The races last 60 minutes and require two-driver teams to complete a mandatory pit stop for driver changes. This format tests both driving skill and team strategy. The competition runs across three different classes on the same track, creating dense fields and close racing throughout each session.

Road America Circuit

Road America stretches 4.048 miles through 640 acres of rolling Wisconsin terrain. The track features 14 turns and significant elevation changes. The circuit layout dates back to 1955 and remains largely unchanged from its original design.

Track Characteristics

The circuit combines fast sweeping corners with technical sections. The front straight allows GT4 cars to reach high speeds before braking for Turn 1. Notable corners include the Kink, a fast left-hand bend taken at speed, and Canada Corner, a challenging right-hander. The FIA classifies Road America as a Grade Two circuit.

Spectator Facilities

The facility offers open seating policies across its grounds. Permanent hillside seating can accommodate over 150,000 spectators. Multiple viewing points provide different perspectives on the racing action. The track hosts over 400 events annually and draws more than 800,000 visitors each year.

Competing Classes

GT4 America divides competitors into three classes based on FIA driver rankings. Each class features distinct competition and strategy.

Silver Cup

Silver Cup pairs two Silver-ranked drivers together. These drivers often bring developing professional experience or strong amateur credentials. The class showcases pure driving ability without the Pro-Am dynamic.

Pro-Am Cup

Pro-Am Cup combines one professional driver with one amateur driver. This class tests how effectively the Pro can maximize the car's performance while the Am contributes consistent laps. Teams display black number panels.

Am Cup

Am Cup features two amateur-ranked drivers competing together. This class provides a dedicated competition for gentleman racers. Teams run red number panels for easy identification.

Technical Regulations

The SRO Motorsports Group oversees GT4 technical regulations globally. These rules create accessible racing for production-based sports cars.

Eligible Vehicles

GT4 cars must originate from road-legal production models. Manufacturers must produce a minimum quantity of each model. The 2026 season features GT4-homologated cars from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Toyota.

Balance of Performance

The Balance of Performance system levels competition between different car models. Organizers adjust factors like engine power, weight, and aerodynamic elements. This system ensures races are decided by driver skill and team strategy rather than technical advantages. BoP adjustments continue throughout the season to maintain competitive parity.

Aerodynamic and Weight Rules

Regulations permit specific aerodynamic elements including wings, splitters, and diffusers. Rules strictly control their dimensions and mounting locations. Each car model must meet minimum weight targets set through BoP calculations.

Tire Specifications

Pirelli serves as the official tire supplier for GT4 America. All competitors use the same tire specifications during race weekends.

Series Background

The GT4 America series launched in 2019 under SRO Motorsports Group management. The series evolved from the Pirelli World Challenge GTS class, which adopted SRO GT4 regulations in 2017. GT4 America serves as a development platform for drivers and teams aiming to progress through professional GT racing categories.

Road America Heritage

Sports car racing around Elkhart Lake began in the early 1950s on public roads. Local engineer Clif Tufte led the effort to build a dedicated racing facility after public road racing was prohibited. The circuit opened on September 10, 1955, hosting its first SCCA national race weekend. Road America has welcomed IndyCar, IMSA SportsCar Championship, and numerous SCCA events throughout its history.

What Makes This Event Notable

Round 8 & 9 at Road America combines the technical demands of GT4 competition with one of North America's most challenging circuits. The track's length and variety reward well-balanced cars and versatile drivers. The high-speed sections test vehicle setup while the technical corners demand precision. The mandatory pit stops and driver changes add strategic layers to each 60-minute race.

The multi-class format creates dynamic racing throughout the field. Silver Cup drivers push for outright pace, Pro-Am teams balance their driver lineups, and Am Cup competitors battle in their dedicated class. The circuit's flowing layout often produces close finishes and position changes.

Road America's natural setting and viewing options provide excellent conditions for following the action. The facility's economic impact exceeds $100 million annually, reflecting its importance to both motorsports and the regional community. The 2026 edition of Round 8 & 9 continues this tradition of professional GT racing at a premier American venue.