GT4 America - Round 8 & 9

Round 8 & 9 of the GT4 America series takes place at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This weekend of racing brings GT4-homologated machines from manufacturers including Aston Martin, BMW, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Toyota, and Ford to one of America's most respected racing circuits. The Pirelli GT4 America series features a sprint race format where two drivers share each car over 60-minute races, with mandatory driver changes adding strategic depth to the competition.

GT4 America Series Format

The series divides competitors into three classes based on driver ratings. The Pro-Am class pairs one professional driver with one amateur driver. The Silver class features two amateur drivers with higher skill ratings. The Am class includes two amateur drivers. Color-coded number decals help distinguish each class, with silver for Silver class, blue for Pro-Am, and yellow for Am class.

Teams must manage tire performance and fuel strategy throughout each 60-minute race. The mandatory driver change adds another layer of complexity as teams work to minimize time lost during the switch. Each manufacturer brings different drivetrains, chassis styles, and aerodynamic packages to the grid, creating diverse racing dynamics.

Road America Circuit

Road America stands as one of the premier racing facilities in North America. The circuit measures 4.048 miles with 14 turns and has maintained its original configuration since 1955. Located on Wisconsin Highway 67, the track sits halfway between Milwaukee and Green Bay on 640 acres of terrain.

Circuit Characteristics

The front straight stretches 4,400 feet, allowing cars to approach 200 mph before braking. The track includes significant elevation changes across 150 feet of rolling hills. Technical corners challenge drivers throughout the lap. The Kink, a high-speed double-apex corner, tests driver skill and car setup at some of the highest speeds on the circuit.

Road America holds an FIA Grade Two rating and is often called "America's National Park of Speed." The facility also includes the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex for karting and Supermoto club racing.

Spectator Experience

The facility offers open seating that allows fans to explore the grounds freely. Grandstands and natural hillside viewing areas provide views of different sections of the track. The 640-acre property can accommodate crowds of more than 150,000 people.

Teams and Competitors

Teams competing in the 2025 GT4 America season include Skip Barber Racing, JMF Motorsports, Archangel Motorsports, Heart of Racing Team, Fast Track Racing, Blackdog Racing, BimmerWorld, Auto Technic Racing, Random Vandals Racing, and Rigid Speed Company. Drivers such as Alex Garcia, Michael Garcia, Hannah Grisham, Hannah Greenemeier, Tony Gaples, Michael Cooper, James Clay, and Charlie Postins represent the competitive field.

Technical Regulations

All cars competing at Road America meet GT4 homologation standards. Teams operate under consistent technical regulations across all classes. The variety of manufacturers ensures different approaches to performance, with each brand bringing unique engineering solutions to the track.

GT4 America contributes to the Global GT4 Manufacturers Championship, adding international significance to the series. The championship structure rewards consistent performance across multiple rounds.

Road America History

Road racing near Elkhart Lake began on public roads in the late 1940s and early 1950s. When racing on public roads was banned, Clif Tufte organized a group to build a permanent racecourse. The facility opened in 1955, with the first SCCA National race weekend held on September 10, 1955.

The 4.048-mile, 14-turn layout remains virtually unchanged from its original design. This preservation makes Road America one of the few road circuits worldwide that maintains its original configuration. The facility has hosted various racing series including IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, and MotoAmerica throughout its history.

What Makes This Event Notable

The combination of GT4 America's competitive sprint format and Road America's demanding layout creates compelling racing. The track's long straights reward horsepower, while the technical sections favor handling and driver precision. The elevation changes and high-speed corners provide multiple opportunities for overtaking.

The GT4 America series has grown substantially, attracting professional and amateur drivers to close competition. The diversity of manufacturers and team strategies ensures varied racing throughout each session. Road America's facilities and natural setting provide an appealing venue for both competitors and spectators.

Rounds 8 & 9 represent an important stop in the GT4 America championship, with teams battling for class victories and championship points across both races. The double-header format means teams must maintain performance and reliability across multiple sessions.