Indianapolis 8 Hour Test Session 2

The Indianapolis 8 Hour Test Session 2 forms part of the preparation activities for the Indianapolis 8 Hour Presented by AWS, which serves as the finale of the 2026 Intercontinental GT Challenge season. This test session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides teams and drivers with essential track time on the infield road course before the main eight-hour endurance race. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts this important testing opportunity for GT3 teams competing in both the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli and GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.

The Indianapolis 8 Hour at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis 8 Hour stands as the fifth and final round of the 2026 Intercontinental GT Challenge season. This endurance race brings together international GT3 teams for eight hours of competition on one of the most famous racing venues in the world. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana, provides a unique challenge with its combination of oval and infield road course sections.

The race weekend features exclusively GT3-specification cars. Teams from across North America and around the globe compete for championship honors in both the Intercontinental GT Challenge and GT World Challenge America series. The event concludes both championships, often determining final standings across multiple categories.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Circuit Details

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield road course measures 3.925 kilometers (2.439 miles) in length. The circuit features 15 turns and incorporates a section of the legendary oval track. This FIA Grade 1 facility holds a permanent seating capacity exceeding 250,000 spectators, making it one of the largest sporting venues globally.

The track layout presents unique challenges for GT3 cars. Drivers navigate tight infield sections before experiencing the banked oval portion. The famous "Yard of Bricks" at the start/finish line remains from the original brick surface, representing over a century of racing heritage at this venue.

Track Characteristics

The circuit configuration demands versatile car setups. Teams must balance performance requirements for the tight, technical infield sections with the high-speed oval portions. The varying surface conditions and elevation changes across the 2.439-mile layout test both car and driver capabilities throughout the eight-hour duration.

GT3 Competition Format

The Indianapolis 8 Hour Test Session 2 prepares teams for the GT3-only competition format. GT World Challenge America entrants typically field three drivers per car for this longest race of their season. Teams competing for Intercontinental GT Challenge points may field up to two Gold or Platinum ranked drivers alongside their lineups.

Multiple manufacturers participate in the competition. Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG, McLaren, and Porsche have fielded entries in this event. The diverse manufacturer representation creates close competition throughout the field.

Balance of Performance

The Intercontinental GT Challenge applies Balance of Performance regulations to ensure competitive parity among different GT3 models. Officials adjust power output, minimum weight, and aerodynamic configurations to level the playing field. This system allows different manufacturers to compete on equal terms despite varying car designs and specifications.

GT3 Technical Specifications

GT3 cars derive from production road cars but feature substantial modifications for racing. These vehicles weigh between 1,200 and 1,300 kilograms and produce 500 to 600 horsepower from their engines. Advanced aerodynamic packages, upgraded suspension systems, and comprehensive safety equipment distinguish these race cars from their road-going counterparts.

All GT3 cars feature anti-lock braking systems and traction control. Integrated air jacks enable rapid tire changes during pit stops. Pirelli supplies the control tires for all Intercontinental GT Challenge competitors, ensuring consistent performance parameters across the field.

Event History and Development

The Indianapolis 8 Hour debuted in 2026 marks the seventh running of this endurance race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event began in 2020 as the first endurance sports car race at this venue. It replaced the California 8 Hours at Laguna Seca as the United States representative in the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

The race format evolved since its inception. Initially open to both GT3 and GT4 classes, the event became GT3-exclusive in 2022. That same year, GT World Challenge America competitors began scoring points for the full eight hours rather than just the first three hours of the race.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway earned its reputation as "The Racing Capital of the World" through decades of motorsport competition. The venue hosts the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR events alongside the Indianapolis 8 Hour. The addition of the Intercontinental GT Challenge round expanded the track's diverse racing portfolio and brought international GT3 competition to this historic facility.