TC America - Round 3

Round 3 of the TC America championship takes place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This race weekend features production-based touring cars competing on one of North America's premier racing facilities. The Circuit of the Americas offers a challenging 3.41-mile circuit with 20 turns and 133 feet of elevation change, providing a true test for teams and drivers in the series.

About the Race Format

TC America competitors participate in two 35-minute sprint races during the weekend at Circuit of the Americas. This format rewards consistent performance and quick decision-making. Every lap matters as drivers push their touring cars through the technical sections and fast straights of this world-class circuit.

The series features a single TC class that includes multiple manufacturers. Drivers compete in production-based cars from brands like Acura, BMW, Hyundai, Mazda, MINI, and Toyota. Balance of Performance adjustments ensure close competition across different makes and models.

The Circuit

Circuit of the Americas holds FIA Grade 1 certification and was the first circuit in the United States purpose-built for Formula One. The track runs counterclockwise and incorporates design elements from famous circuits around the globe.

Track Characteristics

The circuit challenges drivers with a mix of high-speed sections, technical corners, and significant elevation changes. The steep climb from the start line to Turn 1 creates drama as drivers jostle for position. The varied corner combinations require teams to find the right setup balance for their touring cars.

Key Circuit Features

Turn 1, known as "Big Red," presents a blind hairpin at the top of a steep climb. This corner often produces close racing action as drivers arrive after the start or restart. Turns 2-3 mirror the layout of the Senna 'S' at Interlagos. Turns 4-6 replicate the Maggots-Becketts-Chapel sequence from Silverstone. The circuit also includes sections inspired by Hockenheim's stadium area and a carousel section around the Observation Tower.

The Competition

Participants and Teams

TC America serves as a development platform for drivers building their racing careers. Many current GT3 and GT4 competitors started in TC America. The series attracts teams running cars from manufacturers including Audi Sport, BMW Motorsports, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, MINI, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

The diverse field ensures close competition as different car models battle for position. Teams work to maximize their package through setup adjustments and driver coaching throughout the weekend at Circuit of the Americas.

Technical Regulations

TC America cars begin as production vehicles that teams modify for competition. The series maintains Balance of Performance regulations to equalize performance across different manufacturers. These adjustments help create level competition where driver skill and team execution determine results.

Series Background

The TC America Series began in 2019 when touring car classes separated from the Pirelli World Challenge. The series carries forward the World Challenge racing heritage from the 1990s. TC America provides a home for cars that compete in touring car categories, offering teams and drivers a professional racing environment with manageable costs.

The Venue Experience

Circuit of the Americas features a Main Grandstand on the start/finish straight with capacity for approximately 9,000 spectators. The facility includes a 251-foot Observation Tower that provides views across the circuit and downtown Austin. The Germania Insurance Amphitheater hosts entertainment events throughout the year.

The circuit contributes nearly $1 billion in economic impact to Central Texas and hosts major racing series including Formula 1, MotoGP, and NASCAR. Additional attractions include COTA Karting and a zipline over Turn 1. Racing legend Mario Andretti completed the first lap of the finished circuit.

Round 3 at Circuit of the Americas promises close racing as TC America teams and drivers tackle this demanding circuit. The combination of technical corner sequences, elevation changes, and multiple racing lines creates opportunities for position changes throughout each race. Fans can expect to see touring car racing at its finest on this world-class facility.