TC America - Round 7

TC America Round 7 returns to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the first time since 2011. This race brings the championship back to one of America's most respected road courses. Located in Braselton, Georgia, approximately 35 miles north of Atlanta, the circuit offers a challenging test for drivers and teams competing in the series.

Circuit Features at Road Atlanta

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta stretches 2.54 miles and features 12 turns. The track rises and falls 124 feet from its highest to lowest points, creating significant elevation changes that challenge car setup and driver skill. The circuit surface is asphalt and holds an FIA Grade 2 rating.

Key Track Sections

The Esses, turns 3 through 5, form a fast and technical sequence that demands precise car balance and driver accuracy at high speeds. Turn 12 presents a downhill, diving corner where drivers apply heavy braking. The back straight extends 0.79 miles, making it the longest straight on the circuit. These features combine to create a demanding layout that rewards both driver talent and proper car preparation.

Race Format for TC America

The series uses a two-race sprint format per weekend. Each race runs for 35 minutes. This format requires precision, aggression, and strong race craft from competitors. Teams and drivers participate in five on-track sessions across the race weekend at Road Atlanta.

Class Structure

TC America consolidated its class structure for this season. The TCX and TC categories merged into a single TC class. The TCA class was eliminated. This streamlined structure focuses competition and creates larger grids of similar-performance cars.

Manufacturers and Teams

The TC America grid features race cars from multiple manufacturers. Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, MINI, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen all provide competition platforms for the series. Teams competing include Skip Barber Racing, Ricca Autosport, and JMF Motorsports. Drivers like Jeff Ricca, PJ Groanki, and Michael Garcia bring professional racing experience to the series.

Technical Specifications

The series uses factory-built or factory-supported turn-key race cars that meet technical regulations. Cars include sedans and coupes with over 350 horsepower. Specific models competing may include the Acura Integra Type S, BMW M2 CS Cup, Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO, Mazda 3 Touring Car, and Toyota GR Corolla TC. Each manufacturer brings unique engineering solutions within the technical rules.

Road Atlanta History

David Sloyer, Earl Walker, and Arthur Montgomery conceived the track in 1969. Construction took just six months, and Road Atlanta opened on September 13, 1970. The first race was a Can-Am event that same month. The track has hosted many important racing series, including Can-Am, Formula 5000, IMSA Camel GT, and Trans-Am. The Sports Car Club of America held its national championships at the circuit for over 20 years. NASCAR held its first road race for the Busch Grand National Series here in 1986.

The track changed ownership several times, with significant improvements made in the mid-1990s and by Don Panoz. IMSA Holdings purchased the facility in 2012. Michelin acquired naming rights in 2018, establishing the current Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta name.

What Makes This Event Notable

Road Atlanta sits on 750 acres in the rolling hills of Northeast Georgia. The circuit is home to the Petit Le Mans, a 10-hour endurance race. The track has appeared in numerous video games. The combination of elevation changes, high-speed sections, and technical corners creates a complete test for touring car racing. The return of TC America to this circuit after a lengthy absence adds significance to Round 7.

TC America Round 7 at Road Atlanta offers close competition among production-based touring cars on a historic American circuit. The sprint race format and consolidated class structure promise competitive action throughout the weekend.