GT Racing

GT Racing is a form of motorsport where modified sports cars based on production models compete in races, typically focusing on endurance rather than pure speed.

The term "GT" stands for Grand Touring or Gran Turismo, referring to high-performance sports cars that were originally designed for long-distance road driving. In GT Racing, these cars are modified for competition while still maintaining their basic road car appearance and characteristics.

Unlike open-wheel racing cars like Formula 1, GT race cars have enclosed wheels and typically seat two people, though only the driver is present during races. These vehicles start as cars you could theoretically buy from a dealership - think Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, or Lamborghini - but are then heavily modified for racing safety and performance.

GT Racing is organized into different classes based on how much the cars can be modified and their performance levels. GT3 is currently the most popular class worldwide, featuring cars that balance high performance with reasonable costs for racing teams. GT4 serves as an entry-level category with cars closer to their road-going versions.

Most GT races are endurance events lasting several hours or even 24 hours, like the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. This endurance focus means teams must balance speed with reliability, and drivers often take turns behind the wheel during longer races.

The appeal of GT Racing lies in seeing recognizable sports cars compete against each other. Fans can watch a Porsche battle a Ferrari or see how an Audi performs against a McLaren, creating natural rivalries between different manufacturers.

Balance of Performance regulations ensure fair competition by adjusting factors like weight and engine power to keep different car models competitive against each other, preventing any single manufacturer from dominating.