GT World Challenge America Calendar

GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS delivers elite GT3 sports car racing across North America, showcasing some of the world's most prestigious manufacturers in wheel-to-wheel competition. Managed by SRO Motorsports Group and sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC), the championship brings together professional and amateur drivers in purpose-built GT3 machinery from Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. These high-performance vehicles produce between 500 and 600 horsepower and compete under a sophisticated Balance of Performance framework that ensures parity across all manufacturers.

Championship Format and Classes

The series features three championship classes determined by combined driver ratings: PRO, PRO-AM, and AM. For 2026, GT World Challenge America introduces a significant format change, transitioning from two 90-minute sprint races per weekend to a single 3-hour race at most events. This evolution emphasizes strategy, stamina, and teamwork while aligning the American championship with global endurance racing traditions. The season culminates with the Indianapolis 8 Hour at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, an endurance classic that also serves as the final round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

Championship points are awarded to the first ten positions in each race, with individual drivers required to participate for a minimum of 40 minutes to earn points. Bronze-rated drivers in the Pro-Am class must complete at least 1 hour and 15 minutes in each 3-hour race, with maximum stint lengths of 50 minutes under normal racing conditions.

Weekend Structure and Racing Format

Event weekends follow a true three-day format designed to optimize the experience for teams, drivers, and fans. The schedule includes three 30-minute practice sessions and a single 15-minute qualifying session that sets the grid for the main 3-hour race. The new format introduces strategic elements familiar to endurance racing: while pit stops are not mandated by number, teams can choose their tire change strategy, and stops without refueling have no minimum time requirement. Full-service stops including refueling carry a declared minimum time. Teams can perform driver changes, refueling, and tire changes simultaneously, adding layers of tactical decision-making throughout each race.

Calendar and Venues

The championship visits seven premier North American road courses throughout the season. The 2026 calendar begins at Sonoma Raceway in March and includes stops at Circuit of The Americas, Sebring International Raceway, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, and concludes with the Indianapolis 8 Hour in October. These venues represent some of the most challenging and historic circuits in North American motorsport, each offering distinct characteristics that test both car setup and driver skill.

Competitive Landscape

The 2026 season features a strong entry list with established teams and championship contenders. Turner Motorsport, the 2025 Pro-Am champions with Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley, step up to the Pro class in their BMW M4 GT3 EVO. JMF Motorsports returns with Mikael Grenier and Michai Stephens in their Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo after finishing as 2025 runner-up. Porsche specialists Wright Motorsports and Kellymoss field multiple entries, while AF Corse USA and Dollahite Racing bring Ferrari and Ford factory-supported programs respectively. This diversity of manufacturers and driver talent creates close competition across all three championship classes, making GT World Challenge America a compelling series for fans of professional sports car racing.