MOTUL Course de Monterey powered by Hyundai N
In addition to prototypes, GT racing seems to be extremely popular with IMSA fans also. What do GT fans have to look forward to this year and in the future? GT racing is extremely popular with IMSA fans and has been for decades. We’re fortunate to have 10 different manufacturers competing in either the GTD PRO or GTD classes – or both, as many are. There are two new models and one Evo this year competing alongside several other established models, and as we saw particularly at Sebring, nearly any car in either class has the capability to win. And while we’ve focused quite a bit on the GTP class and its new technology this year – and rightfully so – I’m expecting the pendulum to swing back in the direction of our GT classes next year when the new Corvette and Mustang GT3 cars come online to compete against these established brands. GT racing is the bedrock of IMSA and there is much to look forward to this year and for the foreseeable future. What makes the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship unique? The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship offers a professional motorsports experience unlike any other on this continent. The diversity of technology between prototypes and GT cars, the multiple-driver format and multi-class racing virtually guarantees nonstop action whether a race is 100
minutes or 24 hours – or any race length in between. WeatherTech Championship cars come in various shapes and sizes and make a variety of different sounds by virtue of the different engine configurations each manufacturer has chosen to represent their brands. Our chairman, Jim France, best described the sounds you hear at a WeatherTech Championship race when he said, “It’s like a symphony playing out there.” The fan experience is second to none also, with all fans able to access the paddock through the weekend and all are invited to join us for the Fan Walk on the grid before each race. The Michelin Pilot Challenge provides intense battles. How has the manufacturer support been? Manufacturer support for Michelin Pilot Challenge has been tremendous. There are a total of 12 manufacturers competing this year between the Grand Sport and Touring Car classes and with good reason, as this series is an ultimate showcase enabling each manufacturer to showcase similar technology to its road-going products in a pressure-packed, highly competitive environment. This series has great teams and drivers, and serves as both a great stepping stone for those wishing to move into the highest levels – such as the WeatherTech Championship – and a destination for many other teams and drivers.
35
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting