SRO Official Fan Guide 2022

Page 1

$10

OFFICIAL FAN GUIDE 2

0

2

2


This is not a replica.

Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3


This is the real deal. Nothing is more authentic than this. For the first time in sim racing history, a steering wheel has been developed simultaneously for both real and virtual racing. Engineered by FANATEC® in collaboration with BMW Motorsport, the Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3 sets a new bar for simulation realism.

Homologated for GT3 racing and optimised with feedback from BMW M Motorsport works drivers, the Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3 is built for ultimate performance on track and in the sim. It features RGB LED-backlit front buttons, backlit 12-position rotary switches, custom thumb encoders, dual-action magnetic shifters, dual-Hall sensor clutch paddles, and more.

Order yours today. www.fanatec.com



THE STARTING LINE 7 Welcome to the 2022 Season This is Where 8 2022 Schedule it All GT World Challenge Starts 12 Fanatec America powered by AWS 22 30 40

GT America powered by AWS Pirelli GT4 America TC America powered by Skip Barber

53 62 79 86 92 99 108 112 114

SRO History 2022 Race Venues Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS Preview GT World Challenge Esports Pirelli P-Zero Spotlight Empowering SRO with AWS and CrowdStrike Driving Community Partner Spotlight How to Follow Along



WELCOME TO THE

2022 SEASON Welcome, Race Fans. SRO America has seen tremendous growth in its over three decades of existence, embracing the changes that contemporary racing culture has brought about as well as helping to shape those changes.

O

ur foundation has always been one of racers serving racers. This year, as we emerge from a global pandemic that impacted all of us in innumerable ways. We strive to continue to keep pushing forward as we advance toward the common goal of seeing sportscar racing elevated to the highest levels of competition in North America and the world. To that end, we thank our amazing partners that continue to share in this vision to grow the sports car racing fandom. We are thrilled to have fans coming back to see the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS series; the spirit of sprint racing with the single-driver GT competition of the GT America powered by AWS series; to be excited by the two-driver format and high level of talent appearing in the Pirelli GT4 America series; and to be enthused by the touring car next-generation champions in the TC America powered by Skip Barber series. Once again, over 100 cars will hit the grid aiming for success through the 2022 season. Today’s sports car stars will be piloting state-of-the-art machinery from Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG,

MINI, Porsche, Toyota and more in the quest to capture the checkered flag. We’ll continue to livestream all series races on our GTWorld YouTube channel, while long-standing partner CBS Sports Network will continue to carry GT World Challenge America weekend packages and offer post-weekend event highlight packages for GT America, GT4 America, and TC America races. SiriusXM Satellite Radio will continue its audio broadcasts of race coverage and data-hungry fans can keep track of timing and scoring via our series websites’ “LIVE” pages. As we emerge from the attendance restrictions of the past two years we look forward to welcoming fans to our open paddock where they’ll be able to interact with drivers and teams and participate in local race promotions. We’ll see you at the track.

S. Greg Gill

President and CEO SRO Motorsports America

FAN GUIDE 2022

7


2022 SCHEDULE 8

FAN GUIDE 2022

2

1

2

3

4

FEB 24 - 26

APR 15 - 17

MAY 20 - 22

JUNE 17 - 19

ST. PETERSBURG, FL

SONOMA, CA

GRAVOIS MILLS, MO

ALTON, VA


7

5 9 4

3

6

1

5

6

7

8

AUG 19 - 21

SEPT 23 - 25

8

9

®

JULY 22 - 24 WATKINS GLEN, NY

AUG 5 - 7 NASHVILLE, TN

ELKHART LAKE, WI

SEBRING, FL

OCT 7 - 9

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

FAN GUIDE 2022

9




GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA P

R

E

V

I

E

W

Larger grids and fiercer competition are the order of the day as the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS roars into life in 2022. The top echelon of the SRO Motorsports America pyramid, GT World Challenge features the top GT3 teams in North America competing at some of the continent’s best venues.

12

FAN GUIDE 2022

T

he schedule once again features six doubleheader weekends with a 90-minute, two-driver format complete with live pit stops and driver changes and culminates in the season-ending Indianapolis 8 Hour at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All teams will utilize cars from established GT3 manufacturers, balanced for competitiveness by the SRO’s industry-leading Balance of Performance system, with three class distinctions broken down by FIA driver grading: Pro, Pro-Am, and Am. Highlighting the entry list is the return of the reigning Pro champions Jordan


“Bullicorn” mascot that adorned the hood of Madison Snow and Jason Harward’s Huracan. That pairing returns for a second season and will be joined in a second ProAm entry by Jeff Burton and Corey Lewis who shift over to Zelus from Rearden Racing and K-PAX Racing, respectively. New to GT World Challenge America in 2022 is the BMW M4 GT3 which replaces the venerable M6 model for the Bavarian manufacturer. Robby Foley and Michael Dinan scored an overall win at Road America last season on their way to finishing third in the Pro championship and return for a second year of GT3 competition for Turner Motorsport. Veteran BMW squad BimmerWorld

Racing makes the step up to GT World Challenge America this year with drivers BMW-specialist Bill Auberlen and former Pirelli GT4 America competitor Chandler Hull who brings international GT3 experience into his first season in SRO America’s top category. Team Owner and Driver James Clay will share a second M4 GT3 with Ari Balough, who makes his series debut. ST Racing, which successfully campaigned the GT4 version of the M4 in Pirelli GT4 America in previous years and has international experience with the M4 GT3, join BimmerWorld in GT World Challenge America with owner/driver Samantha Tan and Jon Miller set to share driving duties.

Pepper and Andrea Caldarelli. The duo won eight times en route to a dominant championship performance for series mainstay K-PAX Racing and return to the Sonoma, California-based squad to defend their title in a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo. K-PAX will also run an entry in the Pro-Am class this season for Canadian veteran Misha Goikhberg and Lamborghini ace Giacomo Altoe. Joining them in the Lamborghini fold is Zelus Motorsports. The Utah-based team made a splash in their debut season a year ago in no small part due to the brightly colored livery and fan-favorite

FAN GUIDE 2022

13


GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA P

R

E

V

I

E

W

PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA Mercedes-AMG boasts five entries on the 2022 grid, the most of any manufacturer. North Carolina-based DXDT Racing returns with two Pro-Am entries led by owner/driver David Askew and new co-driver Dirk Mueller, a former Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring class winner. Joining them in the DXDT stable is series debutant Scott Smithson and GT champion Bryan Sellers who makes his first appearance in SRO America since the 2017 season with K-PAX Racing. Additional Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo entries come from the esteemed CrowdStrike Racing by Riley Motorsports squad with pilots George Kurtz and Colin Braun, twice Pro-Am class winners in 2021 for DXDT, international Mercedes powerhouse Winward Racing for drivers Russell Ward and Philip Ellis, and US Racetronics and their duo of Loris Spinelli and Steven Aghakhani. Ferrari will be represented by Florida’s Triarsi Competition, veterans of single-make Ferrari competition, and AF Corse which has long successfully campaigned the Prancing Horse in GT competition. The Triarsi team made its series debut at Sebring last year and returns with a two-car effort for Onofrio Triarsi and Charlie Scardina in the Am class, while champion driver Ryan Dalziel slides over from DXDT Racing to join rookie Justin Wetherill in the Pro-Am class

14

FAN GUIDE 2022

Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020. Last season’s Am champions Jean-Claude Saada and Conrad Grunewald return to the class to defend their crown for AF Corse this year. Acura will once again be well represented on the grid by a pair of veteran teams with a single NSX GT3 Evo22 under their respective tents. RealTime Racing makes its return to the series for the first time since winning the Pro-Am Teams’ championship with multi-time SRO champion Michael Cooper and 2021 race-winner Erin Vogel sharing the driving duties for the

Milwaukee-based operation. Racers Edge Motorsports returns with an NSX of its own, this season to be driven by HPD GT3 Academy graduate Ashton Harrison and Honda factory pilot Mario Farnbacher. Elsewhere on the grid, Ian Lacy Racing is back for a second season of GT3 racing with a returning lineup of Frank Gannett and Drew Staveley behind the wheel of its Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3, while reigning Pro-Am Teams’ champions Wright Motorsports feature a partially revamped lineup of GT America SRO3 champion Charlie Luck and GT World Challenge America Pro-Am titlist Jan Heylen in its Porsche 911 GT3 R. The schedule kicks off with a trip to Sonoma, California in April followed by stops at brand-new Ozarks International Raceway in May and VIRginia International Raceway in June. A trip to upstate New York and Watkins Glen follows in July ahead of stops at Road America in August and Sebring International Raceway in September. The 2022 campaign concludes with the third running of the Indianapolis 8 Hour in October. All races will be live-streamed from the series YouTube channel and simulcast on Sirius XM Satellite radio, with live television coverage on CBS Sports Network for the second race of doubleheader weekends and the season-ending enduro from Indianapolis.


©2022 Acura. Acura, NSX, Precision Crafted Performance, and the stylized “A” logo are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.


FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA POWERED BY AWS

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

BMW M4 GT3

16

FAN GUIDE 2022

HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

GT3 036

Dodge

Viper

GT3 037

McLaren

650S

GT3 038

Audi

R8 LMS

GT3 039

Cadillac

ATS-V.R. GT3

GT3 040

Lamborghini

Huracan GT3

GT3 041

Porsche

911 GTR (991)

GT3 042

Mercedes

Mercedes-AMG GT3

GT3 043

BMW

BMW F13 M6 GT3

GT3 044

Ferrari

Ferrari 488 GT3


M4 THE

GT3

For more information on the BMW M4 GT3, please visit bmw.com/motorsport.

©2022 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.


FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA POWERED BY AWS

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

LEXUS RC-F GT3

18

FAN GUIDE 2022

HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

GT3 045

Corvette

Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R

GT3 046

Toyota

Lexus RC F GT3

GT3 047

Acura

NSX GT3

GT3 048

Nissan

GT-R GT3 2018

GT3 049

Bentley

Continental GT3 2018

GT3 050

Porsche

911 GT3-R (991.II)

GT3 051

Aston Martin

Vantage AMR GT3

GT3 052

McLaren

720S GT3

GT3 xxx

BMW

M4 GT3


3

DAYTONA 24 HOURS 2018 1st and 3rd place victory

DAYTONA 24 HOURS 2019 1st place victory

2

DAYTONA 24 HOURS 2020 1st and 2nd place victory


Drive like a champion. HPD’s GT3 Driver Academy gives drivers the opportunity to learn from the best champions in motorsports. One of HPD’s core principles is to support drivers in achieving their racing dreams. The HPD GT3 Driver Academy embodies this by providing extensive track time in the Acura NSX GT3 EVO, and access to champion sports car drivers, HPD engineering and trackside support staff, and SRO and IMSA Championship engineers and team owners. Working along side Racers Edge Motorsports, academy students will receive “on-track” and “off-track” experience in the following: •

Managing tires and fuel

Data analysis

Achieving race strategy targets

Social/digital media

Driving for conditions

Sponsorship acquisition

Clear communication between team, driver, and spotter

and much more.

How to develop a common language with race engineers and the team Supporting driver development is a fundamental value of Acura Motorsports and HPD. The HPD GT3 Driver Academy represents the latest demonstration of this commitment. If you are interested in applying for the Academy, please contact: Lee Niffenegger, Program Manager lniffenegger@hra.com


S:7.5"

Legends

drive S:10"

legends. The all-new Mercedes-AMG SL.

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 shown in MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red metallic paint with optional equipment. Equipment availability may vary. Vehicle coming soon. For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

©2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC


GT AMERICA P

R

E

V

I

E

In 2021 SRO America returned to its roots as it hosted three classes of single-driver GT sprint racing action in the GT America powered by AWS championships. The field of bronze drivers in a pure wheel-towheel chase for the checkered flag harkened back to the glory days of “gentleman racers” honing their skills in top GT3, GT4 and newlyhomologated GT2 machinery.

22

FAN GUIDE 2022

W

T

he 2022 season for GT America received a jumpstart on the sister SRO series as they returned to the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida in support of the late February IndyCar season opener. A solid variety of chassis make up the SRO3, GT2, and GT4 classes, which bolsters GT America as one of the premier North American racing series. Iconic hardware by Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Audi, BMW,


“A CHALLENGING 90-MINUTE RACE... THAT INCLUDES FULL SERVICE PIT STOPS”

Toyota, Chevrolet, and Mercedes-AMG permeates throughout the grid, creating a diverse field of engine displacements, power- and drivetrain configurations. A TRUE GT SHOWCASE Mercedes-AMG is one of the more populous platforms in SRO3, and will see some familiar teams in its ranks. CrowdStrike Racing by Riley Motorsports’ George Kurtz has seen early success in the

season at St. Petersburg and looks to be a favorite in the championship hunt. Teammates Scott Smithson and David Askew will be behind the wheel of their DXDT Racing GT3s at select events joined by Bryce Ward of the Windward Racing team. Racing with raging bulls on their hoods are Jason Harward and Jeff Burton in Zelus Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan GT3s, and Ziad Ghandour in the #9 TR3 Racing Lamborghini. Ferraris are back in the mix, and they’re no strangers to track action. Scuderia Corsa will field the #62 488 GT3 piloted by Bret Curtis, and Justin Wetherill will be at the helm of the Triarsi Competizione 488. Newcomers SKI Autosports also will join the grid at select events in a 458 GT3 with former SRO champion Andy Pilgrim. The lone bowtie entry in GT3 is the #70 Callaway Corvette C7 piloted by German driver Mirco Shultis. St. Pete was a homecoming for the Callaway Corvette, which made its North American debut on those same streets in 2018. Porsche also looks to go back-to-back on their manufacturers championship in 2021 with a sole entry from GMG Racing’s Kyle Washington. Finally, two Audi R8 LMS entries will be fielded. The GMG Racing R8 LMS GT2 will feature CJ Moses behind the wheel, and Jason Daskalos will be in the eponymously named Daskalos Motorsports R8 LMS Ultra. PACKED GT4 FIELD READY TO RUMBLE After a successful and thrilling inaugural 2021 GT America season, the GT4 field features some stacked competition with some new and returning faces in the paddock. The Toyota GR Supra GT4 will join in the fun with Todd Coleman and Jose DaSilva driving the Smooge Racing entries, and teammates Moisey Uretsky in the #55 and Nick Shanny in the #21 Accelerating Performance rigs. Alongside and outnumbering them in the GT4 field are several teams sporting the Aston Martin Vantage AMR. Elias Sabo makes his debut with Flying Lizard Motorsports, with Sean Whalen and Zelus Motorsports, Ross Chouest in the

Chouest Povoledo Racing entry, and Gray Newell in the Heart of Racing car. Bryan Putt will alsi race the #15 car for BSport Racing. 2021 SRO GT America GT4 defending champion Jason Bell will be piloting the #2 GMG Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR. Racing under the blue and white Bavarian roundel in GT4 are teammates Marko Radisic and Rick Uhler in the #22 and #28 SRQ Motorsports BMW M4. Paul Sparta rounds out the trio at the helm of the #98 Random Vandals Racing M4. Sporting the Mercedes-AMG GT4 are Chris Cagnazzi in the Cameron Racing car, with Chris Gumprecht and Custodio Toledo making his series debut for RENNtech Motorsports. Porsche brings a new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport this year. The #99 Rotek Racing will be driven by Robb Holland, whereas the #120 Premier Racing 718 will have Adam Adelson at the helm. Nolasport will feature Alain Stad in his first full time appearance in the series along with Wright Motorsports’ Hutton McKenna. With Derek DeBoer and TRG making select appearances throughout the season. Rotek Racing also brings the lone American GT4 car to the series, with Chris Alliegro at the wheel in the Ford Mustang GT4. The sophomore season of GT America is sure to be one for the history books with strong car-counts, solid driving talent, and a great schedule. If the action at St. Pete was any indication of the season, it will be intense all year long until the final checkered flag in Indianapolis.

FAN GUIDE 2022

23


WE WIN AS ONE George Kurtz

Vice-Champion of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Driver Championship

In racing and in cybersecurity, speed, precision, and teamwork are common elements. In the cloud, on the track, anywhere - victory will be achieved through the power of WE. We win as one. Learn more about the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform at crowdstrike.com


GT AMERICA POWERED BY AWS

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

CHEVROLET CALLAWAY CORVETTE C7 GT3-R

MAKE

MODEL

HOMOLOGATION (FIA)

GT3 036

Dodge

Viper

GT3 037

McLaren

650S

GT3 038

Audi

R8 LMS

GT3 039

Cadillac

ATS-V.R. GT3

GT3 040

Lamborghini

Huracan GT3

GT3 041

Porsche

911 GTR (991)

GT3 042

Mercedes

Mercedes-AMG GT3

GT3 043

BMW

BMW F13 M6 GT3

GT3 044

Ferrari

Ferrari 488 GT3

GT3 045

Chevrolet

Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R

GT3 046

Toyota

Lexus RC F GT3

GT3 047

Acura

NSX GT3

GT3 048

Nissan

GT-R GT3 2018

GT3 049

Bentley

Continental GT3 2018

GT3 050

Porsche

911 GT3-R (991.II)

GT3 051

Aston Martin

Vantage AMR GT3

GT3 052

McLaren

720S GT3

GT3 xxx

BMW

M4 GT3

FAN GUIDE 2022

25



GT AMERICA POWERED BY AWS

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS MAKE

MODEL

HOMOLOGATION (FIA)

RACB GT2-001

Porsche

911 GT2 RS Clubsport

RACB GT2-002

Audi

R8 LMS GT2

RACB GT2-xxx

KTM

X-Bow GT2

RACB GT2-xxx

Lamborghini

PENDING Huracan Super Trofeo Evo2

FIA GT3 017

Audi

R8-LMS

FIA GT3 023

BMW

E89 Z4

FIA GT3 024

Lamborghini

Gallardo LP 560-4

FIA GT3 025

Porsche

911 GT3 R

FIA GT3 026

Corvette

Callaway Corvette Z06R GT3

FIA GT3 028

Mercedes-AMG

SLS AMG GT3

FIA GT3 029

Ferrari

458 Italia GT3

FIA GT3 030

Nissan

GT-R Nismo GT3

FIA GT3 031

McLaren

MP4-12C

FIA GT3 032

Aston Martin

V12 Vantage GT3

RACB GT4-031

Chevrolet

Camaro GT4

RACB GT4-027

Ford

Mustang GT4

RACB GT4-021

KTM

X-Bow

RACB GT4-030

McLaren

570S GT4

RACB GT4-024

Porsche

Cayman GT4 Clubsport-MR

RACB GT4-038

Audi

R8 LMS GT4

RACB GT4-029

BMW

M4 GT4

RACB GT4-033

Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG GT4

RACB GT4-034

Alpine

Alpine A110 GT4

RACB GT4-036

Aston Martin

Vantage AMR GT4

RACB GT4-037

Porsche

718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR

RACB GT4-039

Toyota Gazoo Racing

GT Supra GT4

RACB GT4-041

Ginetta

G56 GT4

RACB GT4-xxx

Porsche

718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

FAN GUIDE 2022

27


“ G R E AT T H I N G S A R E D O N E B Y A S E R I E S O F S M A L L T H I N G S B R O U G H T T O G E T H E R . ” - V I N C E N T VA N G O G H

F O L L O W O U R J O U R N E Y: S A M A N T H ATA N R A C I N G W W W. S A M A N T H ATA N R A C I N G . C O M



PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA Race fans would be hard pressed to find a more competitive sports car racing field anywhere in the world than what the Pirelli GT4 America championship boasted in 2021, but the series appears poised to do one better in the season to come. With a massive grid of cars that features 11 different GT4 manufacturers including everything from the championship caliber BMW M4 to the roaring Ford Mustang to the prestigious Aston Martin AMR Vantage, there’s something in this series to whet any sports car fan’s appetite.

30

FAN GUIDE 2022


H

“THE BMW M4 GT4 REMAINS A POPULAR CHOICE WITH EIGHT OF THE BAVARIAN SPORTS CARS SET TO CONTEST THE 2022 SEASON.”

ighlights of the 2022 field include reigning Am champions John Geesbreght and Kevin Conway from Smooge Racing who make the jump to the Silver class for the new season in their Toyota GR Supra GT4. The team expands to field a second car this year for Indy Lights race winner Aaron Telitz and single-make Ferrari veteran Todd Coleman. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship team Hattori Motorsports, experienced TC America powered by the Skip Barber squad Accelerating Performance, and the returning Dexter Racing outfit will also campaign Supras this season. 2022 marks the debut season for Porsche’s new GT4 challenger: the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. No fewer than eight new Caymans are set to take part in the championship including multiple entries from Porsche stalwarts The Racers Group and NOLASPORT in addition to cars from Absolute Racing, GMG Racing, and the new Volcanic Racing operation. Porsche drivers include reigning GT4 America Pro-Am champion Jason Hart for NOLASPORT, former TransAm champion Mike Skeen for Volcanic Racing, and Porsche development driver and Nurburgring specialist Lars Kern for Absolute Racing. The BMW M4 GT4 remains a popular choice with eight of the Bavarian sports cars set to contest the 2022 season. Fast

Track Racing, which has raced and won under the Classic BMW banner in previous seasons, is back with former IndyCar driver Raphael Matos and newcomer Tim Horrell in one car while former series champion Greg Liefooghe will share the sister entry with TC America veteran Damon Surzyshyn. Auto Technic Racing has a trio of M4s and a roster that includes former class champion Zack Anderson and the rapid John Capestro-Dubets among its six drivers. Former TC America champions Rooster Hall Racing and their title-winning driver Johan Schwartz make their return to the SRO America fold after a year away, with American Todd Brown due to share driving duties with the Dane. BimmerWorld and Random Vandals Racing make up the rest of the Bavarian marque’s lineup with drivers Devin Jones and James Walker Jr. and Paul Sparta and Al Carter, respectively. Five Mercedes-AMG GT4 machines from three different teams are seeking their respective class championships. Conquest Racing looks to build on an impressive partial-season campaign last year that saw the Indianapolis-based organization instantly challenge for race wins. This year the former IndyCar entrant is stepping up to running two cars, one under the Conquest Racing/ JWF Motorsports sobriquet. RENNtech Motorsports will also field a pair of

FAN GUIDE 2022

31


PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA entries adorned with the Three-Pointed Star headlined by the Pro-Am pairing of Chris Gumprech and former GT World Challenge America class champion Kyle Marcelli. The fifth Mercedes comes out of the Cameron Racing stable, with the longtime BMW-affiliated operation making the manufacturer switch and fielding veterans Guy Cosmo and Chris Cagnazzi in the Pro-Am class. Aston Martin is due to be represented by five different teams with a single Vantage AMR GT4 apiece. Perennial contenders GMG Racing and Flying Lizard Motorsports will square off in the Pro-Am class with drivers Jason Bell and Andrew Davis for GMG and Elias Sabo and Andy Lee for the Lizards. Bsport Racing, which broke into the win column a year ago in just the team’s second season, returns owner/ driver Bryan Putt alongside Kenton Koch, who also serves as the team manager alongside his wife Dani. Fellow Aston entrants Heart of Racing Team and Chouest Povoledo Racing were both strong in their debut seasons a year ago and return with unchanged driver lineups. Single cars from manufacturers Audi, Ford, McLaren, and Ginetta add to the diversity of series’ grid. Dexter Racing will field the new Ginetta G56 GT4 alongside its Supra, while the Steve Dinan-led Car-

32

FAN GUIDE 2022

Bahn with Peregrine Racing operation will field a lone Audi R8 LMS GT4. Prive Motorsports/Topp Racing is responsible for the only McLaren 570S GT4 in the field, and Rotek Racing steps into the championship for the first time alongside its GT America powered by AWS program with

a Ford Mustang GT4 and a driver lineup that includes Mustang ace Billy Johnson. The 2022 Pirelli GT4 America season is sure to be an exciting one. Stay up to date with all the latest news at www.gt4-america.com and @gt4america on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


Downshift to 2nd, flick steering wheel

Gravity goes sideways

Forget previously owned cars

Praise inventor of asphalt

Endorphins throw party

Decide to name firstborn “86”

Master the drive in the all-new GR86.

Prototype shown. Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt. ©2022 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


For all enquiries, race car sales, parts and support please contact:

www.amrcustomerracing-na.com/contact

San Antonio, Texas, 210-227-4485


PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

MERCEDES-AMG GT4

HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

RACB GT4-031

Chevrolet

Camaro GT4

RACB GT4-027

Ford

Mustang GT4

RACB GT4-021

KTM

X-Bow

RACB GT4-030

McLaren

570S GT4

RACB GT4-024

Porsche

Cayman GT4 Clubsport-MR

RACB GT4-038

Audi

R8 LMS GT4

RACB GT4-029

BMW

M4 GT4

FAN GUIDE 2022

35


T H E

F U L L

E N Q U I R E

F O R C E

N O W

Estimated fuel consumption combined: 5.6l/100km | Estimated CO2 emissions combined: 129g/km. These figures will be updated once final testing figures have been confirmed. For our emissions statement please go to cars.mclaren.com

O F

M c L A R E N


PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN GT4 RS CLUBSPORT

HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

RACB GT4-033

Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG GT4

RACB GT4-034

Alpine

Alpine A110 GT4

RACB GT4-036

Aston Martin

Vantage AMR GT4

RACB GT4-037

Porsche

718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR

RACB GT4-039

Toyota Gazoo Racing

GT Supra GT4

RACB GT4-041

Ginetta

G56 GT4

RACB GT4-xxx

Porsche

718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

FAN GUIDE 2022

37


NEVER SET TLE FOR LESS THAN

THE ULTIMATE

Every OPTIMA® Battery is built and tested in the world’s most advanced battery facility, where precise automation is coupled with the highest quality components. 99.99% pure lead, advanced electrolytes, pure poly casing and direct flow cast-on straps to deliver power, performance and reliability unrivaled by any other battery on the market. OPTIMA BATTERIES, THE ULTIMATE POWER SOURCE®, BECAUSE WE ENGINEERED THE QUIT OUT OF IT.

15X MORE VIBRATION RESISTANT

/

3X MORE LIFE

OPTIMABATTERIES.COM © 2022 CLARIOS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A CLARIOS BRAND

/

880 COLD CRANKING AMPS


Go from amateur-to-pro with the Skip Barber Racing SRO TC America pro-ladder system Since 1975, the Skip Barber Racing School has taken great drivers and made them champions. Today, we’re training the next generation of winners with our amateur-to-pro ladder system. You start with our three-day and two-day advanced racing school and qualify for an SRO Competition License. The next step is advanced coaching in a Skip Barber professional touring car and then a spot on the grid of the SRO TC America series race powered by Skip Barber. It’s the fastest, most affordable way to turn your dreams of going from an amateur to a pro. Attend a TC America race and speak to one of our team members, visit our website, or call us today at 866-932-1949 and start your path to the podium.

866-932-1949

skipbarber.com


MORE DOORS MEANS

MORE FUN!

T H E T C A M E R I C A P O W E R E D B Y S K I P B A R B E R I S T H E I D E A L P R O R A C I N G E N T R Y P O I N T S E R I E S

While the various SRO GT series rank highest on the glamour scale, the touring car competition is no less intense. Simply put, there is no better way to make the jump from club racing to the professional ranks. Long-time fans will remember that before Peter Cunningham was the racer to beat in his Acura NSX GT car, he was the racer to beat in his Honda CRX Touring Car.

40

FAN GUIDE 2022

B

een thinking about club racing but don’t have the garage space, trailer, tow vehicle, and everything else needed to go racing? No problem. Contact the Skip Barber Racing School who can take you from complete novice through schools, advanced lapping days, expert coaching, school races, and finally onto the SRO TC grid in a Skip Barber prepared Honda Civic! THREE CLASSES WITHIN THE TOURING CAR RANKS EQUALS THREE TIMES THE ACTION! 2021 was a transition year for TC America with TCX replacing TCR as the top class. The TC and TCA classes were both stable with many cars and drivers

returning from previous seasons. With 30+ cars in every race there are battles throughout the field. Series Manager Jim Jordan has been involved with Touring Cars as a driver, team owner, OEM rep, and now series management. His enthusiasm is infectious. Jim noted that “2022 looks to be bigger and better. We should average at least ten cars in TCX, and at least a dozen in both TC and TCA. The TCA field looks especially exciting with a great group of new drivers and new model cars from Honda, Hyundai and Subaru.” The battle for the TCX class championship will be a drivers showcase with virtually the entire field racing the superb BMW M2 CS. 2021 Drivers Champion


Jacob Ruud will return to defend his championship. When Jacob isn’t racing for Fast Track Racing, he’s a computer science major at the Rochester Institute of Technology focusing on Cyber Security. Jacob will be joined at Fast Track by teammates Olivia Askew, Garrett Adams and Mark Wilgus. Others seeking the 2022 championship include Rigid Speed with Joseph & Lucas Catania, HARD Motorsports with Steve Streimer, Rooster Hall Racing with Colin Garrett, and Accelerating Performance with Stephen Cugliari. In the TC class it will be a battle among Honda, BMW, Mini, Hyundai, and Mazda. With 2021 Champion Eric Powell not returning, TC championship runner-up Kevin

Boehm will be the racer to beat. Kevin will not only be driving, he’ll be the lead engineer for all of the Skip Barber Honda cars. Kevin’s Skip Barber teammate in the TC class will be Ken Fukuda. No one will be able to miss the wild graphics of the well-prepared DRS/Garagistic TC BMW’s of Matthew Ibrahim and Kris Valdez. The Zoom-Zoom nation will be rooting for the FTG Racing Corksport Mazda3 of Joey Jordan. The two car Genracer/Ricca Autosport Hyundai Veloster N-line racers will be piloted by Jeff Ricca and Nicholas Barbato. The TCA class will be a lively battle among Honda, Hyundai, Subaru, and Mini. Third in the 2021 championship, Carter Farluch will be looking to be earn the 2022 title in his Skip Barber Honda Civic Si. His competition will include a three car Subaru BRZ team from TechSport Racing with Gresham Wagner, Devin Snderson, and Shaoyi Che. Bryan Herta Autosport w/ Curb Agajanian has helped raised Hyundai to a new

level of performance showcasing their N-Line of cars. The team will have a pair of Hyundai Elantra N-Line TCA cars for Tyler Delgado and Branyon Tiner. In addition to the two cars in TC, Skip Barber will support Colin Harrison in TCA. SEVERAL TEAMS HAVE CARS IN MULTIPLE CLASSES: L.A. Honda World will have Mat Pombo and Mike Lamarra in the TC class with Spencer Bucknum and Mario Biundo in TCA. 2021 rookie standout Sally McNulty has moved from being an independent to joining the VGRT Racing team with a new Honda Civic Si for the TCA class while Ruben Iglesias will race the VGRT prepared Honda Civic Type R in the TC class. The MINI JCW Team will have Clay Williams in TC with Christian Perocarpi and PJ Groenke in TCA. Race fans know to get their food and beverage BEFORE the green flag drops on a TC race as there is always intense action from turn 1 to the checkered flag.

FAN GUIDE 2022

41


Hellooooo traffic school.

Please enjoy its race-inspired performance responsibly. The first-ever ELANTRA N.

Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2022 Hyundai Motor America.


TC AMERICA POWERED BY SKIP BARBER

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

TC AMERICA TCX HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

WC-TCX-201

BMW

M235iR 15-16

HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

WC-TC-301

BMW

M235iR 15-16

WC-TC-301*

BMW

M240iR 19 EVO

WC-TC-310

Honda

Civic Type-R 17+

WC-TC-311

Hyundai

Veloster N TC 19+

WC-TC-311

Hyundai

Veloster N DCT TC 21+

WC-TC-3xx

Mazda

Mazda3

WC-TC-3xx

MINI

Mini JCW Pro TC

WC-TC-307

Nissan

370Z TC Spec 09-14

TC AMERICA TC

FAN GUIDE 2022

43


Nothing with a tow hitcH

will eveR WIN

monte carlo.

Trucks are designed to haul. MINIs are designed to haul around the racetrack. Like in our multiple wins at Monte Carlo, Daytona, and Watkins Glen. Here’s to more cars on the road. More fun while driving. More racing heritage. www.minusa.com/jcw

MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS FAMILY.

©2022 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.


TC AMERICA POWERED BY SKIP BARBER

ELIGIBLE PLATFORMS

HYUNDAI ELANTRA N-LINE TC AMERICA TCA HOMOLOGATION

MAKE

MODEL

WC-TCA-406

Honda

Civic Si 17+

WC-TCA-4xx

Hyundai

Veloster Turbo TCA

WC-TCA-407A

Mazda

Global MX5 Cup 19+ ND.2

WC-TCA-411

MINI

Cooper JCW 19+

WC-TCA-409

Subaru

BRZ tS 17+

WC-TCA-408

Toyota

86 17+

WC-TCA-4xx

Hyundai

Elantra N-Line

WC-TCA-4xx

Subaru

BRZ (2022 - )

FAN GUIDE 2022

45


Race Ready, Championship Proven

Honda Performance Development (HPD) currently offers a clear “ladder” of ready-to-race, turn-key touring car solutions and from the entry-level TCA car, to the Type R TC car. While these vehicles are based on showroom-stock counterparts, they also feature distinct modifications to allow them to compete successfully in a wide variety of touring car race series in the U.S. fitting a

Civic Type-R TC Race Car $89,900 Eligible for the following series: • SRO TC Americas- TC class • SCCA T2 Class • NASA ST3 and E0

variety of different budgets. Each car has proven reliability on the track and competitiveness in each class. The Civic Si TCA car is now a two-time Champion in the SRO-TCA class in 2018 and 2020. For more information on these race cars please visit:

hpd.honda.com

Civic Si TCA Race Car $55,000

Eligible for the following series: • SRO TC Americas- TCA class • SCCA T3 Class • NASA STS and E2


THE

POWERING PASSION

Sally McNulty - Team Sally Racing

Pioneers in synthetic lubricants, Motul has developed the 300V Motorsport range based on the unique ESTER Core® technology that gives you unrivaled power increase, outstanding lubrication and optimal protection for your vehicle, creating the perfect conditions for ultimate victory! Proven Performance you can trust


OUR MISSION RUNS DEEPER THAN JUST DRIVING LAPS AROUND A TRACK




The best things come in pairs.

The 2022 GT World Challenge America powered by AWS season is here and DXDT Racing is ready for another year racing Mercedes AMG GT3 machinery. Racing across North America at the best tracks sports car racing has to offer, DXDT Racing is driven by the relentless passion to always improve on and off the track. After a successful 2021 season where we earned 18 top-five finishes, nine podiums, and three wins, we’re ready with our new driver pairings, eager to conquer the new year.

WINNING IS IN OUR DNA


kpaxracing.com

S U P P ORTED BY

K-PAX Racing enters the 2022 season, poised to reclaim the title for a second consecutive year in its Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO. /kpaxracingteam @KPAXRacing

@KPAXRacing /kpaxracing

Official Merchandise: shop.kpaxracing.com


SRO MOTORSPORTS GROUP H

I

S

T

O

R

Y

For the better part of the last three decades, SRO Motorsports Group has been the steward of global GT racing. Long before it took a controlling stake in what is now SRO Motorsports America and permanently linked the North American Pirelli World Challenge series with championships around the world, founder and CEO Stephane Ratel was backing the cause of production-based GT racing on the world stage at a time when the concept was withering on the vine.

T

he introduction of the highly successful Group C and GTP regulations in the 1980s and 1990s saw the rapid rise of prototypes in sports car racing both in Europe and the United States. As prototype grids continued to expand, Grand Touring cars were shuffled to the side. The result was prototype-only grids at many of the world’s most prestigious sports car races.

From 1986 to 1992, there was largely no space for GTs at many of the most significant events on the calendar, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But, with the demise of the World SportsCar Championship, fueled by skyrocketing price tags to purchase and run the exotic prototypes, an opportunity arose for a GT resurgence. Coming off of his recent success in organizing the Gentleman Driver’s Trophy

FAN GUIDE 2022

53


ALWAYS BE READY

ROUSH X 5.11 FORD F-150

THE NEXT LEVEL OF AUTOMOBILE ORGANIZATION Whether you’re commuting, off-roading, or want to expand your vehicle’s tactical potential, the Vehicle Ready HEXGRID® system is the answer. 5.11’s multi-angle load-bearing HEXGRID® platform is an innovative approach to accessory arrangement and modular storage. Compatible with 5.11 Gear Sets™ and MOLLE.

511TACTICAL.COM

*Vehicle Ready platform not included with the ROUSH x 5.11 Ford F-150.


“ON THE ONE HAND, THE FIA GT1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FEATURED SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC CARS AND FAMED DRIVERS OF THE ERA RACING AT PRESTIGIOUS VENUES ACROSS THE GLOBE.”

single-make series for the exotic Venturi 400 supercar the previous year, Ratel orchestrated GT racing’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993. Following a record-low entry of just 30 cars for 1992, all of them prototypes, a full 48 cars including seven Venturis upgraded to a special Le Mans homologation took the start the following year. It was a smashing success. Now armed with upgraded cars but no series to compete in after Le Mans, Ratel banded together with race promoter Patrick Peter and Porsche single-make series organizer Jurgen Barth to create a groundbreaking global GT championship: B(arth) P(eter) R(atel). That decision sparked the meteoric rise of GT racing around the world. Massive manufacturer interest and close, intense racing with some of the most iconic cars of the era drew the attention of the FIA, which christened the series the FIA GT Championship in 1997. In 2001, the famed Total 24 Hours of Spa was converted from a race for touring cars to the crown jewel in the international GT calendar, a distinction it retains to this day. By 2010 the series had evolved into a full FIA World Championship for GT cars and drivers, a development that proved to be seminal in the development of the modern SRO.

On the one hand, the FIA GT1 World Championship featured some of the most iconic cars and famed drivers of the era racing at prestigious venues across the globe. On the other, the cost for manufacturers to compete at the highest level and on an international scale, while the world recovered from a major economic downturn, proved unsustainable. As such, the championship was not renewed after its third season in 2012. But from the ashes of the FIA GT1 World Championship emerged the foundations of the global Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS that is the standard-bearer for GT racing today. Already sensing an over-reliance on factory involvement in the World Championship, Ratel and SRO launched the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011, centered around the Total 24 Hours of Spa. A Sprint championship followed in 2014, and along the way SRO moved away from the awe-inspiring-yet-cost-prohibitive GT1 and GT2 regulations and embraced the GT3 ruleset. The privateer-focused platform flourished and is still in use today. SRO also pioneered Balance of Performance as a method to keep costs in check yet encourage the kind of automo-

FAN GUIDE 2022

55


Custom fabric displays all shapes and sizes


“THE SERIES LINKS CLASSIC LONG-DISTANCE RACES AT SPA, BATHURST, AND SUZUKA, WHILE BUILDING A NEW ENDURANCE RACING LEGACY AT FAMED VENUES SUCH AS KYALAMI AND THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY.” tive diversity that makes sports car racing a feast for the senses. Despite initial pushback, the move proved to be ahead of its time as BoP is a fixture of modern sports car racing in series throughout the world. SRO truly went global in 2016 with the launch of the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli. The series links classic long-distance races at Spa, Bathurst, and Suzuka, while building a new endurance racing legacy at famed venues such as Kyalami and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Expansion into the Asian market in 2017 was followed by an acquisition of a controlling stake in Pirelli World Challenge the following year, while Australia joined the family in 2021 to create a multi-faceted global Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS linked by common rules and regulations.

SRO’s involvement extends even further with its global GT4 and GT2 regulations, a partnership with the FIA in the multi-disciplinary FIA World Motorsport Games, pioneering vision in integrating esports into the global motorsports landscape, and more. Never before has GT racing been so united in a common vision and purpose on a worldwide basis. Today, with hundreds of GT cars racing in dozens of SRO series around the globe, it is hard to imagine a world without exotic production-based sports cars competing on auto racing’s grandest stages. From those dark depths in the early 1990s, SRO has been the torchbearer leading the GT racing back to its rightful place of prominence. The sport has emerged stronger than ever and ready to climb to even greater heights.

FAN GUIDE 2022

57


Find the right oil!

www.liqui-moly.com

Proven on the racetrack, unleashed on the streets. Used by the Turner Motorsport Race Team in their Championship winning BMWs! With LIQUI MOLY, these same products that provide us a racing advantage are the exact same products used daily in servicing our customers’ cars. Will Turner, Turner Motorsport





2022 VENUES The 2022 SRO Motorsports America season competes at North America’s most prestigious road courses and street circuits. New for this season, a trip to Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks at Ozark International Raceway offers a new challenge as the first-ever professional race event to take place at the new circuit. Visits to Sonoma, VIR, Watkins Glen, Road America, and Sebring offer exciting racing. GT America powered by AWS also brings the sights and sounds of GT cars to the streets of St. Petersburg and Nashville, adding to its exciting sophomore season. With the season wrapping up once again at the Racing Capital of the World, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

62

FAN GUIDE 2022


FEB

FEB

FEB

24 25 26

STREETS OF ST. PETERSBURG The waterfront street circuit has been a regular fixture for SRO America and will kick off the 2022 season for GT America powered by AWS. The race takes place on a temporary course, utilizing the downtown streets of St. Petersburg along with one runway of Albert Whitted Airport. Creating a dynamic setting for GT racing alongside IndyCar and 200,000 fans. The diverse grid of GT America is sure to be a fan favorite of the weekend.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL

CIRCUIT: 14 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 1.8mi | ELEVATION: -

GTAM 1 + 2 FAN GUIDE 2022

63


APR

APR

APR

15

16

17

SONOMA RACEWAY Set in the rolling hills of California’s wine country, Sonoma Raceway was the site of the first ever World Challenge race over three-decades ago and will open the 2022 season for all SRO America championships except GT America. The 12-turn road course features a course-wide 160-foot elevation change from the peak at Turn 3a to the valley floor that is Turn 10. The blue-and-gold berms also pay homage to the collegiate history of the track manager, a University of California Berkeley alum.

SONOMA, CA

GTWCA 1 + 2 64

FAN GUIDE 2022

CIRCUIT: 12 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 2.385 mi | ELEVATION: 20 ft (6.1 m)

GTAM 3 + 4

GT4A 1 + 2

TCAM 1 + 2


MAY

MAY

MAY

20 21

22

OZARKS INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY Popularized by the hit Netflix show, the Ozarks have been a vacation destination for decades and features the latest International circuit to be built in North America. Set against the mountainous region of the Ozarks on 654-acres, the lay of the land helped form the circuit’s 19 turns. With 150 feet of elevation difference throughout a lap, Ozark International Raceway will be one of the most challenging circuits on the 2022 calendar.

GRAVOIS MILLS, MO

GTWCA 3 + 4

CIRCUIT: 19 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 3.97 mi | ELEVATION: -

GT4A 3 + 4

TCAM 3 + 4 FAN GUIDE 2022

65


JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

17

18

19

VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY America’s first “Motorsport Resort,” historic VIRginia International Raceway, is one of America’s first permanent road racing tracks. As Paul Newman once said, “If there is a heaven on earth, it is VIR.” The 17turn course is known for its high-speed straights, challenging turns and dramatic elevation changes. The 1300-acre property features world-class facilities and resort amenities that truly set itself apart.

ALTON, VA

GTWCA 5 + 6 66

FAN GUIDE 2022

CIRCUIT: 17 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 3.27 mi | ELEVATION: 380 ft

GTAM 5 + 6

GT4A 5 + 6

TCAM 5 + 6


JULY

JULY

JULY

22 23 24

WAKTINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL Road racing came to Watkins Glen in 1948 with an amateur road race called the “Watkins Glen Grand Prix”. As the race grew, plans for a permanent road course were developed and Watkins Glen International was born. Nicknamed “The Glen”, the track is located in beautiful upstate New York and was built in 1956. The circuit is known as the Mecca of North American road racing and is a favorite among fans and drivers.

WATKINS GLEN, NY

GTWCA 7 + 8

CIRCUIT: 12 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 3.37 mi | ELEVATION: 1,577 ft (481 m)

GTAM 7 + 8

GT4A 7 + 8

TCAM 7 + 8 FAN GUIDE 2022

67



AUG

AUG

AUG

5

6

7

MUSIC CITY GRAND PRIX The streets of Nashville come alive for the Music City Grand Prix for a three-day festival of speed that features music, food, and racing. GT America powered by AWS offers a taste of GT racing during the IndyCar weekend featuring a diverse mix of GT3, GT2, and GT4 machinery. The event is poised to surpass its debut last season with an even better experience and bigger crowd in Music City.

NASHVILLE, TN

CIRCUIT: 11 turn Street Circuit | TRACK LENGTH: 2.17 miles | ELEVATION: 385ft (Cumberland River)

GTAM 9 + 10 FAN GUIDE 2022

69


AUG

AUG

AUG

19 20 21

ROAD AMERICA In the early 1950’s, sports car races were being run on the streets in and around Elkhart Lake. When the state legislature banned racing on public roads, a man named Cliff Tufte organized a group of influential local citizens with a plan to build a racetrack, and what became Road America. Aptly named America’s National Park of Speed the track is 4.048 miles in length, with 14 turns, the track is virtually the same today as it was when it was first laid out and is acknowledged as one of the world’s finest and most challenging road courses.

ELKHART LAKE, WI

GTWCA 9 + 10 70

FAN GUIDE 2022

CIRCUIT: 14 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 4.048 mi | ELEVATION: 1,058 ft

GTAM 11 + 12

GT4A 9 + 10

TCAM 9 + 10


SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

23 24 25

SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY Sebring Raceway occupies the site of Hendricks Army Airfield, a training base for B-17 pilots in the 1940s, that was converted into a racetrack and staged its first endurance race in 1950. Its notable long straights are old concrete air strips that have defined Sebring’s rough nature over decades. Driver’s must ‘respect the bumps’ to conquer the 17-turn, 3.741 mile course that has featured the best of racing throughout the years.

SEBRING, FL

GTWCA 11 + 12

CIRCUIT: 17 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 3.741 mi | ELEVATION: 68.9 ft

GTAM 13 + 14

GT4A 11 + 12

TCAM 11 + 12 FAN GUIDE 2022

71


FOCUSED ON WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT Results | Comraderie | Eating Great Food www.bsportracing.com


OCT

OCT

OCT

7

8

9

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the world’s most iconic race tracks and a fitting location for the SRO America series finales. The Brickyard, a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) rectangular oval, is the third-oldest permanent automobile race track in the world and is partially incorporated into the FIA approved infield road course completed in 2000, measuring 2.605 miles (4.192 km). It’s a fitting stop for the globe trotting Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli and the season finale’s for all SRO America championships.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

GTWCA 13

CIRCUIT: 14 turns | TRACK LENGTH: 2.605 mi | ELEVATION: 715 ft (218 m)

GTAM 15 + 16

GT4A 13 + 14

TCAM 13 + 14 FAN GUIDE 2022

73


35 YEARS ON. STILL MAKING HISTORY.


35

RealTime has earned 101 race wins in World Challenge, almost exclusively with Honda or Acura vehicles. RealTime’s winning history even extends into ice racing, SCCA PRO Rally and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The most prolific team in World Challenge history, RTR has amassed 15 Drivers’ Championships and 14 Manufacturers’ titles for Honda and Acura since joining the series in 1993. The team’s most recent success was the 2019 GT World Challenge America Pro/Am Class Team Championship. RealTime races into 2022 with an Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 and a proven Pro-Am lineup. Established race winners Erin Vogel and Michael Cooper will share driving duties in the 13-race season. realtimerl.com




MAKE IT PREMIER

TEAM

CAYMAN GT4 RS CLUBSPORT


INDY 8 HOUR P

R

E

V

I

E

W

For the third consecutive year the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway will play host to the season finale of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS as well as the North American leg of the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli: the Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS. Coming off of a 2021 edition that saw the largest grid in a North-American IGTC race to date and featured top GT3 teams and manufacturers from around the world as well as the stars and cars of the SRO’s domestic American championship, the race has quickly cemented itself as a major event on the global sports car racing calendar.

D

espite a history that dates back to 1909, the inaugural running of the Indy 8 Hour was the first professional endurance sports car race at the venue. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, teams from as far afield as Germany, Italy, and Belgium flocked to “The Brickyard” with Germany’s famed Walkenhorst team claiming victory for BMW in the first edition. With travel restrictions eased, last year’s grid dwarfed the 2020 affair. The French Sainteloc Racing squad and

drivers Christopher Haase, Patric Niederhauser, and Markus Winkelhock teamed to take the third IGTC win on America soil for the Four Rings, adding to a pair of triumphs at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the first two runnings of the California 8 Hours in 2017 and 2018. The hallowed ground of Victory Lane at Indianapolis, located in the shadow of the famed pagoda, also served as a fitting backdrop for the 2021 GT World Challenge America champions to receive their coronations.

FAN GUIDE 2022

79


e c n a m r . o e f g r a e k p c a e p c a n r w o o t o t y d y a Re read a n i The new Hyundai Elantra N Line TCA is ready to race right out of the gate. Using the Hyundai Elantra N Line as its core, this exhilarating package delivers award-worthy performance at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for up-and-coming and experienced drivers alike.

To learn more about the new Hyundai Elantra N Line TCA and BHA Hyundai Track Support, visit BryanHertaAutosport.com/ElantraTCA or email HyundaiSales@BryanHertaAutosport.com.


INDY 8 HOUR P

R

E

V

I

E

W

This year the race will again serve as a stop on the SRO’s global Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli which includes events at Bathurst, Australia’s Mount Panorama Circuit, Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps, and Kyalami Circuit in South Africa in addition to the Indianapolis round. In a change from the previous two iterations, this year’s Indianapolis 8 Hour will be a GT3-only affair, bringing the race into closer alignment with the SRO’s blue-ribbon 24 Hours of Spa. As befits a venue with the historical significance in motorsports like Indianapolis, the stakes will be high. An anticipated strong car count featuring the full-season American entrants sprinkled with plenty of international flavor figures to give the race the feel of an all-star event once again. Points will be on offer for IGTC competitors, while IMS will once again serve as the finale and title-decider for GT World Challenge America. Perhaps even more significant is the chance to win at one of the iconic circuits on the planet, culminating with a traditional kiss on the Yard of Bricks.

FAN GUIDE 2022

81





SEWELL BMW OF PLANO A BMW M Motorsport Center

Sewell BMW of Plano 6800 Dallas Parkway Plano, TX 75024 (214) 778-2600 www.bmwofplano.com


GT WORLD CHALLENGE E

S

P

O

R

T

S

On the heels of its most competitive season to date, the SRO Motorsports Group has stepped up its commitment to Esports that will see a unified structure across three continents and pit the world’s best sim racing drivers and teams against one another on a global stage. The upsurge in participation and viewership of the 2021 Esports season put to bed any doubts that the sim racing boom of 2020 was a purely quarantine-derived phenomenon. This season will see a revamped format featuring American, European, and Asian sprint championships as before, but now includes the chance for each continent’s top talent to square off in the global Intercontinental GT Challenge Esports championship, all on some of the world’s most iconic circuits stunningly brought to life in the official simulation of Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS: Assetto Corsa Competitizione.

86

FAN GUIDE 2022


“PARITY WAS THE NAME OF THE GAME WITH A DIFFERENT DRIVER WINNING EACH OF THE FIVE SPRINT EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR.”

S

uch was the level of competition in last season’s GT World Challenge America Esports season that the fight for a mere spot on the grid was often as vicious as the battle for the season-long title. Parity was the name of the game with a different driver winning each of the five Sprint events on the calendar. Canadian Michael Kundakcioglu emerged as the Season 3 champion by a mere four points, only securing his second-consecu-

tive title in the final minutes of the season finale. The three-round Endurance championship also came down to the wire with the SideMax x Blackhawk Racing duo of Tinko van der Velde and Chris Severt fending off all comers to take the crown with consistency. Many of the same top drivers will be back in this year’s five-round GT World Challenge America Esports Sprint season as part of the new class structure for Season 4 beginning in April. Top participants from Season 3 will be run in the Pro class along with other experienced sim racers who will join the fold in the 60-minute sprint race formula. Driver nominations in the Pro class will be made by the GT3 manufacturers from a pool of qualified sim racers while Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS teams like Turner Motorsport and ST Racing along with Honda Performance Development will field teams in Season 4, highlighting the alignment of the Esports world with the motorsports world at large The established SRO Esports stars will face new challengers in the new-for-2022 Silver class which is open to those who scored fewer than 15 points across the American Sprint and Endurance championships last year or are new to competition entirely. Qualifying for the Silver class is open to anyone with a copy of Assetto Corsa Competizione, an internet connection, and a desire to compete against some of the toughest competition in sim racing. The same regulations will be in

play for both the European and Asian Sprint championships as well, bringing SRO’s continental Esports series into full alignment for the first time. Full details can be found at www.SRO-Esports.com. The same Pro/Silver class structure will be used in the new Intercontinental GT Challenge Esports series which will see each continent’s best drivers team together for long distance races spanning from 8 to 24 hours, mimicking the real-world Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli. This replaces the continental Endurance championships that have been employed in previous seasons. In both Sprint and Endurance, a maximum of 48 entries evenly split between the Pro and Silver classes make up the grid. The races will use the acclaimed simulation software Assetto Corsa Competizione from Kunos Simulazioni, which sets the standard in driving realism with its highly authentic physics, stunning graphics and photo-realistic weather conditions. In addition, a substantial prize package is on offer for the teams that conquer the competition. All races will be broadcast on the SRO’s GT World online streaming platform, bringing the action to a worldwide audience.

FAN GUIDE 2022

87



Loris Spinelli (left), Steven Aghakhani (right)


WE POWER PE Over the past eight years, young California native pro driver Steven Aghakhani has been supported and sponsored by cloud consultancy and transformation leader SADA. The number 6 car, more commonly known on the track as “the SADA car” has set track records, competed in championships, and traveled the globe. It takes technology, and more specifically, data, to dominate a race season. What makes a driver a champion is the ability to take that data and transform it into a focused racing formula. At age fifteen, Aghakhani raced pro-am in AMG GT3 as the youngest driver to ever compete. In 2018, at sixteen, Aghakhani claimed the Lamborghini Super Trofeo world championship in his rookie year. His remarkable resume is a result of a regimented program organized by his father and team principal, Armik Aghakhani. Armik has nurtured Steven’s raw talent and turned it into titles, transforming the youngest pro driver into the youngest world champion. It has always been Armik’s dream to see Steven win races, and he credits his son’s wins to his commitment to the sport and the talented, international team from Germany, Italy, Florida, and California he hand-picked to power the SADA car. The USracetronics team truly represents talent from all corners of the globe and includes co-driver Loris Spinelli, an Italian-born European champion. Armik has propelled the Steven Racing brand through a combination of marketing genius and sponsorships that generate global brand visibility through the medium of racing. Armik sees SADA’s sponsorship as a partnership that benefits the race season. “We’re proud to have SADA as our top sponsor as they are aligned with our core values of being data driven, thinking one-step ahead of the competition, and ultimately winning,“ Armik says.

T H A N K YO U TO A L L O F O U R T E A M PA R T N E R S


RFORMANCE Using data and expertise in Google Cloud solutions as a competitive differentiator, SADA demonstrates energy and drive while remaining focused on the details, reflecting the sophisticated solutions they deliver for their customers and partners. SADA’s CEO and President Tony Safoian is driven by the belief that technology can empower people to transform their lives for the better. He places sound engineering at the core of the business model, combined with exceptional customer support, innovation, and managed services. Safoian, who became SADA CEO in his twenties, knows the perseverance, milestones, discipline, and a winning mindset that are necessary to establish a company as an industry leader. Like Steven, Safoian understands what it means to be an underdog driven by passion and an ambitious vision. When asked why he has sponsored Steven Aghakhani for many years, Safoian replied, ”We are cut from the same cloth,” and commended the young driver for his discipline, passion, and psychological resilience to perform at a high level at such an early age, qualities he no doubt possessed himself. When you combine speed with using the best data to drive decisions, you get racing champions and technology companies that transform industries. For SADA and Steven Aghakhani, the road ahead looks wide open.

Steven Aghakhani (left) Armik Aghakhani (right)


PIRELLI

P-ZERO PREVIEW 2022 IS A MILESTONE YEAR FOR PIRELLI AS THEY CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF OPERATION.

The origin of Pirelli dates back to 1872, the year Giovanni Battista Pirelli founded a limited partnership, “G.B. Pirelli & C.”, in Milan to produce elastic rubber items. For 150 years, Pirelli’s pursuit of technical excellence, quality and safety has included a storied history of accolades and championships in motorsport. From its beginnings in the 1907 Peking-Paris endurance rally to its current partnerships on the worldwide motorsport stage, Pirelli is the leader on- and off- track.

92

FAN GUIDE 2022

P

irelli brings its P Zero Racing Slick tires to SRO America as the Official Tire Supplier, as well as the naming partner of the Pirelli GT4 America championship. P Zero is the ultimate expression of Pirelli technology on road and track, where the highest level of competition and security is considered to be the minimum standard.


“WE RACE WHAT WE SELL AND SELL WHAT WE RACE.”

Whether competing with factory teams at the highest level or with club drivers on their local circuits, Pirelli supplies over 50 racing series around the world. In recent years Pirelli has become best known for its activities in grand prix, sports and GT categories where, in addition to winning many different championships, there has been a direct technology transfer between P Zero racing tires and P Zero road tires. This continues as a testament to Pirelli’s motto: “We Race What We Sell And Sell What We Race.” The story of P Zero began over 35 years ago with the invention of ultra-low profile tires in conjunction with Lancia for competition. This platform for extreme experimentation created a new segment in the tire business – one where Pirelli is the recognized leader (ultra-high-performance), and where generations of enthusiasts, racers and drivers of all stripes rely on P Zero to be the pinnacle of performance driving. Whether on the track or in one of Pirelli’s R&D laboratories, P Zero has benefited from drive time at racing venues around the world, which has provided Pirelli the real world data for research and development that fuels its strong sporting image.

Today’s GT World Challenge P Zero Racing Slick has an external profile and internal structure that is designed to maximize the dimensions of the contact area. The tire’s belt geometries and highly aromatic oil-free (HAOF) materials have been developed to optimize the lateral force generated in cornering on the racetrack. Beginning with the 2016 season, all top-level GT championship series worldwide will compete on the same high performance compound. The Pirelli Group has made significant efforts towards continuous quality improvements in all fields, from research, productive processes, products for the final consumer and continuous development propelled by motorsport. Pirelli is at the forefront of cutting-edge product creation, and is dedicated to sustainability as a Group and amongst each of its individual business units. This dedication is one of the key factors in the development of some of Pirelli’s most important products to date – including the P Zero Racing Slick used in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America presented by AWS, GT America powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America powered by Skip Barber series.

FAN GUIDE 2022

93


OUR MISSION RUNS DEEPER THAN JUST DRIVING LAPS AROUND A TRACK


RYAN DEXTER

DOMINIC STARKWEATHER

DATE OF BIRTH: 20 JANUARY 2001 / AGE: 21 HOMETOWN: BURWELL, NEBRASKA GOALS: TO RACE IN THE 24 HRS. OF NURBURGRING

DATE OF BIRTH: 09 OCTOBER 2001 / AGE 20 HOMETOWN: CAVE CREEK, ARIZONA GOALS: WIN A PROTOTYPE CHAMPIONSHIP

dexterracing.com Thank You To Our Partners:


FOLLOW

#17 PORSCHE

WITH TODD HETHERINGTON & DR. JIM RAPPAPORT SPONSORED BY

“Our mission is to provide our clients with higher quality, objective, detailed medical opinions in order to facilitate a fair decision in the overall process of litigation in areas of personal injury, motor vehicle injury, disability, and workers’ compensation.” Call or click today! (777) 448-9436 www.silverstatemedicalconsultants.com


applying science to speed

WINNING DRIVER/ENGINEER IS BACK TO FIGHT FOR THE TC CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS 2020 TCA Rookie of the Year, TC America 2020 Pro Driver of the Year, Ohio Valley Region SCCA 2016 2018 2019 Road Race Driver of the Year, OH Valley Region SCCA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 TC Drivers' Championship Runner Up 2020 TCA Drivers' & TCA Team Champion, TC America 2015 2016 2018 2019 National Champion, SCCA

RACING FANS

RACING TEAMS

Go under the hood and onto the track with Kevin

Put Kevin’s unique motorsports engineering skills to work for your business

©2022 Boehm Motorsports, LLC



EMPOWERING SRO WITH AWS AND CROWDSTRIKE

Many a fan of virtually every sport has expressed confusion at times as to why company A is sponsoring sport B. “What’s the connection?” is often the thought. Ideally those sponsorships are mutually beneficial. Sometimes the success is below the surface. This is especially true when talking about businessto-business marketing versus the obvious consumer programs designed to sell more beer or soda.

B

esides the amazing GTs and Touring Cars, the SRO World Challenge is a paddock full of successful businesspeople, many of them C-suite executives, who use motorsports as a way to blend business and sport. Get-

ting to these executives at their primary office is a challenge. Approaching them in their “fun space” has proven very effective for two major partners within the SRO paddock. SRO World Challenge America CEO Greg Gill summed it up, “We hate the s-word. Our business partners are more than just sponsors. With Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Crowdstrike, we have two tech leaders who are helping us create great racing, and showcase their segment leading services in front of a paddock full of decision makers. They provide our team with peace of mind to do their jobs with no concern over data security.”

FAN GUIDE 2022

99


K O C L A B R E T H E T TH N D D U N O U R O A R A OR

I C A R

G N

, K C

U

I N

E T

U S

. S

There’s one thing that both Toyota racers and Toyota drivers have in common: the excitement behind the wheel. Whether we’re on the track or on the street, racing unites us. So, buckle up for a Toyota Racing season to remember and follow all the excitement. Let’s Go Places.

Toyota.com/Racing Keep up with all the action @ToyotaRacing Prototype vehicles shown with options using visual effects. Race cars are not available to public. Camry, GR Supra and Tundra race cars shown. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. ©2022 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.


SRO WORLD CHALLENGE:

WHERE SPEED & SAFETY ARE MEASURED BOTH ON AND OFF TRACK

Crowdstrike keeps our current and legacy data accessible and secure on both local devices and in the cloud.”

WHY RACING? SPEED: A key metric for most race drivers is the exit speed onto the longest straightaway. One bad turn, can destroy the lap time. A key speed in modern business is often upload speed. In the world of cybersecurity, speed is essential for stopping the threats posed in today’s environment. The ability to identify, mitigate and stop the threats posed is essential to a successful cybersecurity campaign. CrowdStrike’s cloud-based tools push identifying that threat from an individual computer to the cloud so threats become visible well before they actually attack a system. Speed is essential to beating those threats. Thanks to AWS, those two can both be measured at an SRO World Challenge race – MPH & Mbps. By moving all of SRO’s rich data to the cloud it improves SRO’s ability to identify, research, and mitigate issues that come in front of the series. Speed is essential for a series such as SRO.

ideal partner in that they add valuable protection without giving us more work. The Falcon complete service is continually monitoring our equipment and specialists are on hand if any interventions need to be escalated. That gives us the peace of mind, giving us more time to concentrate on running world class events.” The SRO World Challenge has benefitted from technical support from these two key organizations, experts in their fields, who have helped SRO maintain its position as the leader in Global GT racing. “One of the most difficult tasks in modern racing is developing the balance of performance. These are complex algorithms that allow over a dozen automakers to compete equally on a wide variety of circuits. AWS has given us cutting edge cloud storage and cloud computing to make this happen. Similarly, Crowdstrike protects our data just as our safety systems protect the racers,” noted Joe Legan, Technical Manager, SRO Motorsports America. He continued, “We work with up to 50 GB of data per race. AWS and

SECURITY: Racing series are unique organizations who maintain a significant level of highly valuable and confidential data. SRO very early on identified the risks associated with protecting this data within its systems, and has worked diligently with CrowdStrike to implement the latest technologies to protect client records, financial records, OEM performance date, video / photo content, race history, and related from prying eyes. TEAMWORK: It is not just the driver that wins races. It is the total team that works together to achieve the goal. Both AWS and CrowdStrike have found that true working with SRO. They share mutual goals and objectives in the programs. Prior to the on-track action, CrowdStrike CXO summits have proven to be valuable tools for CrowdStrike and AWS to bring together industry leaders to discuss the issues of today’s cyber world. These SRO facilitated executive experiences builds relationships and trust between the parties involved. Additionally, the three companies work together with other series partners, like Fanatec, to enhance the fan experience and work to build programs that have significant marketing and brand reach for all the parties involved.

SAFETY: Motorsports is a high-speed sport with serious risks. Key to safety for a race driver is having the best possible safety equipment. SRO requires the latest FIA rated helmets, HANS devices, and firesuits. Key to modern corporate safety is data protection. Thanks to Crowdstrike, those two can both also be measured at an SRO World Challenge race. Steve Groom, Chief Technical Officer for SRO noted that, “Crowdstrike is the

FAN GUIDE 2022

101



APPLICATIONS & SUCCESSES TO DATE THE CLOUD: One of the first integrations to take place was the migration of valuable SRO assets to the AWS Cloud. By placing all of this valuable content to the cloud, and working with the AWS team, SRO was able to quickly organize, sort, and search content that was largely unavailable to them in prior years. Today this content is readily available for review by series officials, TV and streaming production departments, and PR / Social departments, allowing them to quickly access and distribute relevant content closer to the need than ever before. RACE VISION: AWS and SRO are partnering in the development of the latest technologies, combining the data collected in the cloud with custom algorithms to deliver information to the broadcast team that enhances the race fan experience. Working together they are engaging viewer participation in the show, as well as educating the audience on some of the unique characteristics in the SRO cars, teams, and drivers. STREAMING: At the beginning of the 2021 season SRO added a number of the new AWS Elemental Link encoding hardware units into the existing remotely managed stream workflow. These new products merged directly into the existing workflow and worked seamlessly from day 1. SRO Esports has taken off in 2021 with more than 40 esports live events being added to the 2021 broadcasting schedules. Naturally these global Esports competitions needed global solutions with drivers joining from all over the world. The America, European and Asian SRO GT World Challenge Esports series took full advantage of the global AWS network in both its Sprint and Endurance championships. The 2021 championships were all streamed via AWS Elemental services to CDNs, Social Media Platforms and Broadcasters. And the content collected and stored within the cloud.

SRO WORLD CHALLENGE:

WHERE SPEED & SAFETY ARE MEASURED BOTH ON AND OFF TRACK

Julian Elkan, Digital Manager for SRO Motorsports noted that, “We have used the AWS Elemental infrastructure to deliver fast and reliable feeds globally. Technically challenging transfer of broadcast IP feeds from global region to region are now part of our regular workflow. An example would be that our live European broadcasts are now transferred over IP Live between Europe and South America for local commentators to add their own Spanish language commentary and restream out to their own platforms. Our streams are now available to broadcasters as a single stream with embedded multichannel audio. This allows a broadcaster to receive synchronized audio for their OTT platforms, thus allowing the end viewer to switch seamlessly between languages. This ability within our IP stream options will becoming even more important as we believe there will be increased demand by OTT platforms requiring commentary in multiple languages. SRO, AWS, and Crowdstrike all share a global mindset” FULLY REMOTE CAPABILITY: The adoption of AWS solutions by SRO has allowed SRO to adapt quickly

to the continuing production challenges of travel this year. All Live streaming and broadcast deliverables are now managed remotely from a single MCR (Master Control Room) providing a consistent point of contact for broadcasters and bringing a consistent workflow to all SRO productions. The nature of SROs global footprint means it can have as many as three global race events happening over any given weekend. Managing stream broadcasts in America, Europe and Australia has been made possible by the AWS Elemental tools. TV BROADCAST DELIVERABLES: SRO completed the move to AWS S3 storage in 2021. 100% of SRO broadcast recordings and highlight packages originate from AWS Cloud storage services. This represents 21.5TB of SRO broadcast files in the cloud. Each race weekend generates over 500GB of TV broadcast recordings, all needing to be uploaded to the SRO S3 storage by the Sunday night of a race weekend. To see SRO, AWS, and Crowdstrike in high-speed action, visit www.sro-motorsports.com and make plans to join us at the track or online in 2022.

FAN GUIDE 2022

103


How to celebrate a powerful collaboration. Callaway and Corvette mark the 35th anniversary of Callaway Corvette production with the new GM RPO PCY 35th Anniversary Package. Only 35 examples of the 35th Anniversary Edition Callaway Corvette are being manufactured. Standard equipment includes an integrated package of Callaway performance components, aerodynamics, and

For more information, see www.callawaycars.com/rpo-pcy

authenticity documentation. Performance partners for 35 years, Callaway and Corvette make it easy to get your RPO PCY Callaway. Available from Chevrolet Dealers nationwide, these Corvettes are prepared at GM’s Bowling Green factory and dropshipped to Callaway facilities for final assembly.

Temecula California • Leingarten Germany • Old Lyme Connecticut callawaycars.com • (860) 434-9002


RISE ABOVE!

“Family House has made it through the worst of COVID and throughout, we didn’t miss a day or miss a beat in providing the best place to be at the worst time in a family’s life. Without K-PAX Racing and the rest of our community, we could not have been successful over the past two years, but with a community of support, we look forward to returning to full capacity and more families to serve.” - Alexandra Morgan, Family House San Francisco CEO

/kpaxracingteam

@KPAXRacing

@KPAXRacing /familyhousesf

/kpaxracing @familyhousesf

Official Merchandise: shop.kpaxracing.com @familyhousesf

kpaxracing.com

|

/familyhousesf

familyhouseinc.org


CLASSIC BMW IS NOW SEWELL BMW OF PLANO

Sewell BMW of Plano 6800 Dallas Parkway Plano, TX 75024 (214) 778-2600 www.bmwofplano.com



ACTIONS, NOT WORDS! The Extended SRO Community is Working Towards A More Equitable & Sustainable World

Operation Motorsport provided crew assistance for driver Kevin Boehm in 2020 and continues its program this season.

SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS While at the track, look for the Patriot Car Corral. Hosted in conjunction with Operation Motorsport, the VIP Corral offers an exclusive experience to join fellow car enthusiasts in an all-make environment with premium parking with your sports car. Depending upon the venue this may include an on-track parade lap, access to the Operation Motorsports Welcome Tent, paddock tours, and more. Operation Motorsport is a Veteran Led and Operated, 501(c)(3) Not for Profit, serving American & Canadian medically-retiring service members

108

FAN GUIDE 2022

and veterans and was founded on the basis of three simple words: Excite, Engage and Empower. The premise is to engage service members and veterans affected by military service through Motorsport activities to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation. Some of their members will be working with select SRO teams, both in the shop, and at the track. Operation Motorsport helps beneficiaries discover a new way to find

a sense of purpose and pride. As in the military, in motorsports the goal is accomplishing the mission, winning as a team, collectively celebrating the successes, and supporting teammates through the losses. Operation Motorsport believes in the power of Team, Identity and Purpose. Recovery is One At A Time. Operation Motorsport is the Official Veterans Charity of SRO America & the Skip Barber Racing School.

Learn more at www.operationmotorsport.org


GREEN IS MORE THAN A FLAG COLOR – SUSTAINABLE MOTORSPORTS

We at SRO Motorsports Group are committed to manage our business processes while taking account of our environmental, social and economic impact. Our constant priority is to focus on building a truly sustainable motorsports network. Being highly aware of the environmental footprint our operations create, we have worked on a sustainability programme and implement sustainable actions into each aspect of our business activities. We have developed a carbon reduction roadmap with a 2030 deadline, based on a carbon footprint report which calculated our worldwide carbon emissions in 2019.

Combining several reduction strategies, we are starting to implement numerous sustainability efforts, in the aim of minimizing the carbon footprint of our existing championships and business operations. In parallel to the implementation of carbon reduction strategies, SRO has started to offset its residual carbon emissions, difficult to be avoided at present, by investing in a forest conservation project. The offsetting programme contributes towards preserving biological diversity and protecting endangered ecosystems, successfully combating climate change. Combining constant carbon reduction and gradual offsetting, we have set an objective of achieving operational carbon neutrality by 2023.

Learn more at www.sro-motorsports.com/ sustainability/

TIMELINE 2020

Carbon footprint assessment and decarbonization strategy

2021 – 2023 Implementation of carbon reduction strategy & carbon offsetting

2023 and beyond

SRO operating at carbon neutrality whilst continuing to implement further carbon reduction strategies & actively encouraging a sustainable motorsport network

ALL RACERS WELCOME At the 2021 SRO season finale in Indianapolis, SRO and AWS hosted an open discussion about diversity and inclusion within motorsports and the extended industry. For SRO it wasn’t a “we need to do X” to look good or check a box. This was a public talk among the already diverse SRO paddock about how we can continue our success, and improve. Improvement is always the goal since no racer is ever satisfied if they think they can go faster!

With more women racing, and winning, than in any other road racing paddock in America, SRO has an opportunity to grow our sport by being open and welcoming to everyone. Our challenge to fans is to bring a

newbie to a race, or enjoy a live SRO stream, with someone who may not have ever experienced our sport. Our greatest strength as a community is in welcoming new people.

FAN GUIDE 2022

109




PARTNERS

FANATEC is the leading brand for dedicated sim racing hardware, including force feedback steering wheels, pedals, and complete cockpits for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-based racing simulators. Featuring enthusiast-grade equipment, built by sim racers, for sim racers designed and engineered in Germany. Fanatec racing simulation hardware is built to the highest standards so that you can perform at your best.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) expands its position, being named the new global presenting sponsor of GT World Challenge. The series is now known as GT World Challenge powered by AWS and continues to be the Official Cloud and Machine Learning Provider for SRO globally. AWS is a secure cloud services platform, offering compute power, database storage, content delivery and other functionality to help businesses scale and grow. Explore how millions of customers are currently leveraging AWS cloud products and solutions to build sophisticated applications with increased flexibility, scalability and reliability.

www.fanatec.com

www.aws.amazon.com

CrowdStrike returns as the Official CyberSecurity Provider of SRO Motorsports America. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity technology company, is the leader in cloud-delivered endpoint protection. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform offers instant visibility and protection across the enterprise and prevents attacks on endpoints on or off the network.

Pirelli’s motorsport excellence is based on a tradition of innovation and reliability in competition and is the number one tire choice for the world’s most exciting racing series. Pirelli has consolidated its position as the leading tire supplier to GT racing throughout the world with the arrival of the GT World Challenge powered by AWS: a global championship that brings together the SRO’s GT series in America, Europe and Asia. Pirelli is also headline sponsor of the new Pirelli GT4 America series: one of the fastest-growing categories in the series

www.crowdstrike.com

www.us.pirelli.com

Rebellion Timepieces joins GT World Challenge powered by AWS as the global official timekeeper. Rebellion Timepieces is an exceptional player in the world of fine Swiss watchmaking. Passion, Performance and a Perfectionism attitude sparked the company’s inception and continue to guide its development each passing day. Nothing is left out, or left to chance, in this watchmakers’ pursuit for extraordinary quality and performance. Rebellion timepieces, with their bold design and limited-series production, are designed for those who share the same ideals.

VP is now recognized by many as the world leader in race fuel technology, with a catalog of more than 80 fuel blends and a growing roster of VP-fueled champions across the entire spectrum of motorsports. Back for 2022, VP Racing is the Official and Spec Fuel for all SRO America championships. The passion and dedication of VP’s development team to staying on the leading edge of technology is legendary. Most of VP’s employees are or have been racers in one form or another and are driven by the competitive will to win. Together, the VP team intends to solidify its position as the true World Leader in Race Fuel Technology for years to come.

www.rebellion-timepieces.com

www.vpracingfuels.com

112

FAN GUIDE 2022


Stay Frosty® Race Ready coolant reduces engine temps by up to 30°F compared to conventional glycol-based coolants. Formulated for high-compression, high-heat racing engines and SRO America’s Official Coolant. Stay Frosty Race Ready racing coolant is 100% water-based and biodegradable, plus it provides greater advantages to just using water in the radiator.

An elite team of ASUS engineers and designers committed to creating the world’s best gaming experiences came together to start Republic of Gamers (ROG). Since its founding, ROG has set new industry standards creating innovative gaming gear that empowers enthusiasts everywhere and now becomes SRO America’s Official PC and Monitor for 2022. ASUS ROG offers innovative desktops, laptops, displays, graphics cards, motherboards, and phones for your gaming or motorsports computing.

www.vpracingfuels.com

rog.asus.com

OPTIMA Batteries, manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc., provides industry-leading batteries which represent premium performance. OPTIMA will continue to strengthen its position in the aftermarket performance automotive industry by maintaining the position of Official Battery of SRO Motorsports America series. OPTIMA Batteries will also continue to offer awards for all podium finishing teams.

Skip Barber Racing School is the premier racing school in North America, conducting racing schools, driving schools and corporate team building events at road racing tracks across the country including Lime Rock Park, Laguna Seca, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Road Atlanta, and Sebring International Raceway. Since 1983, the Skip Barber Racing School has trained over one-third of all Indy 500 competitors and one-quarter of the NASCAR Cup competitors. Skip Barber Racing alumni have won every major U.S. auto racing championship.

www.optimabatteries.com

www.skipbarber.com

Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to pioneer the formulation of a 100% synthetic lubricant for automotive engines in the 1970s and is recognized as a leader in the field today with products like their 300V engine oil, gear oils, and RBF 600 & 660 racing brake fluids. From Le Mans to Laguna Seca, teams and drivers have trusted Motul to push their vehicles further in races across the globe.

5.11 joins SRO America as the Official Apparel partner for GT World Challenge America. With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready.

www.motul.com/us/en-us

www.511tactical.com

FAN GUIDE 2022

113


BE APART OF

THE ACTION TUNE-IN

Catch all the races streamed live for free at:

FOLLOW ALONG

Keep up to date on all the latest with your favorite series on our social channels:

GTWorld

SROMotorsports

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM:

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER:

@gtworldchallengeamerica

@gt4america

TWITTER:

Plus, catch the broadcasts on CBS Sports Network

*Check series websites for airing dates

@gtworldcham

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM:

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM:

@gt_america

@touringcaramerica

TWITTER:

TWITTER:

@gt_america_

@tc_america


Build your business with the speed, power, and capabilities of the world’s most innovative cloud.



Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.