The McLaren MCL-HY GTR track car has been revealed, and I have all the details in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have racecraft tips, a guide to the classes competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and more!
Overview
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
What You Can Learn From Slower Drivers Data
Samir Abid of Your Data Driven explains who you can improve your racecraft by studying the data of slower drivers. “You compare yourself with the quickest driver in the session. The person on pole. The driver two seconds ahead. The one who always seems to find grip, confidence, or lap time. But I bet you give little thought to what a slower driver is doing. Here’s why (and how) you can learn from slower drivers data.”
You can read the full article here.
How to Improve Your Trail Braking
Have you ever tried improving your trail braking, or worked at rotating your car more entering a corner—and felt like you were doing it better—only to find out that your lap times have actually gotten slower? If so, you’re not alone.
Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets explains how to improve your trail braking.
Race Car & Series Developments
This Is Why We Race | The SCCA Runoffs Plans its Return to Road Atlanta
Sports Car Club of America’s storied road racing adventure at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta began more than 50 years ago, with Club members still flocking to the legendary facility to battle on one of the most challenging racetracks in North America. That motorsports legacy continues to grow, with SCCA’s winner-take-all National Championship Runoffs returning to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in 2027 and 2028.
Guide to the Nürburgring 24 Hours Classes
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is not only one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races, but also one of the most diverse. A huge field of 161 cars will descend on the famous German circuit in mid-May for its annual extravaganza, which this year carries extra interest thanks to the participation of four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
Racecar Engineering has put together a comprehensive guide to the various Nürburgring 24 Hours classes. You can read it here.
The McLaren MCL-HY Revealed
McLaren has revealed the MCL-HY FIA Hypercar; the sports car that will challenge in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, and the foundation for an exclusive track car derivative, the MCL-HY GTR, currently being offered to VIP McLaren clients through the Project: Endurance program.
“Years and months in the making and here we are, revealing the MCL-HY to the world. McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world; Formula 1, INDYCAR and WEC. This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, INDY500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together – a unique cross-series story that sets us apart.”
Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing
Growth of Mustang GT4 Globally a “Remarkable Success”
The growth of Ford Racing’s Mustang GT4 customer program globally has been deemed a “remarkable success” according to its global customer racing manager Chris Ward, who is now targeting a ramp up of entries in Europe, and eventually the Asian market.
“To better support the expected influx of new customer teams, Ford Racing is in the process of bringing in dedicated customer racing engineering staff, while also hiring regional customer racing managers for both Europe and Australia.”
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Porsche Esports Supercup Promotes Real-World Racing
The Porsche Esports Supercup is promoting using its esports competition as a pathway to real-world motorsport and you will find out how in last week’s edition of the Sim Racing Roundup.
Track Days
McLaren’s New Track-Only Hypercar Is Even More Powerful Than the Race Car It’s Based On
In addition to revealing the MCL-HY FIA Hypercar for racing in the World Endurance Championship (see above), McLaren has also revealed the customer version of the car, the MCL-HY GTR.
Unlike the hypercar, the MCL-HY GTR won’t be subject to any road or race regulations. The primary result of this is the automaker has retained the race car’s six-cylinder but chosen to forgo the FIA-required hybrid system. The mill, unburdened by the extra hardware and competitive restrictions, is even more potent, generating as much as 720 hp. Robb Report has the details here.
Ariel Atom 4RR
Ariel Motor Company’s track-oriented Atom 4RR is its most powerful model to date. It is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine based on the Honda K20C Type R unit. Racecar Engineering brings you the details.
Singer Drivers Club Reimagines Willow Springs Into A Premium Motorsports Destination
The new owners of Willow Springs International Raceway, a group led by CrossHarbor Capital Partners in collaboration with Singer Vehicle Design, publicly committed to preserving the historic track and maintaining its accessibility for enthusiasts. Instead of bulldozing the circuit, they would focus on modernization and infrastructure improvements to build a world-class motorsports venue. Part of that modernization was a plan to turn the track into a premium motorsport destination with the Singer Drivers Club.
“We’re incredibly excited to open the Singer Drivers Club as part of this next chapter, one that brings new energy, investment, and attention to Willow Springs,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. “From the outset, it was essential to us that Willow Springs remains a place for everyone who loves motorsports. While the Singer Drivers Club introduces a new, private layer of hospitality and experience, all three road courses will remain open to the public, honoring Willow Springs’ legacy as a driver-focused circuit, elevating safety, infrastructure, and overall quality for the community.”
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
