The new Ford Mustang GT3 hit the track at Sebring last week so it is headlining this week’s Motorsport Series Roundup.
I also have some details on Toyota who were also out testing their GT3 race car, a deep dive into IMSA’s BoP, an introduction to International GT, why the Formula Winter Series is a great option with racers on a restricted budget and more.
All this in this week’s Motorsport Series Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
Sports Cars
The new Ford Mustang GT3 hit the track in anger for the first time at Sebring last week. Ford CEO Jim Farley tweeted a video of the car lapping the 3.7-mile circuit last Tuesday, in what’s understood to have been the opening day of a multi-day test.
One driver who is definitely a fan is NASCAR driver Austin Cindric. “Now how [the GT3 Mustang] relates to specifically NASCAR drivers and how often they want to be in the Rolex [24 Hours of Daytona], could it be an influence? Absolutely, as far as the tie-in with the manufacturer,” Cindric said. “But the challenge and the drive and the logistics of getting an opportunity for a race like the Rolex 24 will be just as challenging as it always is to find your one-off ride for the race. At least from my experience, that’s what I still anticipate.”
Ford wasn’t the only manufacturer testing a GT3 as Toyota was busy at the track as well.
Speed Sport explains how The Time Is Now For Trans-Am TA2. “While the entirety of Trans-Am has undergone a resurgence of late, TA2 perhaps best represents the legacy of the series, which traces its roots to the pony car wars of the late 1960s and ’70s. The TA2 format is a cost-controlled option as compared to the headlining, more open and high-horsepower TA cars.”
The CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will launch its new era with a 72-car field set to contest the event’s 2023 edition (29 June – 2 July). The entry list comprises machinery from eight world-renowned automotive brands and brings together elite teams from across the globe. They will compete in five fiercely competitive classes as the twice-around-the-clock race marks its 75th running and begins a new partnership with title sponsor CrowdStrike.
While Chevrolet has announced that they are discontinuing the Camaro in 2024, Supercars confirms that they will continue to race in that series for at least three seasons. “For fans, the Camaro will continue to proudly represent Chevrolet Racing in the Repco Supercars Championship until at least the end of 2025.”
John Oreovicz over at RACER looks at the elephant in IMSA’s room, the Balance of Performance (BOP) with an extensive analysis. “To refresh your memory, BoP is the tool used by sanctioning bodies including IMSA and the FIA to create parity between competitors. By mandating incremental adjustments to performance-related items including car weight, engine power, fuel consumption, and aerodynamics – sometimes on a race-by-race basis – the ultimate goal is to have all cars within a 0.5 percent window, expressed as 0.5s over a 100-second (1 minute, 40-second) lap. It’s especially effective in the GT classes, with multiple manufacturers fielding cars with front-, mid-, and rear-mounted engines in a variety of sizes and configurations.”
Daily Sportscar is reporting that multiple IMSA LMP3 teams are evaluating LMP2 for 2024. “DSC is aware that at least three current LMP3 teams are actively evaluating LMP2 programmes for 2024 with at least one class multi-race-winning squad in active discussions with ORECA over acquisition of cars for next season.”
IMSA’s President talks to Daily Sportscar on where things stand for the future of WEC and IMSA together in America as part of Super Sebring. “Not Exactly Sure If We Can Continue To Pull Off A Super Sebring.”
Grassroots Motorsports looks at International GT, a class that features pro cars, a pro vibe and easy access. “There are a lot of GT3-spec cars in this country, and series like the International GT and GT Celebration offer another outlet to exercise these great cars on some of North America’s best tracks. In addition, there are different categories to choose from for the pro and amateur driver.”
Motorsport Magazine has a review of Radical Motorsport’s new SR10 XXR which they call radical by name and nature. “An upgraded version of the Radical SR10, XXR spec brings improved aerodynamics and stability.”
Single-Seaters
Feeder Series reports that inaugural Formula Winter Series champion Kacper Sztuka feels that the new series is a good option “for drivers like me who can’t go to the UAE.”
“I think the Formula Winter Series is a great idea because it’s a good option for drivers like me who can’t go to the UAE because of low budgets,” Sztuka says. “We race in Europe on Pirelli tyres, which are used in British F4, Italian F4, and so on. That’s good because in UAE they use Giti tyres, and I’ve heard it’s quite different than Pirelli. Then, of course, another advantage is competing on Spanish tracks. There are some good tracks like Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona, which is a good preparation for the future.”
“Outside of sponsors, another opportunity to find more funding could be from companies working in motorsport. For the past decade, Pirelli has supported the winner of the Formula 3 Championship and GP3 Series via a scholarship to put towards a seat in F2 or GP2, with 2022 F3 champion Victor Martins receiving €300,000. Sztuka says that Pirelli and other companies involved in motorsport could be a huge asset for drivers lacking money.”
RACER looks at the growth of the various feeder series below IndyCar and how things have changed for the better. “Junior open-wheel car counts always fluctuate a little bit, with some rounds losing a few cars while others have a couple of extra entries, but as a whole, there’s a reason to feel optimistic about the health of IndyCar’s training categories with approximately 60 drivers spread across Indy NXT, USF Pro 2000, and USF2000 trying to make their way to the big series.”
Touring Cars
The future of the 2023 ETCR eTouring Car World Cup is in doubt after Discovery Sports Events revealed that it will not promote the series this season. “Following a series of discussions with various stakeholders, Discovery Sports Events announces it will not promote the ETCR, eTouring Car World Cup during 2023,” a statement from Discovery Sports Events read.
The José Carlos Bassi International Autodrome is set to appear on the TCR World Tour schedule for the 2023 season, according to reports in South America. “Also known as La Pedrera after the park in which it is located, the circuit runs to a length of just under 4.4km and features a total of 18 corners, with the main straight being 30 metres wide.”
Rally, Raid & Off-Road
The Martelli Brothers announced last Friday the creation of Unlimited Off-Road Racing, which will be a three-race series of major desert races in the United States under their wing. It will begin in 2024 with the Parker 400 in January, followed by the Mint 400 in March and California 300 in October.
Miscellaneous Racing Series
The World Rallycross Championship (World RX) has confirmed Hong Kong will play host to the season finale. Arne Dirks, managing director for Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said: “Just being here today, it is clear to see what a spectacular location we are in, and what a magnificent backdrop Victoria Harbour and the central business district will provide for our high-stakes season finale and first-ever city race.”
Team News
- TDS and Tower Motorsports to join forces for Le Mans effort
- Duckhams Yuasa Racing joins powerhouse Porsche outfit for 2023 title push
- Reigning team champion, Idola Motorsport, announces 2023 Praga Cup entries
- JTR Enters Mercedes-AMG GT4 for Mars, Atwater
- Valkyrie Velocity Announces Three-Car Driver Line-Up, Partners for
- TR3 Switches to Mercedes-AMG, Adds GT4 Program
- RLR MSport to launch multi-class title assault on 2023 Ligier European Series
- Bachler to Lead Pure Rxcing Porsche Lineup
- Opening a New Chapter for Heart of Racing
- Tecnicar Motorsport joins Spanish F4 with Eric Gene as its first signing
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former 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.