Toyota has revealed their new GR GT3 and I have the details in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have racecraft tips, series news, 2026 calendars and much more!
Overview
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
4 Step Data Deep Dive – Verstappen Beat Hamilton But Why?
From Samir Abid of Your Data Driven: Formula 1 have released data for Lewis and Max from qualifying for the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix. In this data deep dive you will learn why Max was faster and how you can apply the same 4 step process to analysing your own driving data.
It is fascinating that this data has been made public. Have a watch of the video above to learn what happened and what the data can tell you about improving your own driving.
Thank You, Driving Geeks
Why do drivers do what they do? Ross Bentley discusses in a recent post here. “At the core of why these drivers do what they do is… driving! They love to drive, for whatever reason resonates deeply inside them.”
My Hillclimb Crash Only Increased My Appreciation for the Sport
Andrew P. Collins from The Drive talks about how participating in a hillclimb increased his appreciation for motorsport. “I did my first-ever hillclimb race earlier this summer and it quickly became my favorite flavor of motorsports. For those who aren’t familiar: Hillclimb is exactly what it sounds like. A mountain road is closed off, cars race up it one at a time, and the fastest to do it wins.”
This Skill Separates Champions from Everyone Else
Enzo Mucci explains the skill that separates champions from everyone else in the video above. “Now lets get into the real differences between a champion and most other drivers. If you focus on this area then it will help your mental performance as well as your chances of winning. Take this on.”
You Don’t Suck: Go Faster by Separating Facts From Feelings
J.G. Pasterjak of Grassroots Motorsports explains why the best way to go faster is to separate facts from feelings.
OMP Launches One Art Air, the World’s Most Breathable Racing Suit
The OMP brand of Racing Force Group, the world’s leader in motorsport safety equipment, is proud to announce the launch of the One Art Air, the most breathable racing suit ever made, exceeding by more than 10% the previous OMP top-of-the-range models, already the industry leader. Following two years of research and development on exclusive fabrics, OMP sets again a new benchmark in the performance level of fireproof racewear.
Read more about the race suit here.
Race Car & Series Developments
Toyota GR GT3 Coming To A Racetrack Near You
Toyota Motor Corporation has, at long last, presented the new GR GT3 to the public for the first time, ahead of a tentative launch in 2027.
The GR GT3 was one of three high-performance cars unveiled Friday by Toyota, accompanied by the road-going GR GT, and the Lexus LFA Concept, a battery-electric sports car. The GR GT will be the company’s new flagship front-engine supercar, following in the footsteps of Toyota’s halo cars of the past, the 2000GT and the original LFA.
In the case of the GR GT3, it will be the successor to the Lexus RC F GT3, which has had a long and successful racing life – particularly in Japan and North America, headlined by the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech GTD PRO Championship for Vasser Sullivan Racing. Most recently, the RC F GT3 began racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMGT3 class.
RACER has more details here.
Competitors Reflect on New FIA GT World Cup Qualifying Format
IMSA Releases Provisional 61-Car Entry List for 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona
IMSA has published the provisional 61-car entry list for the 64th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, as the crown jewel of North American endurance racing features yet another capacity grid. The field is made up of 11 cars in the top GTP class, 14 LMP2s, 15 cars in GTD PRO, and 21 more in GTD. RACER has all the details here.
Ligier Automotive Joins GT2 Europe Grid with JS2 RS and Commits to SRO GT Academy for 2026
Ligier Automotive has announced its intention to join the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli grid in 2026, while also adding its support to the new SRO GT Academy concept which will be introduced next season.
The storied French marque will use the JS2 RS for what represents its biggest foray yet into the ferociously competitive world of modern GT racing. Launched earlier this year, the new model takes its inspiration from the JS2 that finished second overall at the 1975 Le Mans 24 Hours.
Plato Racing Confirmed for 2026 Season as BTCC Announces TBL List
Plato Racing will officially join the British Touring Car Championship grid in 2026 following the confirmation of all TOCA BTCC Licence allocations. Having previously announced his intentions to enter the UK’s premier motorsport series back in September, Plato’s team has locked in a tie-up with RML and has already recruited key personnel including Paul Ridgeway and Malcolm Swetnam.
The TCR Europe Grid is Almost Full for 2026 – 22 Entries Already Confirmed
Following an incredible 2025 campaign, the TCR Europe series is already looking ahead. This year’s season finale in Barcelona saw 27 cars enter the final round and host one of the closest title fights in touring car history. Now, with the 2026 season still months away, the series is delighted to confirm that 22 entries have already been secured.
Eurocup-3 Strengthens its European Presence with Three ELMS Rounds in the 2026 Calendar
Eurocup-3 has unveiled its updated and nearly finalized 2026 calendar, featuring eight rounds across Europe and a major milestone for the championship: three events will run alongside the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), strengthening the international presence of the series ahead of its fourth season.
Marco Rodríguez, General Coordinator, said: “This updated calendar reflects the continued growth of Eurocup-3 at European level. Partnering with ELMS for three events marks a major step forward for the visibility of our drivers and teams, and offers an exceptional sporting environment across some of the most iconic circuits in Europe. We look forward to an exciting 2026 season.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux Unveil 2026 Calendar
Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux has unveiled their six round 2026 calendar. You can see it here.
A Ginetta Cup in the FFSA GT French Championship
The FFSA GT French Championship will have a new look in 2026. While continuing to make GT4 its first category, the French competition will open up to new classes with the aim of making the championship more accessible.
Thus, a Ginetta Cup will be organized within the FFSA GT French Championship. All competitors will race Ginetta G56 GTAs. With their tubular chassis and V6 engines producing over 300 horsepower, these cars offer an attractive entry point into the world of GT racing. Driven by the British brand and its European distributor (CMR), the goal is to offer a formula that is as affordable as possible and could serve as a stepping stone to GT4.
More details (in French) can be found here.
TCR Australia to Run at The Bend in 2026
Motorsport Australia has announced that TCR Australia will run five rounds in 2026 as part of a partnership with The Bend and WSC Group.
Sam Shahin, Managing Director of The Bend Motorsport Park, said the agreement reflects the venue’s ongoing commitment to world-class motorsport.
“We are committed to the motorsport industry. We also believe that we share the responsibility of promoting categories that support aspiring motorsport enthusiasts. TCR is a global category that deserves its rightful place in Australian motorsport. Our involvement is a testimony to the category, the brands it represents, and the teams and drivers that see it as a pathway to World TCR abroad, or a pathway to other categories in Australia." Shahin said. TCR South America Set for Bumper 2026 Entry
The organisers of TCR American have revealed plans for a 26 car entry for the 2026 season before the current campaign has even drawn to a close. According to a statement issued by the organisers, a number of changes are expected across the field, which will include factory backing for one team and the introduction of a new car.
Touring Car Times has more details here.
TCR Italy Schedule for 2026 Confirmed
The calendar for the 2026 TCR Italy season has been revealed, which will once again feature six race dates. The same five venues that were part of the 2025 season have been retained, although there will be two rounds at Mugello as opposed to Misano – which opened and closed the current campaign.
Spanish F4 2026 Calendar Announced
Spanish F4 has released their ten round 2026 calendar. They have also officially confirmed the list of selected teams for the 2026 season, following the closure of the pre-registration period. In addition, the Committee has determined the number of cars allocated to each team.
Daytona Fun Cup 2026 Details Announced
The Fun Cup offers you the unique chance to drive on the legendary Daytona International circuit. The 5.729 km “Infield” road layout will be the playground, incorporating most of the oval and its 31-degree banking.
The race will take place on December 17, 18, and 19, 2026, for the second edition of the World’s End Cup. A maximum of 120 cars can participate, so hurry up! Full details can be found here.
Historic Modsports & Special Saloons Series
A new addition to the Scottish Motor Racing Club’s portfolio, the SMRC are delighted to be appointed as the Organising Club for the CHASE Equipment Historic Modsports & Special Saloons Series.
Originally created in 2022 by Promotor Steve Watton, the Series is designed to celebrate the rich heritage of the genre from the late 60’s through to the end of the 1970’s. Our focus is on preserving and re-creating the atmosphere from the period and showcasing these classic racing vehicles which made so much history on the UK scene.
Full details can be found here.
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Sim Racer Wins Skip Barber Race Series Title
Sim racer Ivan Machado Perez has won the 2025 Skip Barber Race Series Championship, and it all started with sim racing. You will learn how in last week’s edition of the Sim Racing Roundup. I also have tech reviews, how to go faster and more!
Track Days
DMSB Overhaul Nordschleife Permit System
The DMSB has revealed an overhaul to its Nordschleife Permit system, which will come into effect from 2026 onwards.
The DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) is the license required to compete in race events at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, such as the 24H Nürburgring and rounds of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie.
Daily Sportscar has all the details here.
McLaren Will Hand-Pick the Buyers of Its New Le Mans-Inspired Hypercar
With Project Endurance, McLaren is on the hunt to replicate its 1995 Le Mans victory. Thirty years ago, a crack team of drivers piloted the #59 F1 GTR around the French circuit to the top of the podium. Now, McLaren’s plotting its return for 2027, in the hypercar division, developing a hybrid that’ll dominate on Circuit de la Sarthe—and a variant that customers can buy for non-competitive track days.
But you can’t just walk into a McLaren dealership, wave your Black Amex, and expect to get one of the 30 to 35 globally allocated Project Endurance customer cars. McLaren must select you. What criteria is the marque employing? “We’d like to reward local customers who’ve been buying McLaren cars for many years,” says Neil Underwood, McLaren’s Head of Hyper Track Programs. “But we’re also conscious that this is an extreme track car, so we’re looking at bringing customers with the right profile from other brands to become part of this.” Robb Report explains here.
First Stage of New Australian Circuit Opens
Western Australia’s newest circuit in Albany is one step closer to reality, following the completion of the opening stage of track surfacing. Known as Albany Motorsport Park, the first 1.09km-long, 12m-wide north circuit section has been laid, with the short track envisaged to form the cornerstone of an overall 3.25km layout.
North Florida Motorsports Park, A Groundbreaking 600-Acre Automotive Lifestyle Destination
North Florida Motorsports Park, a groundbreaking 600-acre automotive lifestyle destination, was announced recently, bringing a sophisticated motorsports experience to Florida’s First Coast. The premier development will combine a professional-grade racetrack with luxury residential offerings and public amenities, establishing a new benchmark for automotive enthusiasts in the region.
Brainerd International Raceway Enters a New Era with Strategic Staffing and Modernized Brand Identity
Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) is entering a new chapter guided by the vision of owner Kristi Copham, whose commitment to long-term facility growth has been central to the raceway’s evolution since the Copham family purchased the track in 2006. Today, BIR announces a strengthened leadership team and a refreshed brand identity—two foundational steps in positioning the facility for its next decade of growth.
More details can be found here.
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.
