Will the new breed of GT3 cars price out customer racers? That’s the questioned posed to SRO’s Stephane Ratel and you will hear his thoughts on the topic in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have Ayrton Senna’s track notes, Dome’s Next Formula Project and more!
Overview
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
Robert Wickens Pit Stops | The Man Behind the Scenes
To execute a fast and competitive pit stop, paraplegic race car driver Robert Wickens needs a little assistance to get out of the car quickly. That’s where Josh Gibbs comes into the picture.
Winging It vs. Going All In: What Senna’s Track Notes Reveal About True Preparation
There’s a tempting comfort in just getting in the car and driving — letting natural instinct take over, chasing that effortless flow feeling. Most drivers know it well. But racing coach and author Terence Dove has a name for that comfort zone: dead-flow. And he argues it’s quietly killing your lap times.
In this sharp, thought-provoking piece, Dove draws on Ayrton Senna’s famously meticulous approach to track notes to make the case that winners don’t just rely on raw talent — they build detail plus impetus into every corner of every lap. The result isn’t a joyless system, but a heightened, hyper-focused state that keeps the magic alive while unlocking a whole new level of performance.
If you’re serious about your racecraft, this one’s worth your time. Read the full article here.
Race Car & Series Developments
GR Customer Racing Promotes Future GT Talent with New Young Driver Academy
GR Customer Racing will help develop the next generation of professional racing drivers for its GT programs through a new Young Driver Academy (YDA).
The initiative provides a pathway to identify and promote promising young drivers, based on their skills and performances, with a view to potential participation in GR Customer Racing’s GT3 activities in 2027.
GR Customer Racing’s existing efforts to promote young drivers will be expanded and integrated into broader GT activities. A seamless development ladder will lead from GT4 cars such as the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 all the way to the top of GT3 competition. This progression will be supported by Toyota’s global engineering and motorsport infrastructure, reinforced by the strong competitive foundation already provided by the GR Supra GT4 EVO2 in series around the world.
The Academy features a multistage selection process. Candidates will initially compete in simulator sessions hosted at Toyota Racing’s Cologne facility in April 2026, where performance will be evaluated based on lap time, consistency, and technical feedback.
Drivers who excel in this phase will be invited to Motorland Aragón in Spain this summer for an ontrack test in a GT3 car to showcase their speed, adaptability, teamwork, and capacity to improve through coaching. Those who succeed at this stage may ultimately be recommended for GR Customer Racing’s 2027 GT3 efforts.
Selection Process
All drivers already confirmed to race with a Toyota GT car in 2026 are automatically entered into an initial evaluation process. High-performing racers aged between 17 and 27 may also apply, provided they meet FIA GT3 licence, categorisation, and eligibility requirements.
Applicants currently racing a GR Supra GT4 will receive priority access to this development pathway. By competing in GT4 championships, candidates race under the scrutiny of GR Customer Racing experts, which will increase their opportunities.
The evaluation will be fully data driven at every stage. GR Customer Racing will define clear performance targets, use advanced simulation methods, and structured on-track analytics to ensure progression is transparent and based on measured criteria.
The program aligns fully with FIA GT3 sporting regulations, and all selected drivers will already meet the requirements for GT3 competition. This enables credible and realistic career progression towards the highest levels of GT racing.
Commitment
GR Customer Racing’s longstanding commitment to nurturing new talent ensures that Academy participants will develop their technical knowledge, physical condition and professional skills, as well as their ontrack performance. This philosophy will give drivers the potential to progress in a sustainable way through every level of GT competition.
The Young Driver Academy emphasizes Gazoo Racing’s commitment to contributing to the future of global GT competition. It is designed to evolve further in the coming years to provide a structured pathway for aspiring drivers to progress towards a professional racing career with GR Customer Racing.
Applications and further information regarding the Young Driver Academy are available via youngdriveracademy@toyota-racing.com.
The closing date for 2026 applications was 27 March.
Ratel Not Concerned About Latest GT3 “Evolution”
Stephane Ratel said he’s not concerned about the latest “evolution” of new-breed GT3 machinery, which have been designed for the race track before being developed as a production car.
“We know that GT3 is getting an evolution because the main factor of these cars is that they are cars that have been produced to be GT3 cars and then homologate it for the road, to produce the number of road cars that are necessary for the homologation. It’s the same thing as the second-generation Ford GT, which is the same thing as the [Maserati] MC12 and the same thing as GT1. You can go back to that.”
Read the full article at Sportscar365 here.
ALMS Working On Middle East “Contingency Plans”
In more news from the SRO founder, SRO Motorsports Group and Le Mans Endurance Management, co-promoters of the Asian Le Mans Series, are working on “contingency plans” for the upcoming season, with Ratel hinting that the currently scheduled Middle Eastern rounds could be rescheduled “closer” to Europe rather than in Southeast Asia.
“I think we would probably stay closer [to Europe] than going all the way to Asia, but we haven’t decided yet.”
Ningbo Replaces Next Month’s Shanghai Event
GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS series has made a late change to its schedule with its Chinese round next month moving from the Shanghai International Circuit to instead be held at Ningbo. Sportscar365 has the details here.
N24 a “Very Good” Event to Keep on IGTC Calendar
Stephane Ratel has reaffirmed SRO Motorsports Group’s commitment to keep the Nürburgring 24 on the Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar, amid its shift away from the globe-trotting GT3 series’ original ethos.
“That is undoubtedly one of the biggest. Ok, we drifted a bit away from the original concept of five races on five continents, which was very nice, but I think this one definitely deserves to be a part of it. We have also built a very friendly and constructive relationship with the promoter, the ADAC, and it works well. It’s good for the sport.”
Zenith Racing Series expands to 9 races for 2027; adds Sprint Cup
Zenith Racing Series has announced the framework for its 2027 Season, featuring a nine-event calendar, an expanded Endurance Championship structure, and the launch of the NEW Zenith Sprint Cup.
The 2027 season will run from February through October with events planned at Homestead Miami Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Sebring International Raceway, VIR, Road America, Watkins Glen International, Daytona International Speedway, and two additional to-be-announced, iconic tracks. Event dates to be released soon. Select 2027 events may be open to spectators, in turn contributing to the paddock atmosphere and overall event energy, and giving teams a meaningful environment to welcome sponsors, guests, family, and fans.
Zenith is built for competitors who want a great place to race; whether bringing an S2000 or BRZ, GT3 Cup Car, NP01, LMP3, or anything in between. The series uses open vehicle regulations with a power-to-weight classing system, strong and consistent enforcement of regulations, professional officiating through USAC, top-tier technology for compliance and racing operations, competitor-focused hospitality, and a premium broadcast package.
Full details can be found here.
Daytona Reveals ‘Transformative’ New LED Lighting Project
Daytona International Speedway has announced a transformative, venue-wide LED lighting project that will introduce the next generation of lighting technology to the ‘World Center of Racing,’ marking the next step in how motorsports are experienced by fans, competitors and viewers around the world.
“In collaboration with Musco, Daytona International Speedway will install LED lighting across all existing oval track high mast pole-mounted fixtures, the road course, infield, pit box and emergency lighting systems. The project will also feature LED RGB accent lighting on track light poles synchronized with the caution light system, as well as uplighting for the upper-level underside of grandstand seating—creating dynamic, visually engaging moments throughout race events.”
Vintage Yet Vital: Shifting Into Expansion Mode
Vintage road racing is having a moment. It’s probably an overstatement to call it a groundswell, but here and there, coast-to-coast, vintage road racing organizations are expanding schedules and classes to meet demand, adding venues, and seeing steadily growing car counts. Veterans of the sport can attest that conditions weren’t always so rosy for racecars of a certain age. Read why over at PRI here.
HWA Celebrate Evo R Racing Debut, Announce Customer Race Version
HWA have for decades been responsible for the build of Mercedes AMG race cars. But in the wake of the decision by Mercedes AMG Customer Racing to establish a new company to service those needs (The Affalterbach Car Company) HWA, co-located alongside AMG’s major plants in Affalterbach, HWA have been looking for programmes to fill the not inconsiderable gap. One such program is the HWA EVO, a ‘restomod’ of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II, limited to a 100 car production run.
Daily Sportscar has all the details of the project here.
Dome Next Formula Project
The “NEXT-FORMULA-PROJECT” (NFP), planned by the Japan Motor Racing Industry Association (JMIA) and in which Dome is actively participating as the project leader, will unveil its prototype vehicle for the first time at the Motorsport Forum to be held at Pacifico Yokohama for three days starting Wednesday, May 27th.
NFP is a project aimed at developing Japan’s motorsports industry and next-generation formula technology. Following the project’s launch announcement in 2024 and the wind tunnel model exhibition in 2025, we are now unveiling the prototype vehicle currently under development to the public for the first time.
Full details can be found here (in Japanese): https://dome.co.jp/news_n/news_20260526.html
Formula Winter Series Introduces New Tournament Format
The Formula Winter Series is introducing a new competition format. The aim of this tournament format is to reduce the number of cars on track per race while also giving rookies and midfield drivers greater exposure through the new “Contenders Race.” Full details can be found here.
Tatuus Celebrates the 500th T-421, the World’s Most Widely Used Formula 4 Car
Born in 2021, the Tatuus T-421 reached its 500th unit produced and delivered in May 2026, once again confirming its status as one of the most manufactured and successful racing single-seaters worldwide. The milestone was celebrated by the Lainate-based brand together with all its employees and the sister companies of the Korus group, which contribute daily to the T-421 project: ATM–Autotecnica Motori, Breda Racing, and Next Solution Technologies.
“The 500th T-421 is not only a major milestone for Tatuus, but also an important achievement for the entire international motorsport ecosystem,” said Giovanni Delfino, CEO of Tatuus and the Korus Group. “With the introduction of Formula 4 in 2014, the FIA created a new pathway between karting and single-seaters, enabling drivers to arrive better prepared for higher categories. This model has established itself through years of significant growth in motorsport, during which many championships were launched and expanded, now reaching grids of nearly 50 cars per round with the second generation we celebrate today. These are figures that were difficult to imagine at the beginning of this journey, but which now define the everyday reality of many of the companies within the Korus Group.”
Revolution Race Cars Announces Alcon as Braking Partner for New HyperSport Track Car
Revolution Race Cars is proud to announce Alcon as the official braking partner for the all-new Revolution HyperSport, the lightweight track and race car unveiled earlier this year that is set to establish an entirely new segment of the trackday and club race car market.
As part of the partnership, the Revolution HyperSport will feature Alcon four-piston brake calipers at each corner, paired with 300 x 26 mm brake discs, delivering exceptional stopping performance, consistency and driver confidence.
Radical France Launches with Expanded Presence from Experienced Team at Circuit de Bresse
Radical Motorsport has announced the extension of its global dealer network, with the appointment of the experienced Atelier Motorsport to form Radical France. The new French distributor for Radical track and racing cars is based at Circuit de Bresse in Frontenaud, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, situated on the A39 Autoroute between Lyon and Dijon in the east of the country.
Carbon Racing Becomes the First Official Wolf Garage Hub in NSW Australia
Wolf Racing Cars takes another strategic step forward in its international growth journey with the launch of the first official Wolf Garage outside Europe. Carbon Racing, now operating as Wolf Garage NSW Australia, becomes the first official Wolf Garage hub in the Asia-Pacific region, marking the beginning of a global network designed to bring Wolf Racing Cars even closer to drivers, teams, and motorsport professionals worldwide.
This is not simply the opening of a new commercial facility. It is the first operational node of an international ecosystem built around technical support, factory standards, and direct customer racing assistance.
Crossflow Cup Welcomes HyTech Exhaust as a Sponsor
The Crossflow Cup, the premier West Coast Historic Formula Ford racing series, has announced that HyTech Exhaust Inc. has joined their family of sponsors for the 2026 Neil Porter Farewell Tour season of the Crossflow Cup. This partnership brings together the pinnacle of vintage open-wheel racing with performance exhaust craftsmanship that helps keep our vintage cars on track.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome John Grudynski and HyTech Exhaust Inc to the Crossflow Cup family,” said Jay Streets, “Our series celebrates the golden era of motorsport, where precision engineering and driver skill are paramount. HyTech Exhaust Inc shares that exact passion for mechanical excellence and performance.”
From the Sim Racing Roundup
How a GT4 Driver Prepares on the Sim
How a GT4 driver prepares on the sim is just one of the topics covered in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup. I also have details on the new Simucube Performance Center, why sim racing doesn’t always translate to the real world and more!
Track Days
Brands Hatch | Racing Women Radical Test Day 2026
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.
