TOPEKA, Kan. (June 24, 2014) – Current FIA European GT3 homologated racecars are eligible to compete with Sports Car Club of America, following a recent classification change with the Club. SafeRacer SCCA Club Racing joins the SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned Pirelli World Challenge in welcoming each of these spectacular machines to a North American racing program.
The Aston Martin Vantage GT3, Audi R8, Ferrari 458 GT3, Lamborghini Gallardo GT3, McLaren MP12C GT3 and Mercedes Benz SLS GT3 are just a few of the iconic marques that have been allowed into the GT-1 class of SCCA Club Racing, beginning in June.
The classification was recommended by the Club Racing Board, and ratified by the Board of Directors at its May meeting. The rule change was published in a technical bulletin found in the June 2014 Fastrack® (http://www.scca.com/assets/14-fastrack-june.pdf) ).
“The SCCA is very pleased to have FIA European GT3 cars approved for competition in GT-1,” Lisa Noble, SCCA President and CEO, said. “This is a very forward looking classification by the CRB as the spec regulations of the FIA rules ensure close, fair racing, as well as contain development costs. The competitors who run these exotics in our great Pirelli World Challenge Series will now have the option to run SCCA Club races, both in the Majors Series as well as at Regional races, around the United States.
“These manufacturers now know that the SCCA is paying attention to the bigger world of motorsports and is dedicated to staying relevant. We look forward the thrill of seeing these iconic manufacturers’ cars on track throughout the race season.”
The rule change was supported by a handful of manufacturers participating in the United States with FIA GT3 machinery.
“I am extremely happy, following meetings with SCCA, of the decision to include FIA GT3 cars into SCCA Club Racing,” Marcus Haselgrove, Manager Pirelli World Challenge from Audi Sport Customer Racing, said. “Audi Sport customer racing supports customers at all levels across the globe with the GT3 platform. This decision now allows racers of the R8, or any other GT3 car, to compete across the U.S. It reinforces the synergy with SCCA Pro Racing’s decision made last year. This also provides a conduit for owners to sell older GT3 cars through to club racing customers.”
Jeff Courtney was the first driver to take advantage of the rule, driving his No. 99 Kenda/RecStuff.com Audi R8 at Road America in the Northern Conference Majors Tour event and the Pirelli World Challenge GTA class in back-to-back weeks.
The Sports Car Club of America is currently in the midst of its 2014 season, including its top level SCCA U.S. Majors Tour championships. The season’s peak is the 51st SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, October 7-12.
