As the sun rises over the picturesque hills of Sonoma Raceway, anticipation gives way to action, and the opening round of the GT America Powered by AWS Championship is nearly ready to come to life. All eyes will be on the iconic Californian circuit as teams and drivers set off for a weekend of thrilling competition where they will test the limits of both man and machine.
Over one hundred racecars are set to storm the track across five fiercely competitive championships, igniting the Sonoma hills with the thunderous roar of engines. Those in attendance will be bracing themselves for a captivating and exhilarating weekend ahead, as top-notch action awaits just around the bend.
Seven different manufacturers across three classes will be on the hunt for success in GT America, seeking to set the pace around the 12-turn, 2.505-mile sweeping circuit. The event will feature two 40-minute, single driver format sprint races, with Race One taking place on Saturday, April 6th, and Race Two following on Sunday, April 7th.
SRO3 Class
For competitors, the allure of the GT America Powered by AWS Championship lies not only in the prestige of victory but also in the opportunity to test their skills against some of the finest talents in motorsports.
Seasoned drivers and previous Champions will be facing off once again for the opportunity to gain an early advantage in the season-long battle that is still to unfold. Notably, 2022 Champion George Kurtz will be seeking another title with his No. 04 Crowdstrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3. Jason Daskalos will also be looking to raise a challenge in his No. 27 CRP/Daskalos Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3, as the 2023 Vice Champion will have his eyes locked on the top of the leaderboard.
They will be in good company, as many other top contenders will be on the grid once more, including Johnny O'Connell and James Sofronas in the all-new No. 3 SKI Autosports and No. 14 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3. Scott Smithson will be back in the No. 08 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, with Kyle Washington in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3-R, and Mirco Schultis equipped with the No. 70 MISHUMOTORS Callaway Corvette Z06R GT3.
Additionally, numerous racers are stepping up to GT3 machinery after previously competing in the GT4 Class in prior years. These include Jason Bell in the No. 2 Flying Lizard Motorsports Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3, Tim Savage in the No. 007 ProSport Competition Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3, Ross Chouest in the No. 50 Chouest Povoledo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, and Custodio Toledo in No. 88 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3.
Justin Rothberg stands as the lone rookie in the class, but the driver of the No. 29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 will be getting up to speed quickly as he is also partaking in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS championship.
GT2 Class
The GT2 Class is gradually expanding, with TPC Racing leading the charge as they are introducing two Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 entries into the mix. Alan Grossberg will be behind the wheel of the No. 102 car, with Aaron Farhadi on board the No. 127 machine.
GMG Racing will also be present in the GT2 field as well, with Brent Holden commanding the No. 44 Mercedes-AMG GT2.
GT4 Class
Competitors in the GT4 Class boast a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, with multiple reputable drivers coming back to showcase their capabilities.
Aston Martin proved to be a popular manufacturer, with three competitors returning to the field for another year, this time showcasing the brand new Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4. Todd Parriott will be driving the No. 13 Flying Lizard Motorsports car, with Gray Newell in the No. 25 Heart of Racing Team machine, and Todd Coleman in the No. 69 Archangel Motorsports entry.
Nicholas Shanny will be entering his third year of competition in the class, but it will mark an exciting new chapter for Carrus Callas Raceteam as they debut their new BMW partnership, with Shanny competing in the No. 21 BMW M4 GT4.
Curt Swearingin may be new to the GT America Powered by AWS championship, but he is no stranger to GT4 competition. He will be completing double duty this season as he will also be competing in the Pirelli GT4 America series, running the No. 7 ACI Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport in both championships.
Let’s Get Racing
The GT America Powered by AWS field is set to kick off the season during Practice 1 on Friday, April 5th. Click here for the full schedule of the GT America weekend.
If you can’t make it to Sonoma, be sure to tune-in to SRO’s free livestreams all weekend long on YouTube (GTWorld) and Twitch (SROMotorsports) and follow all the action through our social media channels and the event hashtag #GTSonoma.