With only four rounds remaining in the GT America powered by AWS championship, the finish line is within sight, and so is the hunt for the title. For some, the upcoming race weekend at Barber Motorsports Park is an opportunity to solidify themselves as the crowned champion, while others cannot afford even the smallest of errors.
As SRO America heads to Birmingham, Alabama, major points are on the line for the frontrunners, and the pressure is undeniably rising.
SRO3 Class
Johnny O’Connell and Jason Daskalos are neck and neck heading into the four final races of the season, separated by a mere 8 points. O’Connell currently holds 199 points and has stood on the podium in all but one round this year. The driver of the No. 3 SKI Autosport Audi R8 LMS GT3 has proven that consistency is key in order to retain the top spot in the SRO3 class championship.
In turn, Daskalos has more of an all-or-nothing approach in the No. 27 CRP Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, which has enabled him to score four wins so far, two more than his competitor. However, this methodology has also seen him leave points on the table on occasion, therefore giving O’Connell the momentum to stay ahead. One thing is certain, Daskalos will be giving it his all to the very end.
Meanwhile, Justin Rothberg’s steady progression in the No. 29 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 has seen him emerge as a late-stage contender for the title. He sits 19 points behind O’Connell, and has secured two wins and two second-place finishes in the past four races. In a series where anything can happen, the rookie is still well within striking distance.
GT4 Class
Isaac Sherman’s dominance this season in the No. 098 Rotek Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport has been undeniable. He kicked off his 2024 campaign with a string of seven consecutive victories, followed by two second-place results. At the prior event at Road America, a puncture was the only thing that stood between him and another victory in Race 1, although he bounced back in typical fashion to win again in Race 2.
As a result of his consistency and success, he claimed the GT4 class lead early on and never looked back, now with a total of 269 points. He holds a 53-point advantage, with the chance to wrap up the championship at Barber Motorsports Park – an opportunity he fully intends to take.
Curt Swearingin follows with 216 points in the No. 7 ACI Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS CS, and has been the only driver who managed to raise a challenge to Sherman, putting an end to the winning streak at Circuit of The Americas. He has exemplified the value of hard work and dedication, showcasing himself as a proven race winner. With three wins and six podiums under his belt this year, he cannot be overlooked.
Gray Newell occupies third in the standings with his No. 25 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 and is in a good position to retain his spot in the top three. He has finished no lower than fourth in any race, and has stepped on the podium in nine out of the twelve rounds that have unfolded so far. With only a handful of races to go, he is still in search of his first win of the season, and will be going into Alabama and Indiana with extra motivation.
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- September 6th-8th: Barber Motorsports Park
- October 3rd-6th: Indianapolis Motor Speedway