The GT4 category: A sports car class loaded with potential

The GT4 category will be invigorated starting in 2017. That is when the SRO Motorsports Group is going to introduce this race car class, which has existed since 2007, in new racing series and systematically market it around the globe.

The concept of the GT4 class uniquely addresses privateer drivers. Minor modifications of the production model and affordable purchasing and ownership costs clearly distinguish this category from more complex, faster and more expensive GT3 models. As a result, the GT4 class lends itself as an attractive road-going sports car category that is ideally tailored to meet the needs of amateur campaigners.

In terms of technology, there are hardly any modifications permitted to the race cars compared with the base models, and the materials of the bodywork have to correspond to those used in the production-level components. There are only few areas for which the SRO grants waivers on request. This has two advantages. Only individual component assemblies may be optimized by racing-specific designs, which is a rule that supports a level playing field. At the same time, the race car’s proximity to the production model prevents an escalation of costs, as the regulations prohibit the development and homologation of generally more complex technology. For instance, the manufacturers have to submit reference parts for various areas such as the electronic control units of the engine, transmission and ABS braking system. This ensures that a comparison with the production model can be made at any time.

The major breakthrough for the GT4 category in 2017 going forward will result from intensive marketing activities. The SRO Motorsports Group is in the process of introducing this class in a large number of regions and countries, promoting existing GT4 competitions in the process and has created global fielding opportunities through international agreements. In Europe, for example, a North and South classification will be introduced. The French GT Championship from 2017 on will exclusively rely on GT4 models. In the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and China, plus in the new Blancpain GT Series Asia, they are part of a more comprehensive GT field. In North America, the two major sports car series, the IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge and the Pirelli World Challenge, are additionally opening their fields to the GT4 models. Other series, such as the VLN in Germany and the 24-Hour Endurance Series, complete the list.