The GT4 category: A sports car class loaded with potential

The GT4 category was invigorated in 2017. Since then, the SRO Motorsports Group has been introducing this race car class that has existed since 2007 into new racing series and systematically marketing it around the globe.

The concept of the GT4 class clearly 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 drivers.

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 resulted from intensive marketing activities. The SRO Motorsports Group introduced 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. For instance, several new series are launched in Central, Western and Northern Europe in 2018. In the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and China, plus in the 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 open to the GT4 models. Other series, such as the VLN in Germany and the 24H Endurance Series, complete the list.