Even though the GT4 category has existed since 2007: This class of production-based sports cars only began to flourish in 2017 due to intensive marketing by the SRO Motorsports Group. Now, customers in America, Europe, Asia and Australia are able to race with GT4 cars.

The idea is clear: GT4 race cars are not intended for factory-backed racing, but rather address privateers. Be they young beginners or seasoned gentlemen drivers: GT4 race cars impart a huge dose of fascination in return for a limited financial investment. The costs of purchase and ownership are affordable and the differentiation between GT4 and the more expensive, faster and complex GT3 models is clear.

In terms of technology, the GT4 models are closely oriented toward the production models from which they are derived. The materials used, such as those of the bodywork, have to correspond to those of the production components as well. The SRO, on request, grants waivers only for few areas in exceptional cases. This strict limitation has two advantages: only individual assemblies can be optimized by means of racing-specific designs – this increases equality of opportunities. At the same time, the close kinship to the production car prevents escalating costs because the manufacturers are not allowed to develop and homologate generally more complex technology.

The most recent past has shown how successful these ideas are. Many countries and regions around the globe have adopted the GT4 category – either as a new competition or as part of existing platforms. In North America, the two most important racing series are on board – the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the Blancpain GT World Challenge America. The Canadian Touring Car Championship offers fielding opportunities as well. In Europe, the GT4 European Series and the FFSA GT4 France are extremely successful with fields of 40 to 50 entrants. In Eastern Europe, the Eset V4 Cup and the FIA CEZ are suitable platforms. The new ADAC GT4 Germany launched in 2019 fills a previously existing gap in Germany, as does the GT4 South European Series on the Iberian Peninsula and the GT Open Cup in Europe. In Asia and Australia, many additional fields of activities are opening up. And, finally, attractive racing opportunities for the Audi R8 LMS GT4 exist in the Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup and in the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup as well.