Stéphane Ratel, the visionary founder of SRO Motorsports Group, will join the prestigious Pebble Beach Classic Car Forum as a guest speaker on Saturday, August 17th. Moderated by Justin Bell, the forum, titled BPR Global Endurance Series 1994-1996 – The Return of GT Racing, will revisit that era in racing history.
Ratel, often credited as the architect of modern GT racing, co-founded the BPR Global Endurance Series in 1994, which revolutionized GT racing and laid the foundation for SRO’s global success. From the FIA GT Championship to the creation of the GT3 and GT4 categories, Ratel's contributions have shaped the world of motorsports.
SRO Motorsports Group, established in 1995, has become the global leader in GT racing. Under Ratel's guidance, SRO has developed a unique portfolio of international and national series, including the Intercontinental GT Challenge, GT World Challenge, and various regional GT championships. These series have raised the bar and set new standards in motorsport, emphasizing competitive balance, accessibility, and a deep connection to automotive heritage. Ratel's vision has not only nurtured the growth of GT racing, but has also forged a path for the future of the sport for generations to come.
Today, SRO Motorsports Group oversees the promotion of 16 championships and series, run across 50 events on four continents, bringing together some of the biggest endurance races in the world — most notably the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
Photographs copyright John Brooks