It was a big year for Varun Choksey as he took the leap of faith and joined the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS field. This decision proved to be transformative for his racing career as he immediately stepped up to the Pro class alongside legendary BMW factory driver Bill Auberlen; the duo took charge of the No. 28 BMW M4 GT3. Together, they formed a formidable partnership and embarked on an exciting journey across seven different circuits.
It was Choksey’s maiden season racing in GT3 competition, an important milestone he had been working towards for a long time. His debut in the series served as a representation of all the years of dedication and hard work coming to fruition. After spending the two previous years honing his skills by competing in the single-make Porsche Carrera Cup North America series, he was eager to make the move as his natural progression continued.
He and Auberlen kicked off the season in strong fashion, making an immediate statement with back to back second place finishes in the opening rounds at Sonoma Raceway, showcasing not only their pace but also their chemistry as teammates. It also underscored Choksey’s ability to quickly adapt to the more intense demands of GT3 racing.
Notably, prior to the start of the year, Choksey previously said that he was particularly looking forward to racing at Sebring International Raceway and Circuit of The Americas, with these tracks serving as his personal favorites on the calendar. Both venues delivered memorable results, with the teammates clinching consecutive podium finishes at each event, cementing their ability to deliver consistent performances and be frontrunners in a field stacked with seasoned professionals. By the end of the 13-round championship, Choksey and Auberlen had amassed seven podium finishes.
As one of the most successful American sports car racers of all time, Auberlen’s mentorship, wisdom, and experience were invaluable. With more race starts behind the wheel of a BMW than any other driver in the world, his knowledge was critical in helping Choksey navigate the new challenges.
“Bill has been a serial winner his entire career,” said Varun Choksey. “If you spend any time with him, you’ll understand why. His work ethic, tenacity, and will to win are evident as soon as you meet him. His racing knowledge and experience, both on and off the track, have been a great resource to draw from. Working with him consistently over the past season has been a great opportunity for my personal development, and I’ve learned a lot this year from working with him. Beyond any of that, he’s a great person to be around and an ideal teammate.”
Choksey took a level-headed approach to each race, using every opportunity to learn from his immensely skilled teammate, as his objective for this introductory season was to expand and grow as a competitor in every facet. This paid dividends, as Choksey’s driving became more refined and confident with each passing round. Furthermore, his ability to stay level-headed in high-pressure situations and absorb lessons from his teammate positioned him as a rising talent to watch.
His rookie campaign in GT World Challenge America was a resounding success, marked by consistent podium finishes and steady growth as a competitor. As he looks to the future, the lessons and experiences from this debut season will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for what’s to come.
