Series Explainer: GT World Challenge America powered by AWS

Series Explainer: GT World Challenge America powered by AWS

GT World Challenge America powered by AWS remains one of the pinnacles of GT racing in North America, showcasing elite GT3 competition on some of the continent’s most demanding circuits. The 2026 season once again delivers a coast-to-coast calendar, opening in the rolling hills of Sonoma Raceway before heading to Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. From there, teams and drivers take on the physical demands of Sebring International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, followed by high-intensity rounds at Road America and Barber Motorsports Park. The season concludes in spectacular fashion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Indianapolis 8 Hour, run in conjunction with the Intercontinental GT Challenge. 

As part of the global GT World Challenge powered by AWS platform, the championship is linked to a worldwide network spanning four continents: America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Collectively, the platform features 53 rounds across 30 world-class venues, including iconic circuits such as Mount Panorama, Spa-Francorchamps, Suzuka, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, placing GT World Challenge America firmly within the highest echelon of international GT competition. 

SRO America’s premier GT series continues to evolve, and recent format updates have added a new layer of excitement to race weekends. For 2026, GT World Challenge America features a three-hour race at each event, replacing the former pair of 90-minute contests. This streamlined approach delivers a headline Sunday race, introduces expanded strategic elements, and creates a more efficient and engaging weekend format for teams, drivers, and fans alike. 

The championship also benefits from the continued evolution of the global GT World Challenge structure. In 2025, a record 10 manufacturers participated worldwide, alongside the introduction of a revised points system that awards points based on overall race classification. A maximum of two cars per registered manufacturer are eligible to score points, with remaining top-ten finishers from the same manufacturer rendered invisible and their points redistributed. Class results no longer contribute to points totals, while manufacturer and driver points remain distinct within each continental championship. 

Beyond domestic accolades, competitors are racing for global recognition. The Level Up Award provides a pathway to the legendary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, while every entry also contributes points toward the Global GT World Challenge Manufacturers’ Championship. 

The series attracts leading manufacturers and professional teams, each fielding two-driver lineups. Entries are categorized into three classes based on combined driver ratings: PRO, PRO-AM, and AM. Clear visual identifiers assist fans in following the action, with number panels displayed on the side, hood, and rear bumper. White decals denote PRO entries, black identifies PRO-AM, and red signifies AM class competitors. 

The 2025 season delivered dramatic racing and tightly contested championships that came down to the final round. In PRO, Kenton Koch and Connor De Phillippi claimed the title for Random Vandals Racing, edging out JMF Motorsports’ pairing of Michai Stephens and Mikael Grenier. Turner Motorsport’s Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley successfully defended their PRO-AM crown, fending off a determined challenge from DXDT Racing’s Blake McDonald and Matt Bell. The AM class saw a fierce Ford-versus-Ferrari battle, ultimately won by AF Corse USA’s Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri.  

WHERE AND HOW TO WATCH 

GT World Challenge America powered by AWS competes at premier circuits across the United States, beginning at Sonoma Raceway before visiting Circuit of The Americas, Sebring International Raceway, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Road America, and Barber Motorsports Park. The season finale takes place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the coveted Indianapolis 8 Hour. 

Fans can watch live race coverage via the official GT World YouTube channel and SRO Motorsports Twitch. The championship also features an innovative multi-viewer streaming experience in partnership with Vbrick and GPX Stream, allowing viewers to switch between multiple live onboard cameras while simultaneously accessing live timing, race broadcasts, and Twitch chat. One-hour highlight packages will be shown on FOX Sports FS1.   

GT3 EXCLUSIVE SERIES 

THREE-HOUR FEATURE RACE ON SUNDAYS 

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA COVERAGE WITH DEDICATED TV, LIVE TV BROADCASTS, AND REAL-TIME LIVE STREAMS WITH WORLDWIDE AVAILABILITY 

CLASSES: PRO, PRO-AM, AM 

STAY UP TO SPEED WITH #GTWorldAmerica 

Website: www.gt-world-challenge-america.com

X: @gtworldcham 
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Instagram: @gtworldchallengeamerica