GT World Challenge America Powers Into 2026 with Expanded, Multi-Manufacturer Grid

GT World Challenge America Powers Into 2026 with Expanded, Multi-Manufacturer Grid

GT World Challenge America powered by AWS is set for a blockbuster 2026 season, with a deep and diverse field of manufacturers and teams already committed to the championship. As entries continue to roll in and driver lineups take shape, it’s clear that the grid is growing, the competition is intensifying, and the stage is set for a thrilling year of GT3 racing across the best circuits in North America.

A wide array of global marques will be represented in 2026, showcasing the true strength and variety of the GT3 platform. From returning championship contenders to ambitious new programs, the paddock reflects the health and momentum of the series heading into the new season. 
 
Aston Martin  
 
Rebel Rock Racing has announced its move to the GT World Challenge America championship for the 2026 season, marking the next stage in the growth and progression of the Florida-based GT team. The team will campaign a brand-new No. 71 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO, taking its partnership with the British marque into its third season. Robin Liddell and Frank Depew are continuing their successful streak, bringing their experience to the series as they aim to make an impact once they make their debut at Circuit of The Americas for the second round.

BMW

BMW will once again be a major presence, with Riley Motorsports joining the action with the No. 14 “Sparklefarts” BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Slade Stewart and Andy Lee. The 2025 season champions Random Vandals Racing and Turner Motorsport are back in the fight with M4 GT3 EVO machinery, giving the Bavarian brand a strong multi-car lineup capable of contending at every circuit on the calendar. This time around, RVR are bringing forward a brand new driver lineup for their No. 188 entry, co-driven by Derek DeBoer and Hampus Ericsson. Meanwhile, Turner Motorsport’s Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley are taking their championship caliber to the next level, moving up to Pro class competition in 2026.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet’s presence will be anchored by Chouest Povoledo Racing, with Ross Chouest and Aaron Povoledo once again fielding the No. 50 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. The American-built contender continues to gain traction in global GT3 competition and will be one to watch as the team prepares for their sophomore full-season campaign with the Chevrolet brand. 
 
Ferrari

Ferrari’s proven 296 GT3 platform returns with AF Corse USA entering two cars for the 2026 season, equipped with the No. 12 Pro entry and the return of the No. 163 as Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri come back to defend their Am class championship title. With a track record of success worldwide, AF Corse’s double entry effort adds even more depth to the field and multi-class battle.

Ford

Dollahite Racing will campaign the Ford Mustang GT3, bringing back the iconic nameplate to the grid after making their debut with the American muscle brand last year. As the Mustang program continues to develop, its presence further underscores the manufacturer diversity that defines GT World Challenge America.

Lamborghini

Chicago Performance and Tuning Co. is bringing the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 to the championship, with Nicolai Elghanayan and Mads Siljehaug confirmed for Sonoma, Road America, and Indianapolis. The team will finalize its lineup for the remaining rounds at a later date as it evaluates options, adding an extra layer of anticipation as the season fast approaches. 

McLaren

Archangel Motorsports is set to field the McLaren 720S GT3 once more with Todd Coleman and Aaron Telitz, ensuring that the British manufacturer remains represented in the highly competitive and expanding field. The team showed great progression over the course of 2025, and they will be aiming to put their best foot forward from the jump at Sonoma.

Mercedes-AMG 

Mercedes-AMG continues to be a cornerstone of the championship with multiple teams opting for the popular marque in 2026. TR3 Racing will campaign the No. 9 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Brayton Williams and Will Bamber, while JMF Motorsports expands its successful program to two entries, featuring the return of Michai Stephens and Mikael Grenier in the No. 34, while also welcoming Jason Daskalos and Lorcan Hanafin to their camp in the No. 27. Lone Star Racing will also be joining the grid starting at Circuit of The Americas. The multi-car effort reinforces AMG’s strength and consistency within the series, and they are always prepared to challenge at the front. 

Porsche

Porsche once again commands a significant presence with the 911 GT3 R (992) platform. McCann Racing will field the latest EVO-spec machine with Michael McCann and Zachary Vanier moving up the Porsche ladder, while Kellymoss adds to their already highly impressive program with three entries; Michael Clark and Colin Braun in the No. 017, Todd Parriott and Riley Dickinson in the No. 13, and John Gilliland and Loek Hartog in the No. 88. Meanwhile, Wright Motorsports is doubling up with two brand new entries, which will see Dave Musial Jr. and Ryan Yardley in the No. 31, and Therese Lahlouh and Thomas Merrill on board the No. 242 machine. RS1 and GMG Racing are also returning to round out a formidable Porsche contingent that promises fierce inter-team and inter-manufacturer battles throughout the year. 
 
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener  
 
With nine premier manufacturers represented, the 2026 GT World Challenge America grid reflects the global strength of GT3 racing. The combination of established championship-winning organizations, expanding programs, and new entries signals continued growth and momentum for the series.

As additional driver pairings are announced and teams finalize preparations, anticipation continues to build. The 2026 season is shaping up to deliver one of the most competitive and diverse GT World Challenge America campaigns yet, setting the stage for what is sure to be an unmissable year of wheel-to-wheel GT3 action. 
 
Follow Along

Qualifying and races will be streamed live on the GTWorld YouTube channel and SRO Motorsports Twitch, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action. Additionally, one-hour highlights packages will air on FS1 featuring in-depth commentary.  
 
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