The CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa stands as one of the most prestigious and demanding GT races across the globe, bringing together elite teams and drivers for twice-around-the-clock competition at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. This weekend, GT World Challenge America will be well represented on the global stage, with Mikaël Grenier, Lorcan Hanafin and Frederik Schandorff all set to take on the biggest GT3-only race in the world.
For each driver, Spa represents more than just another race. It is a test of speed, endurance, execution and resilience, with changing weather conditions, intense traffic and relentless competition combining to create one of the toughest challenges in GT racing.
Mikaël Grenier heads to Spa with strong memories of past success at the event and added motivation to turn the weekend into a standout result.
“I’m happy to be at Spa,” said Grenier, who will be commanding the No. 12 GetSpeed Team Dubai Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Gabriel Rindone, Tom Kalender and Jarrod Waberski. “It’s my favorite race, along with the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Nürburgring 24 Hours. I have great memories here. We came very close to the overall win in 2022, finishing P4 after one or two mistakes that proved costly, and we took the Gold Cup win in 2024.”
“It’s different this year not being in Pro, but it’s also a great challenge,” he added. “The Bronze category is extremely competitive, so it won’t be easy. With rain expected, it will make the race even more challenging, both mentally and physically. We had a great race to start the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, clinching the win in Bathurst, but then retired at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. Spa is the right weekend to turn things around.”
Lorcan Hanafin will also be competing in the Bronze Cup on the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO of Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn. He will be co-driving the No. 56 machine with Jonathan Adam, Romain Leroux and Giacomo Petrobelli.
“Spa 24 is one of the true highlights on the global GT racing calendar,” Hanafin stated. “It’s an incredibly intense event, with non-stop racing, changing conditions, and no room to let your guard down. I’m competing in the Bronze Cup this year, and for me, the objective is very clear: we’re here to fight for the win.”
Frederik Schandorff arrives at Spa with momentum and unfinished business. After securing recent victories at Monza in GT World Challenge Europe and Road Atlanta in GT World Challenge America, he is aiming to continue that winning form while chasing redemption after last year’s heartbreak at Spa. Schandorff is aiming to bring the No. 71 Selected Car Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO to victory lane with Malte Ebdrup, Simon Birch and Conrad Laursen.
“We won at Monza, and I won at Road Atlanta, so I’m extremely motivated to make it three in a row,” Schandorff shared. “Last year, I missed out on the win with Garage 59 after suffering a puncture from the lead with just three laps to go. That was incredibly painful, and I can’t wait to go back and fight for redemption.”
“In general, I’m excited to be back in GT World Challenge this year,” he continued. “I have only done the championship twice, but I’ve won my class both times, so I’m looking forward to taking on Spa again and giving everything we have.”
The 24 Hours of Spa has long been regarded as one of the crown jewels of GT racing, demanding precision from every driver, team member and strategist involved. With GT World Challenge America drivers competing across the field, the event offers another opportunity to showcase the strength of the championship on an international stage.
As the field prepares for one of the most physically and mentally demanding races of the season, Grenier, Hanafin and Schandorff will each be looking to make their mark at Spa, with class victories, redemption and momentum all on the line.
To follow along and cheer on the GT World Challenge America drivers, the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will be streaming live on the GTWorld YouTube channel, with seven different commentary languages available. Live coverage begins with Free Practice 2 on Thursday and continues all the way to the chequered flag at 16:30 on Sunday.