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SRO Motorsports Group
SRO Motorsports Group
SRO Motorsports Group
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SRO Motorsports Group (formerly the Stéphane Ratel Organisation) is an international sporting organisation best known for promoting and running a variety of racing events and series, including the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, Intercontinental GT Challenge and Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe.

Key Information

The company was founded in 1995 by Stéphane Ratel and is now considered the global leader in GT racing.[1] SRO also organises the multi-disciplinary FIA Motorsport Games, as well as e-sports events and touring car categories. As of 2020 it keeps offices in London, Paris, Liège and Hong Kong, while Ratel continues to act as CEO.[2]

Current series

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Intercontinental GT Challenge

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Intercontinental GT Challenge was launched in 2016 to bring together major events, such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the Bathurst 12 Hour, in a unified global championship. The series is aimed at manufacturers, though rather than field their own cars they are encouraged to appoint and support local teams in selected events. Four manufacturers took part in the inaugural season, while nine entered the most recent in 2020.

The initial seasons consisted of three events before an expansion to four in 2018 and then five in 2019. The same number was planned for 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the Suzuka 10 Hours. There will be five races in 2023: the Total 24 Hours of Spa, Bathurst 12 Hour, Gulf 12 Hours, Indianapolis 8 Hour, and Kyalami 9 Hours.

GT World Challenge

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GT World Challenge was launched in 2019 by uniting SRO's established continental series in Europe, Asia and America. Each remains a standalone category while also allowing manufacturers to score points towards a global championship.[3] Mercedes has won three titles to date, finishing ahead of Ferrari in 2019, Audi in 2020, and Lamborghini in 2021. Australia joined the programme in 2021 after SRO agreed to take control of the Australian GT Championship.[4]

The regional series consist of:

Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe began life in 2011 as the Blancpain Endurance Series before developing into the Blancpain GT Series, a 10-round championship split equally between a Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup. This format remained in place for the change to GT World Challenge Europe in 2019. The championship's marquee event is the 24 Hours of Spa, which has run as part of SRO championships since 2011. GT World Challenge Asia was created in 2017 as Blancpain GT Series Asia. GT World Challenge America was for many years known as Pirelli World Challenge before being acquired by SRO in 2018. GT World Challenge Australia became the fourth series to join the global championship in 2021.

GT4 Series

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Launched in 2006, the GT4 class sits below GT3 in terms of performance and is aimed at amateur drivers and aspiring professionals. The concept is owned by SRO, with each series either directly promoted by the company or organised through franchise agreements. A wide variety of cars are homologated for GT4 competition, many of which are considerably closer to their road-legal counterparts than those found in GT3. Some competitions are exclusive for GT4 cars, including the GT4 European Series, FFSA GT Championship, GT4 America Series, GT4 Australia and SRO GT Cup, while others run mixed grids of GT3 and GT4 cars, such as the British GT Championship and SRO Japan Cup.

Other series

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GT2 European Series

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Formerly known as the GT Sports Club, the series with an emphasis on gentleman drivers,[6] GT2 European Series is a championship for Bronze, Titanium and Iron drivers only. The Titanium categorisation is within the Bronze category, for drivers between the age of 50 and 59. The Iron categorisation is within the Bronze category, for drivers over the age of 60. Originally the GT Sports Club are contested with GT3-spec, RACB G3, GTE-spec and Trophy cars but during the COVID-19 induced hiatus it was re-organised for the new GT2 regulations and changed the name to GT2 European Series. It supports the GT World Challenge Europe in various circuits along its calendar.

British GT Championship

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Originally created by the BRDC in 1993, the British GT Championship has been overseen by SRO Motorsports Group since 2004. Races feature both GT3 and GT4 cars on-track at the same time, while Pro/Am driver line-ups are the bedrock of the series.[7] The 2021 season is set to consist of seven domestic events and an overseas rounds at Spa-Francorchamps, as well as a revised class structure.[8]

GT America Series

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Toyota GR Cup

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Ginetta one-make championships

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In 2026, SRO took over the operational management of Ginetta Cars' three British-based one-make series: the Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT Academy and Ginetta GT Championship.[9]

Touring Car Series

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Other events

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Former series

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SRO Motorsports Group

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from Grokipedia
SRO Motorsports Group is an international founded in 1995 by Stéphane Ratel, serving as the global leader in GT racing through the promotion and organization of professional and amateur racing series worldwide. Originally established as the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO Ltd.), the company has expanded over three decades from managing one-make series to developing a comprehensive portfolio of GT3, GT4, GT2, and championships across multiple continents. Headquartered with offices in , , , , and the , it operates under the leadership of founder and CEO Stéphane Ratel, emphasizing innovation in event formats, safety standards, and accessibility for both professional teams and gentleman drivers. Key activities include organizing flagship events such as the , which it has overseen since 2001 and elevated to a premier endurance race attracting global competitors, as well as the Powered by launched in 2016. The group promotes regional and international series like the Fanatec GT World Challenge in , America, , and ; GT America; GT4 America; and TC America, alongside virtual racing through the Fanatec GT Pro Series and collaborative efforts with the FIA on the . In 2023, SRO events spanned five continents, and as of 2025, the organization continues to foster the growth of GT racing through increased attendance, sustainability initiatives like 100% carbon neutrality, and expanded partnerships.

History

Founding and early development

Stéphane Ratel began his career in promotion in 1992, organizing his first race at the Circuit and launching the Gentleman Drivers Trophy as a one-make series featuring Venturi GT race cars. This event marked Ratel's entry into promotion, aimed at providing a platform for gentleman drivers in GT-style competition following the collapse of broader sportscar series in the early . The SRO Motorsports Group was formally established in 1995. In 1993, as director of Venturi Competition, Ratel collaborated closely with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to reintroduce the GT category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, entering seven Venturi LM cars in the race. That same year, he partnered with Patrick Peter to stage the first standalone GT race at Circuit Paul Ricard, attracting up to 67 entries and signaling growing interest in dedicated GT endurance events. These initiatives addressed early challenges in GT racing, such as fragmented regulations and limited manufacturer participation, by emphasizing accessible, production-based machinery to revive the category's appeal. By 1994, Ratel joined forces with Jurgen Barth and Patrick Peter to establish the BPR 4 Hours Endurance Series (named after their surnames), a global GT championship that included races at circuits like Jarama in and in the UK, alongside international events such as the Suzuka 1000km. The series quickly gained traction, drawing factory efforts from manufacturers like and Ferrari with cars such as the F1 GTR and F40 LM. In 1995, Ratel formalized his organization by creating SRO Ltd in , taking over promotion of the Venturi Trophy and renaming it the Philippe Charriol Supersport Trophy to broaden its sponsorship and appeal. The late 1990s brought further hurdles, including a 1996 split from BPR partners due to disagreements over regulations for the , which highlighted tensions in balancing innovation with fairness in manufacturer competition. Undeterred, Ratel launched the Lamborghini Supertrophy that year as a successful one-make V12 series to sustain momentum. In 1997, SRO entered a pivotal partnership with to promote the inaugural , though it faced unsustainable escalation in factory involvement from brands like , Mercedes, and , underscoring Ratel's vision for controlled, customer-focused GT racing that prioritized long-term viability over short-term arms races.

Expansion and GT standardization

In 2000, SRO Motorsports Group introduced the technical passport system for car homologation in the FIA GT Championship, standardizing vehicle specifications to ensure fairness and accessibility for privateer teams, while also launching the N-GT category to accommodate production-based GT cars with limited modifications. This initiative marked a pivotal shift toward more inclusive GT racing, emphasizing technical oversight to balance performance across diverse manufacturer entries. Concurrently, SRO developed the Ferrari 550 GT as a customer racing platform, promoting series growth by prioritizing non-factory teams. By 2005, SRO proposed and secured adoption of the GT3 category regulations by the FIA, establishing a new tier of GT racing designed for cost-effective, customer-focused competition with standardized , , and power outputs. Central to this was the introduction of the Balance of Performance (BoP) system, which adjusted variables like weight, power, and to equalize cars from different manufacturers, fostering closer without identical machinery. Under SRO's promotion, the evolved through rule changes reinstating GT1 and GT2 class designations, with GT1 focusing on prototype-like grand tourers and GT2 on near-production models, alongside restrictions on and aero to control costs and enhance . During the mid-2000s, SRO expanded the FIA GT Championship's footprint beyond , incorporating international circuits to broaden appeal, including the 2004 season finale at Zhuhai International Circuit in to tap into Asian markets. Further growth in 2007 saw GT3 events extend to , alongside increased European races, diversifying participant bases and manufacturer involvement. From 2010 to 2015, SRO prepared for enhanced sponsorship with by testing endurance racing formats, refining multi-hour events to build on sprint successes and attract premium branding, culminating in coordinated efforts like the 2015 FIA GT World Cup at .

Global growth and modern era

In 2016, SRO Motorsports Group launched the (IGTC), establishing a premier global endurance series for GT3 cars that united iconic events such as the in and the Total 24 Hours of Spa in , marking a significant step in internationalizing GT racing. This initiative built on the group's earlier efforts, including the 2011 introduction of the Endurance Series, which quickly gained prominence with its focus on high-stakes endurance races and the Total 24 Hours of Spa as its flagship event. By consolidating manufacturer and driver competition across continents, these developments enhanced SRO's role in standardizing and promoting GT3 racing worldwide. The 2020s brought further expansion amid global challenges, with the Endurance Series rebranded as the GT World Challenge Powered by AWS, reflecting a new sponsorship from and unifying regional championships in , Asia, and America under a cohesive global banner. In response to the , SRO pioneered online through the SRO E-Sport GT Series, featuring real GT drivers in virtual races on platforms like to maintain fan engagement and test strategies during live event disruptions. Fanatec joined as title sponsor in 2021, further elevating the series' visibility and integrating elements into physical events. By 2023, SRO strengthened its presence in the region through the incorporation of SRO Motorsports , a dedicated entity to oversee local operations including the GT World Challenge and , enhancing logistical efficiency and event promotion . That year also saw the IGTC calendar expanded with the addition of the Total 24h in , deepening SRO's partnership with the and integrating one of Europe's most demanding endurance races into the global GT3 framework. In 2025, SRO accelerated its Asian footprint with the launch of the SRO GT Cup, a new GT4 sprint series in featuring eight 30-minute races across four events, commencing at to tap into the region's burgeoning motorsport market. The marked a milestone by hosting its first street race on the , adding urban excitement to the calendar and to the 4.9-kilometer layout. Complementing these innovations, SRO adopted the new P Zero DHG slick tires across its GT2, GT3, and GT4 categories, incorporating advanced materials for improved durability and performance in diverse conditions. By 2025, SRO's portfolio encompassed major championships across four continents, including the , , , and GT World Challenge Australia, alongside the global IGTC and specialized series like the SRO GT Cup, supporting over 10 manufacturers and attracting grids exceeding 50 cars per event in key rounds. This expansion underscored SRO's evolution into a truly global entity, with operations in more than 20 countries and a focus on sustainable growth through carbon-neutral initiatives achieved since 2024.

Organization and leadership

Corporate structure

SRO Motorsports Group is a founded in 1995 and chaired by its founder, Stéphane Ratel, who also serves as CEO. The organization maintains its headquarters in , , with additional regional offices in , ; Liège, Belgium; ; the ; and , the latter established as a dedicated entity in late 2023 to support local operations. The company's operational framework is divided into key areas, including event organization for international and regional GT racing series, technical homologation services that allow for standardized vehicle certification under FIA guidelines without requiring individual manufacturer approvals, and in-house media production to deliver live and on-demand content through platforms like the official GT World YouTube channel. Financially, the group sustains its activities through a model centered on participation fees from automotive manufacturers entering its championships, major sponsorship agreements with partners including (AWS) as global technology provider, Fanatec as title sponsor for select series, and as exclusive tire supplier, alongside revenue from event ticket sales and media rights.

Key personnel and partnerships

Stéphane Ratel founded SRO Motorsports Group in 1995 and has served as its CEO since inception, guiding its evolution into the global leader in GT racing. With a background in motorsport promotion, Ratel organized his first race in 1992 and co-founded the BPR Global GT Series in 1994, which laid the groundwork for standardized GT competition. A pivotal figure in modern GT racing, he collaborated with FIA President Max Mosley in 2005 to introduce the GT3 category, establishing technical regulations that balanced performance across diverse manufacturers and revitalized customer racing. As of 2025, Ratel continues to lead SRO, driving strategic expansions and innovations in international series. Supporting Ratel's leadership, Patricia Kiefer has been integral to SRO's operations since the company's founding in 1995, overseeing administrative and logistical frameworks that enable seamless global event delivery. SRO's technical directors and department play a crucial role in maintaining competitive equity, particularly through the implementation of (BoP) regulations, which adjust vehicle parameters like weight, power, and to ensure fair across GT3, GT4, and other categories. This technical expertise, refined over decades, underpins the integrity of SRO's championships and has been adopted worldwide. SRO maintains long-standing partnerships with key motorsport bodies and manufacturers that bolster its series' credibility and reach. A notable collaboration is with the (ACO), co-promoting the since 2023 and integrating GT3 classes into the , enhancing endurance racing synergies. The company works closely with the FIA for GT3 , ensuring vehicles meet standardized safety and performance criteria that support global interoperability. Manufacturer alliances, including for the Super Trofeo series, for customer GT3 programs, and for factory-supported entries, provide diverse car lineups and foster innovation in racing technology. Sponsorship evolutions have marked SRO's growth, with the Blancpain GT Series (titled under watchmaker until 2018) transitioning to the Fanatec GT World Challenge, where Fanatec served as title sponsor from 2021 to 2024. (AWS) joined as the presenting sponsor in 2020, extending its global technology partnership through a multiyear agreement announced in 2025 to support data analytics and event operations. Tire supplier renewed its exclusive agreement in 2023, extending through 2028 and covering the 2025 season with specialized compounds for GT racing. Strategic acquisitions have expanded SRO's footprint, notably its 2016 shareholding in WC Vision, the promoter of the World Challenge, which facilitated entry into the U.S. market and eventual rebranding as . Earlier that year, in partnership with the , SRO acquired Curbstone Track Events, enhancing non-competitive track day offerings and supporting broader engagement.

Current GT championships

Intercontinental GT Challenge

The (IGTC), launched by SRO Motorsports Group in 2016, is the organization's flagship global GT3 series, functioning as a season-long points championship that aggregates select international races. This format allows manufacturers, drivers, and teams to compete for titles based on cumulative performance across events, promoting GT3 on a worldwide scale without requiring full-season global logistics for participants. By linking iconic long-distance races, the IGTC elevates the prestige of GT3 competition and encourages manufacturer investment in customer racing programs. The series features exclusively FIA-homologated GT3-specification cars, categorized into Pro and Am classes to accommodate varying driver experience levels. The Pro class is dominated by professional lineups and manufacturer-supported entries, while the Am class includes the Independent Cup for bronze-rated drivers and the Silver Challenge for silver-rated ones, each with dedicated scoring. Points are awarded to the top ten finishers in a 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale for Pro drivers, teams, and manufacturers, with separate systems for Am sub-classes; all manufacturer cars score points, though collective results determine the standings. (BoP) is calibrated by SRO's technical team for each event, adjusting elements like weight, power, and to maintain fairness across diverse car models and track conditions. The 2025 IGTC calendar comprised five rounds across four continents: the Meguiar's (, January 31–February 2), RAVENOL 24h (, June 19–22), CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa (, June 24–29), Suzuka 1000km (, September 12–14), and 8 Hour presented by AWS (, October 16–19). This lineup marked the return of the as a new addition and revived the Suzuka event after a hiatus, underscoring the series' evolving global footprint. Manufacturer participation included prominent brands such as , , Ferrari, and , with teams like Team WRT and fielding competitive entries; secured its inaugural manufacturers' title with 167 points, highlighted by multiple victories, while finished second with 129 points. Ferrari and have historically demonstrated strong performances, including 's early race successes and Ferrari's consistent podium presence. A key strength of the IGTC lies in its global reach, which integrates with SRO's regional GT World Challenge series by enabling local teams to contest home rounds, reducing costs and expanding grids—often exceeding 30 cars per event. This interconnected model not only heightens but also delivers significant economic benefits to host circuits, such as increased tourism and revenue from spectators; for example, the generates substantial regional economic activity through visitor spending and promotion of the area.

GT World Challenge

The GT World Challenge traces its origins to the Blancpain Endurance Series, launched in 2011 by SRO Motorsports Group as a premier GT3 endurance championship featuring three-hour races across Europe. In 2013, SRO introduced the Blancpain Sprint Series with one-hour sprint races, and the two formats merged into the Blancpain GT Series in 2014, establishing a dual-cup structure that combined endurance and sprint events. The series expanded regionally, with Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia debuting in 2017 and a North American edition in 2018 following SRO's acquisition of the Pirelli World Challenge. In 2020, the series underwent a major rebranding to GT World Challenge Powered by AWS, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) becoming the global presenting sponsor to enhance digital broadcasting and data analytics. Fanatec joined as title sponsor starting in 2021, supporting simulator hardware integration for fan engagement. The GT World Challenge operates as a network of regional GT3 championships across four continents, each blending sprint races of approximately one hour and endurance events ranging from three to 24 hours, fostering intense manufacturer and driver competition. In , the flagship series divides into separate Endurance Cup and Sprint Cup championships, each with five rounds, culminating in high-stakes battles at venues like Spa-Francorchamps. The American edition features a balanced calendar of sprint and multi-hour endurance races on prominent U.S. circuits, while and emphasize regional accessibility with formats tailored to local tracks, including double-header sprint weekends. Results from select endurance races contribute points to the global standings, linking regional efforts to an overarching world title. The 2025 season highlighted the series' global reach and innovative formats. In Europe, the calendar included the endurance round at Monza in late May, showcasing high-speed action on the historic Italian circuit, alongside sprint events at Brands Hatch and other European staples. The American championship opened at Sonoma Raceway in late March, with the season extending to the eight-hour endurance race at Indianapolis in October, emphasizing driver stamina and strategic pit stops. Asia introduced its first street circuit race in Beijing in mid-October, a double-header sprint event on the urban layout of the Beijing Street Circuit, marking a debut for high-profile city racing in the region. Australia's series kicked off with sprint races at Phillip Island in early April, leveraging the coastal track's challenging elevation changes for early-season drama. Competitive classes within the GT World Challenge cater to varying driver experience levels, promoting inclusivity while maintaining professional standards. The Pro class features elite pairings of Platinum- and Gold-rated drivers, targeting outright victories; Pro-Am combines professionals with Bronze-rated amateurs; and the Am class is reserved for all-amateur Bronze crews. A Silver Cup subcategory supports non- drivers, often Silver- or Bronze-rated, in dedicated races to highlight emerging talent. For 2025, SRO refined the Balance of Performance (BoP) system across regions, adjusting power outputs, weights, and aerodynamics for select GT3 models to ensure parity, with provisions for stint-length limits in endurance events to enhance safety and strategy. The series has achieved significant milestones, including record participation that underscores its appeal. The 2025 24 Hours of Spa drew a record-breaking 76 GT3 entries, surpassing previous benchmarks and intensifying on-track battles across classes. Manufacturer rivalries, particularly between and , have driven innovation and excitement, with BMW securing multiple early-season wins in 2025 while Audi countered with strong endurance performances, contributing to a global manufacturers' championship decided in the final rounds.

Regional and specialized GT series

The SRO Motorsports Group promotes several national and niche GT series that adapt global GT standards to local markets, providing accessible platforms for regional competitors while maintaining high-level . These series emphasize a blend of professional and amateur participation, tailored to specific geographies and manufacturer interests outside the flagship international championships. In , the GT America Powered by AWS series serves as a U.S.-focused platform featuring a mix of GT3, GT2, and GT4 cars in single-driver sprint races. The 2025 season includes eight rounds across prominent American circuits, such as (March 28–30), (May 16–18), and (August 15–17), allowing teams to compete on diverse track layouts from street courses to endurance-style venues. This format supports a broad entry of manufacturers like , , and , fostering development for both pro and gentleman drivers. The represents SRO's longstanding commitment to the market, combining GT3 and GT4 classes in multi-hour endurance-style events that highlight domestic manufacturing prowess. The 2025 calendar features key rounds at Oulton Park (May 23–26) and (April 5–6 and October 4–5), circuits known for their technical challenges and historical significance in British motorsport. Homegrown brands like play a prominent role, with teams such as Optimum Motorsport and Paddock Motorsport fielding 720S GT3 Evos, bolstered by McLaren's ongoing partnership as the series' official provider since 2016. For specialized single-make racing, the GR Cup utilizes the GR Supra GT4 car in a controlled environment that integrates as a support series to GT World Challenge events. Launched in in 2021, it provides equalized competition for emerging talents, with races emphasizing driver skill over performance disparities, and has expanded to North American rounds aligned with SRO calendars. This setup allows to showcase its GT4 platform while offering cost-effective entry for privateers. The stands out as a niche offering for non-BoP GT2-specification cars, prioritizing manufacturer innovation and amateur accessibility over balanced competition. Promoted by SRO since its inception, the series features vehicles from brands like , , and Ginetta, which deliver higher power outputs than GT3 machinery to encourage rapid development cycles. With classes for Pro-Am pairings and pure amateurs, it focuses on skill progression through 50-minute sprints at European circuits, attracting entries from teams seeking unadjusted performance testing. These regional and specialized series incorporate adaptations to suit local conditions, such as adjusted technical regulations for venue-specific safety features on tracks like Oulton Park's undulating layout or Sebring's bumpy surface. Entry fees are structured to lower barriers compared to global events, often around €20,000–€30,000 per season for support categories, enabling broader participation from regional teams. Broadcast partnerships vary by market, with U.S. series like GT America airing live on MAVTV and streaming via GT World platforms, while British GT leverages UK-focused coverage on motorsport channels to maximize domestic viewership.

Other current series and events

GT4 and GT2 categories

The , launched by SRO Motorsports Group in 2016, serves as an entry-level GT racing championship emphasizing sprint-format races with grids typically comprising 15 to 20 cars per event. The series features two one-hour races per weekend, contested on prominent European circuits as support events to the Endurance Cup, promoting accessibility for amateur and semi-professional drivers through pro-am pairings and (BoP) regulations that ensure parity among diverse manufacturers such as , , and . For the 2025 season, the includes key rounds at , Spa-Francorchamps, Misano, and , attracting fields focused on driver development and manufacturer . In , the GT4 America series integrates seamlessly with SRO America's portfolio, running alongside events like the on tracks including (VIR) and . The championship employs a double-header sprint format with 60-minute races, dividing entries into Pro-Am (pairing Silver- and Bronze-rated drivers), Silver, and Am classes to foster inclusive competition for less experienced participants while adhering to SRO GT4 homologation standards. This structure supports cross-regional synergy, with GT4 races often serving as undercards to flagship GT3 events, enhancing visibility and shared logistics across SRO's global operations. Both GT4 series contribute to SRO's driver development ecosystem, offering clear pathways for talents to progress to GT3 levels through performance-based awards and team promotions, as evidenced by numerous advancing to higher championships. In 2025, these categories adopted upgraded P Zero DHG tires, a new dry-weather compound designed for improved grip and durability in GT racing, applied uniformly to GT4 machinery in SRO-sanctioned events. The GT2 European Series represents a higher-specification step above GT4 within SRO's , targeting drivers with powerful, production-derived GT cars that deliver enhanced performance without the need for adjustments. Unlike GT4's BoP-regulated field, GT2 relies on fixed to maintain cost efficiency and emphasize driver skill, featuring prototypes and racers such as the Praga R1T and GT2 alongside models from , , and . The 2025 calendar features six double-header weekends at , , Spa-Francorchamps, Misano World Circuit, (Valencia), and , aligning with support bills and delivering two 50-minute races per round to build competitive experience. This format positions GT2 as a vital bridge in SRO's progression ladder, enabling seamless transitions to GT3 while accommodating Silver- and Bronze-rated entrants in dedicated classes.

Touring car series

The TC America Series, SRO Motorsports Group's primary platform in , originated from the acquisition of Curbstone Track Events in partnership with the Royal Automobile Club of in 2016, marking SRO's expansion into production-based competition as a complement to its GT racing portfolio. This move integrated the series into SRO's operations, evolving it from the former World Challenge Touring Car class into a standalone championship emphasizing accessible, front-wheel-drive machinery for emerging professional drivers. The series features a unified TC class in 2025, combining previous TCX (TCR-specification) and TC categories while retiring the entry-level TCA division to streamline competition and enhance on-track battles. For the 2025 season, TC America introduced format changes including shorter 25-minute sprint races—down from 40 minutes—alongside a revised points system to promote closer racing and higher strategy demands. The calendar comprises eight doubleheader rounds across premier circuits, commencing March 28–30 at and concluding October 16–19 at , where evening practice sessions at 5:45 p.m. ET highlight the event's dynamic scheduling. Eligible vehicles in the TC class include TCR-specification models such as the and previously supported RS 3 LMS, alongside mid-tier options like the Mazda 3 and entry-oriented cars formerly in TCA, such as the Cup car, all prepared to standardized performance levels with factory or turnkey support. Manufacturer involvement has expanded, with active programs from N TC Evo), TC), (Integra Type S), BMW (M2 CS Cup), and , providing diverse technical packages for competitors. TC America events serve as support races within SRO's GT America and weekends, fostering shared logistics and fan engagement while enabling driver progression from spec series like to professional competition. Participation has grown significantly under SRO management, from modest fields in the mid-2010s to grids exceeding 40 cars at peak events like the 2019 opener, supported by increasing manufacturer commitments and a focus on talent development.

Additional events and initiatives

In , SRO Motorsports Group launched the SRO GT Cup, a new GT4-based sprint championship aimed at expanding its presence in the Asian market. The series features eight 30-minute races for single-driver cars, distributed across four double-header events: (March 21-23), Pingtan Street Circuit (June 28-29), Beijing Goldenport Circuit (October 17-19), and (November 13-16). This initiative supports the broader calendar while providing an accessible entry point for regional teams and drivers in GT4 machinery. Beyond core championships, SRO has organized fan-focused events such as the GT Festival at Hampton Downs in , which integrates racing with interactive spectator experiences during the GT World Challenge rounds. Additionally, SRO extended its sim racing efforts, originally introduced in 2020 with the SRO E-Sport GT Series—a multi-event using that attracted professional drivers and esports talents from brands like and . This virtual platform has continued to grow, fostering global engagement and serving as a training ground for real-world competitors. SRO's sustainability initiatives include a comprehensive 2030 strategy focused on carbon reduction, with the company offsetting emissions through support for eight global projects in 2025—five technology-based and three nature-based, addressing logistics, fuel, and operational impacts. Media expansions feature the GT World YouTube channel, which provides free live streaming and coverage of all SRO series, enhancing accessibility for international audiences. In 2025, SRO standardized tires across its GT2, GT3, and GT4 championships with Pirelli's new P Zero DHG dry-weather compound, introduced to improve performance consistency and sustainability through better recyclability. An upcoming highlight is the Grand Prix of Arlington debut in March 2026, marking SRO's entry into a new U.S. street circuit event integrating SRO America series such as the Toyota GR Cup around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. To support community impact, SRO invests in driver development, such as mandating Asian drivers in pairings to nurture local talent. The organization also directs sporting fines to charities, distributing sporting fines in 2024 to causes like Racing for Dilano for accident rehabilitation and environmental nonprofits, with similar efforts continuing into 2025. These ties extend to partnerships at events like the , where SRO-supported GT3 entries contribute to broader philanthropic programs.

Former series and events

Early endurance championships

The BPR Global GT Series, launched in 1994 by Stéphane Ratel in partnership with Jürgen Barth and Patrick Peter, marked SRO's entry into organizing multi-round European endurance championships featuring GT1 and GT2 categories. The series consisted of 4-hour races at circuits including Jarama, , and , attracting prototypes and grand tourers while emphasizing close competition among teams. In 1995, the championship reached its zenith with intense rivalries, notably the securing multiple victories, including at , which highlighted the series' role in reviving GT racing post-prototype dominance. The season faced controversies, such as Porsche's 911 GT1 entries, leading to the partners' separation and the series' evolution into the FIA-sanctioned format. Parallel to the BPR Series, SRO organized the Philippe Charriol Supersport Trophy in 1995 and 1996, a single-make endurance championship that evolved from the earlier Venturi Trophy. Focused on SV-R cars, the series ran alongside BPR events, providing a platform for gentleman drivers and professionals in shorter endurance races, such as the 4 Hours of Le Castellet. This initiative underscored Ratel's early vision of accessible, manufacturer-supported GT racing for customer teams, fostering participation from over a dozen entries per round. In 1997, SRO assumed promotion of the , expanding it into a premier international endurance series with GT1 and GT2 classes across , , and . Under SRO's , the championship grew to 10-11 rounds annually by the early , incorporating iconic events like the as its highlight, while adding global reach with races at Suzuka and . SRO's organizational role continued through 2009, introducing regulations to ensure parity and sustaining manufacturer involvement from , , and . The early 2000s brought challenges to the , including manufacturer withdrawals following the 1998 GT1 era's escalating costs, which deterred private entrants and prompted a shift toward customer-focused GT2 racing in 2000. Dominant performances by factory teams, coupled with regulatory pressures from the FIA, led to reduced grids and format adjustments, such as the 2001 introduction of the NGT category for naturally aspirated prototypes to diversify participation. These issues tested SRO's adaptability but ultimately drove innovations in cost control and class structures. The early endurance championships laid the foundation for SRO's enduring impact on GT racing, establishing protocols for multi-class endurance events that influenced subsequent series.

Discontinued GT and regional programs

The , promoted by SRO Motorsports Group in partnership with the FIA, ran from 2010 to as a high-performance GT series featuring purpose-built GT1 cars from manufacturers including , , Ford, , , and . Launched with a full grid of 24 cars, the series faced declining participation, with only 15 entries by mid-, leading to the cancellation of two races and overall financial strain where marketing returns did not offset costs. SRO announced its withdrawal as promoter at the end of , citing competition from the FIA World Endurance Championship's class and the high operational expenses of the GT1 regulations. In its final season, the championship incorporated a reduced GT3 support grid in before being fully discontinued, paving the way for a broader shift to the more cost-effective and manufacturer-friendly GT3 standard. The , another SRO-promoted regional GT series, operated from 2006 to 2012 but saw grid sizes dwindle in its later years, prompting SRO to end its promotion role starting in 2013 as part of efforts to consolidate fragmented GT racing formats. In Europe, SRO's involvement in broader GT open-style events led to splits, with non-SRO entities like GT Sport launching independent series such as the GT Open in , reflecting a strategic divergence to focus on standardized global platforms rather than overlapping regional competitions. The Sprint Series, initially the sprint component of the FIA GT Series from 2013 to 2014 and rebranded under sponsorship from 2015 to 2019, emphasized short-format GT3 races across Europe. It was discontinued as a standalone entity after 2019, merging with the Endurance Series to form the unified in 2020 following the end of the partnership. This integration aimed to streamline operations without altering race formats, enhancing global appeal by combining sprint and endurance elements under a single banner. These discontinuations were driven by broader strategic imperatives, including cost reductions through GT3 standardization, which lowered barriers for teams and manufacturers compared to bespoke classes like GT1; declining entries in high-cost formats; and a push toward global consolidation by the early 2020s to avoid diluting SRO's portfolio across multiple regional programs. By 2025, this evolution had solidified SRO's focus on interconnected GT3-based championships, improving and participation levels worldwide.

References

  1. https://www.gt-world-challenge-america.com/about/sro-motorsports-group
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