2025 GT Racing Highlights: Season Summary
The 2025 GT racing season showcased exceptional talent across multiple series, with standout performances and pivotal wins shaping the landscape of the sport.
IMSA Highlights
Laurin Heinrich, the reigning GT Driver of the Year, maintained his elite status with AO Racing, securing victories at both Sebring and Laguna Seca. His consistency has earned him a drive with Porsche Penske Motorsport for the upcoming season.
Corvette Racing’s Alexander Sims returned the team to championship form, complemented by veteran driver Antonio García. Their collaborative success included a notable victory for Johor Motorsports Racing in Asia.
Albert Costa of DragonSpeed emerged as a formidable competitor, utilizing strategic fuel-saving tactics to clinch a win at Mosport despite being the team’s sole full-time driver.
Newcomers to IMSA, Dan Harper and Max Hesse of Paul Miller Racing, achieved significant wins at Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta, culminating in the Michelin Endurance Cup title for their #48 BMW.
Philip Ellis excelled with Winward Racing, contributing to back-to-back GTD championships while also competing successfully in GT World Challenge America.
Dual series competitor Matthew Bell played a vital role in AWA’s Rolex 24 victory and helped DXDT Racing secure a strong Pro-Am finish.
In a noteworthy guest appearance, Marvin Kirchhöfer shined for AWA at Daytona before competing in Europe, where he claimed pole at the Spa 24 Hours.
Kenton Koch made history as the first driver to win championships in both GT World Challenge America (Pro) and GT4 America (Silver), marking a prolific season with Random Vandals Racing and Triarsi Competizione.
Asian Competition: SUPER GT
TGR Team au TOM’S drivers Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita once again dominated the GT500 class, with Tsuboi securing his fourth title and Yamashita impressing with a decisive performance at Motegi.
Tadasuke Makino led Honda’s Stanley Team Kunimitsu to a surprising second-place finish in the championship, highlighted by a standout drive at Autopolis.
In GT300, Naoya Gamou claimed his second title for K2 R&D LEON Racing, while Harry King secured multiple podiums with x seven Racing following his mid-season entry.
European and International Circuit Performance
Ayhancan Güven transitioned from a successful DTM season into a factory role at Porsche, spearheading their championship aspirations with Manthey.
In the SRO championships, Dennis Marschall made a notable impact in the Bronze Cup, securing a unique “Triple Crown” across Europe.
Patric Niederhauser showcased exceptional skill despite his shift to Lamborghini, finishing second at the Spa 24 Hours and narrowly capturing the GT World Europe Endurance Cup.
Lucas Auer just missed championship titles in both the DTM and GT World Europe, maintaining a strong lead before the season finale.
2025 GT Driver of the Year
Kelvin van der Linde received the DSC’s GT Driver of the Year award after a stellar transition from Audi to BMW. He won the Bathurst 12 Hour alongside his brother and secured the Intercontinental GT Challenge title, achieving three wins in four rounds.
In GT World Challenge Europe, van der Linde led his team to impressive standings, finishing strong across multiple championships despite narrowly missing a “Triple Crown” feat.
With this season’s accomplishments, van der Linde joins the elite ranks of former recipients Heinrich and Nicky Catsburg, solidifying his status in the GT racing hierarchy.
As the 2025 season concludes, the depth of competition and impressive performances highlight a promising future for GT racing, with emerging talents and established stars setting the stage for exciting developments in 2026.
