SRO Motorsports America Update: Key Changes for 2026 Season
SRO Motorsports America is implementing significant changes for the 2026 season, as confirmed by President and CEO Greg Gill during a recent interview at Road America. Notably, Road America will return to the calendar in August, while Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta will replace Virginia International Raceway (VIR). This decision aligns with Gill’s strategy to introduce a new venue every few years.
Gill emphasized the complexity of the change, stating, “VIR is in our customers’ top ten favourite tracks. It was a hard call. However, Road Atlanta is an iconic circuit that fits naturally in our schedule.”
Addressing concerns, Gill confirmed that an unrelated power outage at VIR during a recent GT World Challenge race did not influence their decision, citing it as an “unusual circumstance” rather than a fault of the venue.
The revised schedule will also provide clarity, as the event date has been moved 30 days away from the IMSA weekend, improving overall logistics. Despite the challenges, Gill noted that racing on the weekend of the Le Mans 24 Hours was unavoidable for the upcoming season: “It was the only available date.”
In other developments, GT World Challenge America will transition from two 90-minute races to a single three-hour format, a change well-received by teams seeking efficiency without sacrificing track time. Gill remarked, “This new setup allows us to compress the schedule, making Sunday a focal point for fans with one significant race.”
Additionally, a new ‘Cup’ class for one-make racing vehicles will debut in GT America, sparking renewed interest from teams associated with brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Gill noted, “With the new Evos coming out, there’s a fresh impetus for racers eager to compete.”
Lastly, SRO America will showcase the Toyota GR Cup North America during IndyCar’s inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, aiming to enhance the visibility of sports car racing. “This is a natural fit,” stated Gill, highlighting Toyota’s local ties and the street race’s strategic importance.
As SRO America prepares for these changes, the organization remains focused on enhancing the motorsports experience for competitors and fans alike, ensuring a dynamic future for the series.
