GT3 Racing Celebrates 20 Years of Success
Two decades ago, the GT3 category was born, significantly impacting the motorsports landscape. Introduced by Stéphane Ratel to the FIA in November 2004, the GT3 concept aimed to create a cost-effective platform for GT racing, revitalizing the genre.
The first GT3 field took shape in November 2005, featuring nine vehicles, including the Aston Martin DBRS9 and Lamborghini Gallardo, showcased outside the Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo. This prelude was complemented by the inaugural Balance of Performance test at Circuit Paul Ricard.
The first official GT3 race occurred in May 2006 at Silverstone, where JMB Racing’s Allan Simonsen and Hector Lester secured victory. Teams like AF Corse, Barwell Motorsport, and Auto Sport Promotion that participated in that initial season continue to compete at high levels today.
Since its inception, the GT3 formula has expanded significantly. It became a staple in both national series, such as British GT, and international competitions like the Blancpain Endurance Series, now the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, which began in 2011. Notable entries of GT3 cars include Super GT in 2010, IMSA in 2016, and DTM in 2021, with the FIA World Endurance Championship integrating LMGT3-spec vehicles in 2024.
As it turns 20, the GT3 category has featured vehicles from 24 different manufacturers and is rapidly approaching its 60th homologated model. GT3 cars are now eligible to compete in numerous series across six continents.
To commemorate its legacy, SRO will celebrate the history of GT3 in 2026 with the GT3 Revival Series, in collaboration with Peter Auto, and the inclusion of the GT3 Legends series in the support lineup for the 24 Hours of Spa.
This remarkable journey reflects GT3’s evolution into one of the most successful segments in motorsports history, characterized by its diverse manufacturer participation and widespread global reach.
