Race Report: GT America at Circuit of The Americas
Austin, TX – Circuit of The Americas witnessed a high-octane opener to the GT America powered by AWS series, with Kyle Washington taking the checkered flag in the SRO3 class and Anthony McIntosh clinching a thrilling victory in GT4.
SRO3 Class Highlights
Kyle Washington dominated the SRO3 field in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 992 GT3 R, establishing an early lead. Memo Gidley, in the No. 56 SKI Autosports Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVOII, aggressively contested the front but faced challenges. Elias Sabo, despite holding second briefly, incurred a drive-through penalty for a start procedure violation, elevating Gidley to second.
As the race progressed, Justin Rothberg, pilot of the No. 29 Turner Motorsports BMW M4 GT3, showcased strategic driving, overtaking Gidley with 26 minutes remaining. Rothberg maintained a strong pace afterward, trailing Washington but unable to close the gap.
Ross Chouest executed an impressive drive from the back of the field in his No. 50 Chouest Povoledo Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R, battling for third with Gidley in the closing moments. Sabo salvaged his race by setting the fastest lap, securing an advantageous starting position for the following event.
Washington ultimately secured victory, followed by Rothberg and Gidley. “Thanks to GMG Racing giving me a fast car,” stated Washington. “It’s really awesome to win here.”
GT4 Class Recap
In the GT4 category, Max Hewitt in the No. 39 van der Steur Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 maintained a solid lead early on against Anthony McIntosh in the No. 69 JTR Motorsports Engineering Toyota Gazoo Racing GR. However, McIntosh gradually closed the gap, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
On the final lap, McIntosh executed a daring overtaking maneuver just before the white flag, leading to a head-to-head sprint to the finish where he narrowly secured the win by 0.135 seconds. Denny Stripling rounded out the podium in third with the No. 188 Fast Track Racing BMW M4 GT4.
“I knew it was a situation where we didn’t have overall lap pace, but we were really strong on the brakes,” McIntosh explained. “I just tried it, and it worked out.”
Upcoming Events
The GT America powered by AWS series will continue with Race 2 scheduled for Sunday at 10:05 AM CT. Live coverage is available via the RACER Network and the RACER+ App.
Results
-
SRO3:
- Kyle Washington (Porsche 992 GT3 R)
- Justin Rothberg (BMW M4 GT3)
- Memo Gidley (Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVOII)
- GT4:
- Anthony McIntosh (Toyota Gazoo Racing GR)
- Max Hewitt (Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4)
- Denny Stripling (BMW M4 GT4)
