GT World Challenge America#Touring Car (TC)

The Sports Car Club of America created a "showroom stock" class for amateur club racing in 1972.{{cite web|title=SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge - history|url=http://www.world-challenge.com/series.php?page=history|work=SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge|publisher=Sports Car Club of America|access-date=24 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410065423/http://www.world-challenge.com/series.php?page=history|archive-date=10 April 2009}} In 1984, following the success of the Longest Day of Nelson{{cite web|title=The Longest Day of Nelson|url=http://www.nelsonledges.com/LONGESTDAY.aspx|publisher=Nelson Ledges Road Course|access-date=24 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602094053/http://www.nelsonledges.com/LONGESTDAY.aspx|archive-date=2 June 2010}} and another 24-hour race at Mid-Ohio, the SCCA combined existing races into a manufacturer's championship. For 1985, the series became a 6-race professional championship with sponsorship from Playboy magazine. Escort radar detectors sponsored the series from 1986 until 1991.

File:WCmmp.png

In 1990, the series was officially named World Challenge and was restructured to adopt rules similar to the European Group A for homologated production cars. The higher-cost "sports" classes were dropped after 1996, leaving the class format as it would stand until 2010. Speed TV network began sponsoring the series in 1999. With fields growing, the series began separate races for the GT and Touring classes in 2000, which would remain until 2010. In 2010, the series moved away from the partnership with SPEED, and signed a broadcast partnership with Versus (now NBCSN) for coverage. The series moved existing touring cars into a new GTS class, while changing the rules for the touring car class to reduce costs and keep cars closer to stock.{{cite web|title=World Challenge Car Facts|url=http://www.world-challenge.com/series.php?page=carfacts|work=SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge|publisher=Sports Car Club of America|access-date=24 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724225437/http://www.world-challenge.com/series.php?page=carfacts|archive-date=24 July 2010}}

With the SpeedVision television contract, the World Challenge eventually succeeded Trans Am as the SCCA's premier series.

In July 2008, the World Challenge series was purchased by WC Vision, a group of investors. The Sports Car Club of America remained the sanctioning partner of the series.

Starting with the 2011 season, the series signed a partnership with Pirelli and the leading tire manufacturer became the official tire supplier and title sponsor of the series.

In 2014, the Pirelli World Challenge established a GT-A classification similar to the FIA's bronze category.

In 2015, the series established GT Cup, featuring Porsche 991 Cup Cars that ran as part of the overall GT class races. Also, CBS Sports Network and Motor Trend On Demand became the new television partners.

In 2016, the series established SprintX classes of racing featuring two-driver sprint races for several driver classes. As part of the partnership with the SRO, the GTS class was expanded to include GT4 homologations.

For 2017, the Pirelli World Challenge transferred to USAC as its sanctioning body. GT Cup class is expanding to include Cup cars from Lamborghini and Ferrari, while SprintX classes expand in both driver classification specificity and competition-legal platforms.

On May 25, 2018, it was announced that the Stéphane Ratel Organisation had become majority shareholder of WC Vision LLC, and thus majority owner of Pirelli World Challenge.{{cite web |url=http://world-challenge.com/latest/series-news/sro-motorsports-group-becomes-majority-shareholder-in-wc-vision-llc/ |title=SRO Motorsports Group becomes majority shareholder in WC Vision LLC |work=Pirelli World Challenge |access-date=2018-08-07 |archive-date=2018-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808094613/http://world-challenge.com/latest/series-news/sro-motorsports-group-becomes-majority-shareholder-in-wc-vision-llc/ |url-status=dead }}

On September 29, 2018, it was announced the series acquired a new title sponsor as part of the overhaul of the Ratel series. The GT Sprint Cup in Europe and GT Series Asia will now be known as the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe and Asia, respectively. The current World Challenge will become World Challenge America.

File:UGPgts.png]]

Each season consists of upwards of 11 event weekends and between 5 and 16 rounds or races. Some rounds or races use a standing start, as opposed to the all rolling starts seen in other sports car racing series. Blancpain GT World Challenge races consist of two-driver, 90-minute SprintX format races with two races per weekend. GT4 America is divided into two race formats, single driver, 50-minute Sprint races and two-driver 60-minute Sprintx races. The Touring Car America championship involve separate TCR 40-minute sprint races and 40-minute TC & TCA races.

{{update-section|date=January 2019}}

The allowed body styles within this class are coupe, sedan and convertible. The cars permitted in GT are typically sold in the market as "sports" cars, "sport-touring" cars, or performance versions of "luxury" cars. Forced induction is permitted on cars that come equipped with forced induction stock, or on cars that the series has determined need help reaching the target horsepower range. Power output ranges from 500 hp to 600 hp. Weight varies depending on power output and tire size. All of the vehicles in GT are rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. FIA GT3 class cars are now approved to compete in the class starting in 2013.

{{update-section|date=January 2019}}

The allowed body styles within this class are coupe, sedan and convertible. The cars permitted in GTS are typically marketed as "sports cars", "sport-touring cars" or performance versions of "luxury" cars but at a lower permissible preparation level than GT. Forced induction is permitted on cars that come equipped with forced induction stock. Power output ranges from 300 to 400 hp. Weight varies depending on power output and tire size. Front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive configurations are permitted. As of 2017, the class rules fully mimic the FIA GT4 formula. Models include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Acura TSX, Audi TT, Porsche Cayman, Kia Optima, Nissan 370Z and Scion FR-S.

In 2016 an extended sprint format series was added as a standalone championship in addition to its existing Sprint format racing series. SprintX races are 60 minutes in length and feature mandatory driver and tire changes.{{cite news|url=http://www.motorsport.com/pwc/news/pirelli-world-challenge-to-add-extended-sprint-races-in-2016/|title=Pirelli World Challenge to add 'extended sprint' races in 2016|work=Motorsport.com|date=28 May 2015|access-date=24 December 2015}}

Beginning in 2019, GT4 America began two regional series integrated into its Sprint X Championship. The regional series consist of five rounds each in the eastern and western sides of North America in a two-driver, pro-am format.

The allowed body styles in this class are coupes, hatchbacks, wagons, sedans. Power output ranges from approximately 300 hp. Weight varies depending on the power output of the individual drivetrain configurations. Front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive configurations are permitted. Forced induction may be allowed on cars that have forced induction systems available from the manufacturer which do not void the factory warranties.

Established in 2014, this class is an evolution of the current TC class with an emphasis on maintaining cost effectiveness while providing an easy avenue to entry into professional racing. Performance modifications will be limited to mainly chassis tuning. Front wheel and rear wheel drive configurations are permitted. Target power output is 220 crank hp from non-modified stock engines. Forced induction maybe allowed on cars that have forced induction systems available from the manufacturer as a stock engine option. Examples of eligible cars include the Honda Civic SI, Mazda MX-5, Ford Focus, Scion FR-S and Kia Forte.

The TCR class is based on the international TCR Touring Car class employed by a multitude of series worldwide. All TCR cars are based on 4 or 5 door production vehicles, and are powered by 2.0 litre turbocharged engines. While the bodyshell and suspension layout of the production vehicle is retained in a TCR car, and many models use a production gearbox, certain accommodations are made for the stresses of the racetrack including upgraded brakes and aerodynamics. Competition vehicles are subject to Balance of Performance (or BoP) adjustments to ensure close racing between different vehicles.

A "GTA" ("GT Amateur") driver class debuted in 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.world-challenge.com/files/misc/wc_2014_gt.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211104150/http://www.world-challenge.com/files/misc/wc_2014_gt.pdf |archive-date=2013-12-11 }} It was a designation to recognize gentlemen drivers that competed in the GT class.

This spec class debuted in 2015 featuring Porsche 991 Cup Cars that ran as part of the overall GT Class races, with a separate victory circle presentation alongside that of the GT/GT-A class winners. In 2017 the class was expanded to include Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo and Ferrari 488 Challenge cars.

Based on the Sports Car Club of America class of the same name, these were smaller cars with small, efficient, naturally aspirated motors (target HP is 125). Modifications were limited to manufacturer specified performance spring and shocks to keep overall cost down. Cars competing in TCB were prepared to the SCCA Club Racing B Spec rules. Cars that were eligible included the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Mini Cooper, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, and Nissan Versa.{{cite web |url=http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?story=2325 |title=Untitled Document |access-date=2012-01-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121070526/http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?story=2325 |archive-date=2012-01-21 }}

The class was discontinued after the 2017 season, a year after sanctioning of the series changed from SCCA to USAC.[http://world-challenge.com/results/tc-class/pwc-adds-new-touring-car-division-2018/ PWC adds new touring car division] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109035800/http://world-challenge.com/results/tc-class/pwc-adds-new-touring-car-division-2018/ |date=2018-01-09 }} These cars are still eligible to participate in the SCCA Runoffs.

Starting in 2009, older World Challenge cars became eligible (with minor modifications) for competition in SCCA racing. Under the SCCA's General Competition Rules (GCR),{{cite web |url=http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44472 |title=The Sports Car Club of America - Club Racing |access-date=2013-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027110646/http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44472 |archive-date=2013-10-27 }} the Super Touring category allows World Challenge GTs to compete in STO and Touring cars to compete in STU. In 2013 the STO class was merged into the T1 and GT2 classes.{{cite web |url=http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44726 |title=The Sports Car Club of America - Club Racing |access-date=2015-01-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208124023/http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44726 |archive-date=2015-02-08 }}

{{main|List of GT World Challenge America circuits}}

{{Location map+|USA|width=400|float=right

|alt=2025 SRO America Circuits.

|caption=Races part of SRO America's series as of the 2025 season. Green dots are venues hosting all four categories of GT World Challenge: GT4 America, TC America and GT America, yellow dots are venues hosting GT America only. Indianapolis is an eight-hour GT endurance contest as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

|places=

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 33.4559 |long= -118.1134 |mark = yellow pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = right |label=Long Beach}}

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 36.6042 |long= -79.1217 |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = top |label=VIR}}

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 43.4751|long= -87.5938 |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = right |label=Road America}}

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 30.758 |long= -97.3828|mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = right |label=Austin}}

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 38.16006|long= -122.45940 |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = right |label=Sonoma}}

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 27.45119 |long= -81.35359 |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = right |label=Sebring}}

{{Location map~|USA|lat= 33.53250 |long= -86.61889 |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = right |label=Barber}}

{{location map~|USA|lat= 39.79833 |long= -86.23278 |mark = green pog.svg |label_size=60 |position = left |label=Indianapolis}}

}}

Speed TV network televised the World Challenge starting in 1996, with the series being called the SPEED World Challenge until 2010.

Near the end of the broadcast partnership with SPEED, the World Challenge had been broadcast on weekdays as opposed to the traditional weekends. For 2009, the races were combined into an hour-long block.{{cite web |url=http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?ID=1187 |title=SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge |access-date=2009-04-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316050011/http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?ID=1187 |archive-date=2009-03-16 }}

On January 4, 2010, Versus (now NBC Sports Network) announced they would televise 90-minute broadcasts beginning in the 2010 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?ID=1522 |title=Untitled Document |access-date=2010-01-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716070635/http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?ID=1522 |archive-date=2011-07-16 }} Each broadcast featured all the races from each round. The entire 2010 season was shown on the channel. The series later returned to weekend telecasts.{{cite web |url=http://www.world-challenge.com/season.php?year=2010 |title=SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge - Season Schedule |access-date=2010-01-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125001324/http://www.world-challenge.com/season.php?year=2010 |archive-date=2010-01-25 }}

Starting in 2015, CBS Sports Network announced that it acquired television rights to the series. [http://www.Torque.TV Torque.TV], later Motor Trend On Demand partnered with CBS Sports Network for the race broadcasts to stream all races live on their website as well as on [http://world-challenge.com/streamvideo/ World-ChallengeTV.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009095241/http://world-challenge.com/streamvideo/ |date=2016-10-09 }}. CBS Sports Network will have at least 1 race with live television coverage with Detroit being the first round announced to have live coverage.

The series has also established a section on its official site where fans can watch archived race and in-car video, as well as an increasing amount of archived television broadcasts of events prior to the 2016 season.[http://world-challenge.com/video/ Video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009013608/http://world-challenge.com/video/ |date=2016-10-09 }} The website currently has coverage from as far back as 2008.

On October 4, 2010, the series announced that Pirelli would replace longtime partner Toyo Tires as the exclusive tire supplier for the series.{{cite web |url=http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?story=1894 |title=Untitled Document |access-date=2010-10-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005221033/http://www.world-challenge.com/news/story.php?story=1894 |archive-date=2010-10-05 }} For the first time in series history, teams competed on racing slicks (Pirelli P Zero) rather than the DOT competition tires in use for much of its history. In January 2014, Pirelli Tire North America and WC Vision extended the partnership for an additional five years. The extension of the partnership between the tire brand and the top production car-based racing series will run through the 2018 season.

{{refbegin}}

• Source:{{cite web|title=Pro Racing Archives|url=http://www.scca.com/contentpage.aspx?content=111|publisher=Sports Car Club of America|access-date=24 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819181023/http://www.scca.com/contentpage.aspx?content=111|archive-date=19 August 2010}}
• From 1986 to 1989 the series consisted of endurance races where co-drivers were used, often resulting in co-champions.
• From 1986 to 1996 a variety of prior classification systems were used. Class winners are placed under the heading (GT or TC) of the most similar modern class.

{{refend}}

• Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe
• Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia
• Blancpain Endurance Series
• Intercontinental GT Challenge
• WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
• Michelin Pilot Challenge
• Canadian Touring Car Championship
• British Touring Car Championship
• British GT Championship
• 944 Cup
• GT World Challenge America (Circuit of the Americas)

{{Reflist|2}}

• [http://www.gt-world-challenge-america.com Blancpain GT World Challenge America Official Website]
• [http://www.gt4-america.com GT4 America Official Website]
• [http://www.tcamerica.us TC America Official Website]

{{Speed World Challenge years}}

{{Pirelli World Challenge circuits}}

{{FIA GT Championship Seasons}}

{{USAC}}

Category:Sports car racing series

Category:Auto racing series in the United States

Category:Auto racing series in Canada

Category:SCCA Pro Racing

World Challenge

Category:Group GT3