IMSA Announces CTSC Cost Cut Measures, Car List for 2016

On the heels of a Mission Statement issued earlier this month to outline the future direction of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) officials today unveiled substantial efforts to reduce operating expenses for competitors in addition to a comprehensive list of existing and new car models conditionally approved for 2016 competition.

Among cost-control initiatives for the 2016 season is the introduction of series-approved onboard air jack kits (non-mandatory) for all Continental Tire Challenge race cars.

To reduce costs further in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, IMSA will change the Sporting Regulations to reflect a maximum of three crew members over the wall during pit stops, (down from four in 2015).

IMSA will allow tires to be placed on the “cold” side of the pit wall or positioned on tire stands prior to the car coming to a stop in its pit box as the three “over the wall” crew members will be prohibited from receiving any “behind the wall assistance” once the car is stopped in the pit box. The three are the only personnel allowed to touch the tires. The maximum of two “wheel guns” will remain in effect.

The 2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge will continue to feature and approve Grand Sport (GS) cars built to current IMSA specifications. IMSA will closely monitor the growth and development of the GT4 category internationally. GT4 cars that meet certain IMSA criteria may be considered on an individual basis for future selection.

The popular Street Tuner (ST) category continues to see an influx of evolving road car technology while maintaining a consistent performance balance across a large spectrum of eligible makes and models.

IMSA officials also clarified and provided a comprehensive list of new car models eligible and those conditionally approved for Competition in the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (see below).

Cars Currently Approved for Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Competition

Grand Sport (GS)                                            

Aston Martin Vantage
BMW M3 E92 coupe
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R
Ford Mustang FR500C (5.0) 2009-
Ford Mustang Boss 302R GT
Ford Shelby GT350R-C
Nissan 370Z (3.7)
Porsche 997 Carrera S (3.8) Direct Injection
Subaru WRX STi

Street Tuner (ST)

Audi S3 2015
BMW 128i (3.0)
BMW 328i (E90) sedan
BMW 328i (F30) sedan
Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan JDM 2011-
Honda Civic Si (2.0) USDM 2011-
Honda Civic Si 2.4L
Hyundai Genesis
Mazdaspeed 3
Mazda MX-5 Miata
MINI Cooper JCW 2015-
Nissan Altima V6
Porsche Boxster 2.9L 987
Porsche Cayman 2.9L 987

New Cars Conditionally Approved for Competition 

Grand Sport (GS)                                            

Alfa Romeo Giulia
Audi RS5
Audi TTRS
BMW M4
Chevrolet Camaro SS 2016-
Cadillac ATS-V Coupe
Dodge Challenger
Lexus RC-F
Lotus Evora 400
Porsche Cayman GT4 race car

Street Tuner (ST)

Alfa Romeo 4C
Audi A4 2.0
Audi TTS
Buick Regal 2.0L
Cadillac ATS Sedan 2.0L
Ford Focus ST
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Kia Optima SX
Kia Forte Koup Turbo
Lexus IS350
Mitsubishi Lancer Raliart
Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Subaru WRX
Volkswagen GTI 2014-
Volkswagen Golf R 2015-
Volkswagen Beetle R-Line
Volkswagen Jetta GLI