Lamborghini America’s senior manager of motorsport Chris Ward says he’s “hugely encouraged” by the amount of interest for the upcoming season of Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, which could reach record car counts.
Set for its eighth season, the competitive single-make series is likely to see additions from several high-profile teams, including Grasser Racing Team and Rick Ware Racing.
Both team principals Gottfried Grasser and Rick Ware confirmed to Sportscar365 plans to each field two Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVOs in the championship, which kicks off at Barber Motorsports Park in April.
It’s understood several other teams that would be new to the championship are working to finalize programs as well.
Last year’s season averaged 18 cars per event, with multiple North American teams taking home silverware in the Lamborghini World Final at Jerez.
While keeping his expectations in check, Ward told Sportscar365 that he expects increased grids.
“We’re hugely encouraged,” he said. “I know it’s an age-old saying but interest is at a record levels. It’s genuinely true.
“Even at the Roar, new people are approaching me seemingly of every hour of every day as well as my inbox being full of requests.
“I’ve been doing this long enough that I reserve judgement until I walk onto the false grid at Barber but right now we couldn’t be more encouraged.”
Ward feels the platform’s stability, with the Super Trofeo EVO entering its third year, has been one of the series’ strengths.
“It’s part of our mantra not to introduce a new car every two years,” he said. “The solidity of the platform and the longevity of the platform means the customers can invest, the teams can invest and the dealers can invest.
“I think that’s been part of the secret of our success.”
Tweaks to Points, Pro Class in the Works
Ward said to expect some “small tweaks” to the sporting regulations this year, primarily around team and dealer championship points.
While the Pro class will go back to allowing single-driver lineups in all Super Trofeo series worldwide, a North American-specific change to the points system will see teams and dealers score points for the two highest-finishing cars of any class, instead of overall.
It will thus allow the Am or LB Cup competitors to help contribute to their teams’ championship run.
“I think it’s fairer for teams out there looking for lady or gentlemen drivers in the Cup or Am category,” Ward said. “They should still be able to win the team championship.”
In addition, teams will get a bonus point for pole that their driver already receives while one further bonus point will be awarded to teams that have additional cars that start the race.