Gulf 12H to Revert to Pro-Am Event in 2024

Photo: Gulf 12H

Next year’s Gulf 12 Hours will revert to a Pro-Am-focused event following the end of its contract with SRO Motorsports Group as a round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.

Event promoter Driving Force Events Ltd. confirmed Tuesday that the 2024 edition of the race is set for Dec. 15, one week after the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with its two-year agreement with SRO for IGTC eligibility set to come to an end this year.

SRO boss Stephane Ratel previously indicated that it would not continue with the Middle Eastern enduro into 2024 due to its uncertain date, which has now been secured thanks to a logistics plan from the event organizers.

“The presence of a select group of IGTC entrants within the already strong Gulf 12 Hours brought new attention to the event and the positive collaboration with SRO motivated everyone within the Driving Force Events organization to reach new standards,” a statement read.

“However, Driving Force Events has always intended to consolidate the Gulf 12 Hours as the world’s top Pro-Am endurance race.

“In line with this objective, an internal decision was reached several months ago not to seek a place on the IGTC calendar for 2024 and beyond.

“Going forward, the focus of the Gulf 12 Hours will be to deliver the best opportunities for Pro-Am driver lineups, rather than the all-Pro crews typical of IGTC.

“This strategic decision has already been validated through team and manufacturer feedback and commitments.

“Driving Force Events intends to maintain strong relations with SRO and looks forward to a constructive cooperation together for a memorable 12th Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit, and a fitting 2023 IGTC season finale.”

A record number of entries have submitted requests for this year’s around-the-clock enduro, which will take place on Dec. 10.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John