APEX Debut, Velocity on Sprint Challenge USA West Calendar

With 55 days remaining until the cars hit the track, Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama is charging toward a fifth season packed with major additions to the calendar.

The 2026 schedule features a debut at Arizona’s APEX Motor Club, the series’ first appearance at the Velocity International at Sonoma Raceway and a championship finale alongside IndyCar at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

With entries now open, many of the championship’s long-time Porsche customer teams are expected to return, maintaining the core group that has defined the series since its launch in 2022.

“Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West has been built on stability, consistency, and the long-term commitment of our customer teams,” said Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America.

“The 2026 calendar maintains that foundation while introducing exciting new venues such as APEX Motor Club, along with major events like Velocity International and the IndyCar weekend at Laguna Seca. These platforms give our competitors the opportunity to perform on a much bigger stage.”

2026 Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama Calendar:

Feb. 6-8 — APEX Motor Club (Phoenix, Arizona)
April 10-11 — Sonoma Raceway (with PSCNA, PECNA)
May 7-9 — Circuit of The Americas (with PSCNA)
May 29-31 — Sonoma Raceway (Velocity Invitational)
Aug. 14-16 — Road America (with PSCNA, PECNA)
Sept. 4-6 — WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (with IndyCar)

Entries Open with First Visit to APEX Motor Club

The season begins at APEX Motor Club, marking the championship’s first trip to the desert venue.

The season opener will run in conjunction with the first Porsche GT Track Day of 2026, an exclusive experience designed for Porsche owners to unleash the full potential of their Porsche road cars in a motorsport environment.

APEX Motor Club is a members-only motorsport complex south of Phoenix, offering a purpose-built circuit and modern support facilities. It has quickly become a regular choice for track development programs and premium automotive events.

Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Becomes Marquee Moment

One of the most high-profile events on the calendar arrives when the championship joins Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway.

Known for its premium fan experience, rare race machinery, and manufacturer showcases, Velocity brings Sprint Challenge competitors in front of one of the largest and most diverse motorsport audiences on the West Coast.

This will be the series’s first appearance at the event and is expected to be a significant highlight of the 2026 season.

“Velocity International is a perfect fit for Sprint Challenge,” said Holzmeyer.

“Some of the most significant Porsche race cars in history have competed at Velocity, including the Gulf-liveried Porsche 917 and Mark Donohue’s Penske Can-Am car. It is a world-class showcase that brings together enthusiasts, partners, and future drivers.”

The Velocity event is one of two visits to Sonoma next year. Round 2 of the championship will also be held at the venue, which has been a popular destination for the West Coast-based Porsche customer teams.

Season Finale with IndyCar at Laguna Seca

The championship will conclude at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, running alongside the NTT IndyCar Series.

The joint weekend provides a major-league stage for the final championship battles and continues Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama’s presence at one of America’s most historic racing venues.

Porsche has become the Official Car of Laguna Seca. This move paves the way for a new Porsche Driving Center at the track and accelerates the ongoing revitalization of the iconic circuit.

Cost-Efficient Scheduling Through Joint Events

A key feature of the calendar is its strategic alignment with Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and Porsche Endurance Challenge North America events.

By pairing multiple Porsche programs at the same venues, teams benefit from reduced transportation and operational expenses while retaining the same level of technical support.

“Shared weekends help our teams race more efficiently’ without compromising on quality,” noted Holzmeyer.

“It’s an approach that allows us to deliver a strong championship while keeping costs manageable.”

New Yokohama Tires for Cayman in 2026

Yokohama, the series’s longtime tire partner, enters the season with new product innovation tailored specifically to Sprint Challenge competition in the Cayman class.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership as the official tire supplier for Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West,” said Patricia Wall, Yokohama’s Senior Motorsports Manager.

“For 2026, we’ve developed brand-new front and rear tires specifically for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, engineered to deliver exceptional grip and consistency.

“We can’t wait to see these tires in action on the iconic tracks featured in the West series and especially at APEX Motor Club, an exciting new addition to the schedule.”

Celebrating Last Season’s Champions

Last season produced an impressive group of champions across the Sprint Challenge USA West categories. Daniel Hanley captured the 992 Pro-Am title, and Scott Blind earned the Masters championship, with both drivers attending the Porsche Night of Champions.

In the Cayman classes, Jack Parriott secured the Pro-Am crown, and Tom Rogers won the Masters division. Competition Motorsports completed the year as the team champion.

Every Race Streamed Live

All Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama races will once again be broadcast live on the Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube channel, ensuring fans around the world can follow every lap of the 2026 season.