Blackdog’s Gaples, Cooper Return in McLaren GT4 Effort

Photo: Blackdog Racing

Blackdog Racing will continue its Pirelli GT4 America operation with an unchanged lineup and effort, it has been announced.

The Chicago-area based team will again field Tony Gaples and Michael Cooper in a McLaren Artura GT4, looking to improve on a three-race win season and strong showing in the final Pro-Am class standings last year.

Gaples and Cooper finished third in the drivers’ championship in 2025, with the Ray Sorenson-led operation seeking to extend its record 46 GT4/GTS wins in SRO America competition, along with five drivers and teams championships plus four manufacturers titles.

“We had a lot of success in our first year with the McLaren Artura GT4,” said Cooper. “This time around, our goal for this season is the Pro-Am championship.

“I feel like we made great strides as a team with the car throughout last year, as we showed at Indianapolis.

“Tony and I have raced together for enough years that we know what each other wants from the car, and the team does a great job prepping it how we need.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t win more races and contend for the championship from the start.”

Gaples added: “Our confidence is high going into this season. We have one year of racing with the McLaren in our pocket so everything we learned last year will be a big help during this year’s championship.

“Michael keeps proving why he is one of the best drivers in this series time after time.

“He’s a great leader and a great help to me and the rest of the team as we try to get better each week.

“I’m looking forward to another year with him and putting ourselves in the championship fight.”

The GT4 America season kicks off with a pair of 60-minute races at Sonoma Raceway on March 24-27.

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