GT4 America Format Simplified for 2020

Photo: Gavin Baker/SRO

The Pirelli GT4 America format has been simplified for 2020, with the elimination of dedicated championships for GT4 East and West, as well as the creation of a universal points system for the Sprint and SprintX series.

Currently, four different GT4 championships are on offer within SRO Motorsports America, with East and West competitors racing alongside nationwide SprintX teams, although each series scoring individual points.

This will be corrected for next year, with teams scoring points based on the overall or class finishing position, no matter what series they are nominated in.

Confirmation of the change came last weekend during SRO Motorsports Group’s annual press conference at Spa, which also saw the unveil of the provisional calendars for 2020.

SRO America President and CEO Greg Gill said the simplified approach will make GT4 America an easier-to-follow product.

“The one thing that we really saw, when GT4 is allowed to be more regional, it does develop more interest and entries,” Gill told Sportscar365.

“However, what was done this year, although we had an enthusiastic support as you saw the entries grow significantly, was way too confusing with East, West, Pro, Am, etc.

“We’ll go back to our Pro and Pro-Am format and we will also record points for East and West people.

“At the end of the year we’ll give them some recognition, but it won’t be separate championships or all of that.”

Positive Reaction from GT4 America Teams

GT4 America teams have voiced positive feedback to the planned changes.

“As far as I am concerned, a reduction in the number of classes is a good thing,” Flying Lizard Motorsports program manager Darren Law told Sportscar365.

“Currently there are just too many classes and options, it is confusing to the race community and confusing to the fans.

“Podium ceremonies take a very long time so I am glad they are simplifying things not only with the championships but with the points system as well.”

Park Place Motorsports director of operations Mike Johnson said he was pleased that the series has listened to competitor feedback.

The team’s No. 7 VOLT Lighting Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport finished first overall in this year’s GT4 SprintX season-opening round at Circuit of The Americas but was only given GT4 East points, for the championship the car was registered in.

“It sounds like they took the competitor input and allowed teams to score points in all SprintX races instead of just East/West or National. I think it will entice people to compete in more races,” Johnson said.

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