Sebring Tipped to Host Replacement SRO Round

Photo: Jake Galstad/IMSA

SRO America appears set to replace its canceled Canadian Tire Motorsport Park event with an October appearance at Sebring International Raceway.

Multiple sources have indicated to Sportscar365 that the IMSA-owned facility is the leading candidate to play host to Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS on a rescheduled Oct. 1-3 date.

The date, which would place the event two weeks prior to the season-ending Indianapolis 8 Hour, is understood to have recently been communicated to competitors, although a venue has not yet been announced.

When asked by Sportscar365, SRO America President and CEO Greg Gill said he can neither confirm nor deny that a deal has been reached with the iconic Florida airfield circuit.

“We are planning to have a replacement date on Oct. 1-3,” Gill told Sportscar365. “There are several venues we are talking to. We cannot make an announcement until contracts are signed.”

The development comes in the wake of what appears to be increased cooperation between the two North American-based professional sports car racing organizations in recent months.

SRO America moved forward its planned event at Virginia International Raceway to avoid a date clash with IMSA’s round at Detroit, which was adjusted in the wake of the rescheduled 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Circuit of The Americas is playing host to SRO America’s second event of its season this weekend, which also sees the IMSA-sanctioned Porsche Carrera Cup North America on the bill. 

Gill said that SRO America maintains a close dialogue with IMSA when it comes to avoiding potential date clashes.

The Oct. 1-3 date comes the week following the rescheduled Grand Prix of Long Beach and one week prior to IMSA’s visit to VIR.

“My first goal is to never conflict with IMSA,” Gill said. “My second — and almost equally as important goal — is not to conflict with any of our international series because there are now enough drivers that are trying to be in [multiple series]. You don’t want to create a difficulty for drivers and teams.

“Those are two very important goals in when we picked an Oct. 1-3 date.”

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