New faces in new places as Fanatec GT World Challenge America heads for VIR

Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS takes on Virginia International Raceway this weekend as the 2023 calendar hits its midway point before teams break to focus on the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, July 1-2.

VIR gives teams a chance to set things up for a strong run to the final race, the Indianapolis 8 Hour. The 3.27-mile, 17-turn course features flowing fast turns and faster straightaways. Fans can watch a full day of practice Friday, June 16. A driver autograph session at 1pm ET splits qualifying and racing Saturday. The final race Sunday kicks off with an open grid walk. A total of 17 cars and six manufacturers make up the grid for the two-race weekend.

A few stand out with the addition of BMW powerhouse Turner Motorsport joining the PRO-AM class grid and the RealTime Racing entry of Anthony Bartone and new co-driver Adam Christodoulou step up to the class after competing in the AM class. In the PRO class the No. 9 TR3 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Kenton Koch and Daniel Morad join together. The entry steps up from the PRO-AM class with Morad and adds Koch to the mix. Samantha Tan receives a new co-driver to be announced as John Edwards was unable to make the round due to other responsibilities.

As global rounds continue to award winners, the manufacturers’ championship continues to heat up. Mercedes-AMG currently sits in the lead with 8,103 points followed by Audi Sport with 6,466 and Porsche with 5,748 to round out the top three. Seven manufacturers are up to win the championship. In addition to the three front-runners BMW M, Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren are also in the fight.

PRO class
The PRO class has been heated. The No. 28 RS1 Porsche 911 GT3 R of Eric Filgueiras and Steven McAleer lead the class with 120 points with the No. 93 Racers Edge Motorsports Acura NSX GT3 of Ashton Harrison and Mario Farnbacher closely behind in 103 points in the PRO Teams Championship. MDK Motorsports has proven that keeping it clean pays off as the No. 53 MDK Porsche 911 GT3 R sits third in points.

The No. 94 BimmerWorld BMW M4 GT3 of Chandler Hull and Bill Auberlen and the No. 21 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 of Manny Franco and Alessandro Balzan came into contact with one another in Race 1 at Circuit of The Americas. The Ferrari was unable to return for Race 2. The BMW served a penalty in Race 2 relegating the entry to the back of the field for the race.