The IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge will feature GT4 cars as of next year in the GS class. The calendar also features change in race distances. GS class cars currently competing meanwhile, will be grandfathered for next year. At the start of the 2018 season, all GS category cars will be built to GT4 technical regulations with the requirement that they are from a mainstream automotive manufacturer.
A number of manufacturers are currently developing new GT4 race cars that will roll out gradually before the start of 2018.
IMSA also revealed that next year’s calendar will see 10 rounds, with four-hour races planned at Daytona and Laguna Seca with a reduction from 150-minute races to 120-minute races for the remaining rounds on the schedule.
“We expect that the addition of two endurance races to the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge in 2017 will be welcome news for series competitors and fans,” IMSA president Scott Atherton stated.
“Next year, we will begin the transition to GT4 technical specifications for the Grand Sport class ahead of full integration in 2018.
2017 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge calendar:
Jan 27 Daytona International Speedway (four hours)
Mar 17 Sebring International Raceway
May 6 Circuit of The Americas
Jul 1 Watkins Glen International
Jul 8 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Jul 22 Lime Rock Park
Aug 5 Road America
Aug 26 Virginia International Raceway
Sep 23 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (four hours)*
Oct 6 Road Atlanta
*To be confirmed
Image courtesy of IMSA
