The shape of the early aspects of the customer programme for Corvette Racing became clearer last month when AWA was confirmed as its IMSA WeatherTech GTD team for the first season of the Z06 GT3.R. The Ontario-based outfit, which currently competes in IMSA’s LMP3 class, has grasped the opportunity to become one of the brand’s first GT3 customer teams with both hands.
With the LMP3 class being removed from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year, AWA and the other teams in the category have had big decisions to make. For AWA, remaining in the WeatherTech paddock was paramount, so for Andrew Wojteczko and his team, it came down to a straight choice between a programme in LMP2 or GTD.
“Our focus has always been to stay in WeatherTech, and with the future of LMP2 the way it is, GTD makes more sense to us,” Wojteczko said to DSC.
Conversations started at Daytona earlier this year, with Matt Bell, one of its current LMP3 drivers, “playing a huge role” in helping the team develop a relationship and move things forward.
“We did our due diligence and spoke to all the manufacturers to understand the landscape properly,” Wojteczko explained. “But we were all aligned that if we were going to do this, we were going to do this right and invest in something that has a clear future. Starting with a new car gives you the best shot at that.
“With Corvette, there’s no doubt that their goal is to win GTD Pro and GTD championships, and that’s what we want. Getting an opportunity to work with a brand like this feels like a once-in-a-career-type opportunity, it’s not something any of us wanted to miss, because they are so iconic.”
Securing the budget to make the step from LMP3 to GTD is far from easy. However, AWA feels taking the leap with the GM brand is worth the effort behind the scenes, despite Wojteczko telling DSC that he feels GT3 racing is nearing a “tipping point”.
“Overall I’m a bit confused by it,” Wojteczko said when asked about the challenges of moving into GTD. “I look at where the car costs have gone in GT3, it’s staggering. But I see the car counts and the category is pretty much oversold worldwide. I feel like we have to be near a tipping point, where the costs are.”
AWA’s first taste of the new Z06 GT3.R is a test in November at Sebring, from there the team will immediately begin its preparations for the 2024 season.
It will also take part in the December test at Daytona before the Roar next year. The combination of those two tests, AWA believes, will give it enough track time before the Rolex 24 Hours in January. “We don’t want to put too much mileage on the cars,” he said.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that IMSA is where AWA wants to remain in the longer term. The team is happy with the championship’s direction of travel, with its new class structure and calendar. Beyond that, the only other race on its radar is Le Mans, which will feature an LMGT3 class from next year onwards.
“In 2024 if we can win an entry to Le Mans we will go in 2025, but our IMSA GTD programme will be our focus, it’s always the focus for my business,” Wojteczko said. “It’s the best sportscar racing there is and where I intend to operate and stay. Le Mans is on the bucket list for sure, but IMSA is the aim.
“In IMSA there are 10 races now in GTD rather than 11, which is great, and a significant cost saving. And we are pleased that they will continue to race at Mosport in front of our home crowd. That’s really important to us. If I am honest Lime Rock has never been our favourite, so it’s really positive. The schedule looks great.
“To say we are excited would be an understatement.”
