Contemporary Sports Car Series for Sportsman Racers Offers $30,000 and Special Trophies
International GT, a series for sportsmen drivers in contemporary GT sports cars, made participation with them more rewarding today by putting a total of $30,000 cash and special trophies in play with their “Dash to Nola” program. The new contingency awards span the breadth of their three classifications of cars: the Porsche Cayman and Porsche GT-3 machines of the Stuttgart Cup and the Ferrari Challenge cars of the Maranello Cup. The new prizes are in addition to the organization’s season championships in the three respective groups.
“Our teams are our customers and we hope they see this as a significant effort to recognize them in a meaningful way,” said Bill Riddell, International GT President and CEO. “We are committed to our teams and to making racing with us not only fun but more rewarding.”
The Dash to Nola winners will be determined by their performance in four races at Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, Virginia International Raceway (VIR) and Nola Motorsports Park. The contingency awards will offer $8,000 for each of the three classifications as well as trophies. First place winners will be awarded $5,000 with second and third place receiving $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Additional prizes will be distributed through three random drawings at each race. Three drawings for $500 and one for a set of Pirelli tires are planned for each weekend. That brings the cash total to $30,000.
The June 23-26 race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course officially launches the program. To be eligible owners must participate in all four events. All International GT sprint and enduro races at the four participating tracks will count toward the championship.
The International GT series has seven races and runs with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) in 2016. While the SVRA brand is about vintage racing, both series officials agree there is enormous compatibility because they share a sportsman-like, low pressure ethic to racing and put a premium on respecting everyone’s equipment. While Riddell describes International GT racing as, “a bit more spirited,” the series competes in a completely distinct run group from the vintage racers. Both organizations share a great reverence for the history of America’s legendary road courses.
About International GT – International GT is a North American racing series that includes three different championships for contemporary model Porsche and Ferrari competitors. Home primarily to sportsman drivers with the occasional pro driver/coach joining the action in endurance races, International GT annually presents The Stuttgart Cup and The Maranello Cup championships. The Stuttgart Cup includes two classes, one for Caymans and another division that features 996, 997 and other GT3 Cup cars from the last decade. All three divisions compete on track at the same time for individual class honors in their own and exclusive international GT run groups. Most race weekends feature a minimum of one enduro and two sprint “points” races that count toward season championships. Learn more about International GT at www.internationalgt.net and follow us on Facebook as well as Twitter @internationalGT.