The inaugural round of the new Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America takes place this weekend at Watkins Glen International, New York – operated by Aston Martin motorsport partners, TRG-AMR.
The Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America is a seven-event, multi-round series that competes on some of the finest road courses in North America with entrants set to race the Vantage GT4 race car – derived from Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage road car. Comprising seven events in total, the competition moves to Virginia International Raceway next month for its second race before making a first appearance in Canada at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec in July.
In a starting grid comprising customers and enthusiasts from across the Americas, aspiring competitors will drive the V8-powered, road car-based Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race car on the 3.4-mile road course at Watkins Glen. Entrants will be present in Vantage GT4s they have purchased or leased through TRG-AMR who offer comprehensive leasing and testing arrangements on a race-by-race or seasonal basis.
TRG-AMR formed a new partnership in late 2012 with the aim of bringing Aston Martin race cars to all of the major sports car racing series’ in the United States.
California-based The Racers Group (TRG) has a legacy of motorsport success that dates back to the 1990’s with extraordinary wins and championships that include the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (four times, once overall), the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Petit Le Mans and two Grand-Am championships amongst a host of podium finishes.
The Aston Martin GT4 race car is based on the critically-acclaimed V8 Vantage Coupe, with a bespoke 4.7 litre V8 engine producing 420bhp and 346lb.ft of torque. The advanced body structure of the V8 Vantage is the key to its superb handling and responsiveness making it a class-leading chassis for race car transition. This road to race car lineage was further expanded last month with the launch of the new Vantage GT road car at the New York International Auto Show, which celebrates Aston Martin’s sporting heritage and motorsport success, drawing direct inspiration from the Vantage GT4 race car.
Qualifying for the first round of the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge takes place on Saturday (17 May) before a second qualifying session and subsequent race on Sunday (18 May).
Full Aston Martin GT4 Challenge Calendar:
- May 16-18: Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, NY
- Jun 6-8: Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA
- Jul 25-27: Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
- Aug 29-31: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA
- Sep 12-14: Monticello Motor Club, Monticello, NY
- Oct 10-12: Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
- Nov 21-23: Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, FL
