Get ready to rev your engines and buckle up, because the Pirelli GT4 America series is about to explode onto the scene with a staggering 31-car lineup at Sonoma Raceway this weekend! This isn't just any season opener; it's a thrilling spectacle that promises high-octane action and fierce competition as teams and drivers from across the country prepare to battle for glory in Rounds 1 and 2.
The entry list showcases a dazzling array of talent and machinery, featuring six different GT4 manufacturers represented across three categories. Notably, the competitive landscape has shifted, with several champions from last season not returning to defend their titles, setting the stage for a dynamic and unpredictable championship race.
Among the highlights, last year's Silver class champions, Kenton Koch and Kevin Boehm, have taken divergent paths. Boehm will remain in Silver, now partnered with Francis Selldorff at Auto Technic Racing behind the wheel of the No. 51 BMW M4 GT4 EVO. Meanwhile, Koch, who made waves last year as one of Sportscar365's top ten drivers globally, has transitioned to the Pro-Am category. He will continue with Random Vandals Racing, now teaming up with Sam Craven, who, alongside Josh Green, clinched the class title last season.
In a compelling twist, Josh Green will make a leap to Silver, joining forces with Bruno Colombo in the Paul Sparta-led team's second entry. The shakeup continues with the introduction of an all-new lineup in the Am class featuring Judson Holt and Denny Stripling, both previously with Fast Track Racing.
Auto Technic Racing isn’t done yet, as they bring back former series champion Stevan McAleer, who will partner with Roland Krainz in another BMW. The grid is further enriched by BimmerWorld's James Clay, who, after the retirement of 2025 Am class co-champion Charlie Postins, will now race alongside veteran James Walker Jr. in a shift from Pro-Am to bolster their efforts.
BimmerWorld’s second entry will see Tyler McQuarrie and Michael Petramalo take on the Pro-Am challenge, while other BMWs from Stephen Cameron Racing and Flying Lizard Motorsports add to the competitive mix, fielding robust pairings that are sure to turn heads.
Porsche enthusiasts will be in for a treat as ACI Motorsports expands its operation to four cars, introducing a BMW for the Garcia brothers, Alex and Michael, making their mark in the Am class. Meanwhile, the formidable duo of Yves Baltas and Jimmy Llibre joins forces for ACI's inaugural Silver class entry. Not to be outdone, Ryan Yardley, the 2025 Carrera Cup champion, is gearing up for an exciting dual campaign in both GT4 America and the GT World Challenge America.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling return of several Porsches, including entries from Kellymoss with a trio of competitive pairings and Nolasport, where Matt Travis teams up with Matheus Leist in a bid for Pro-Am glory.
The grid will also showcase the latest-generation Ford Mustang GT4, with three teams ready to unleash their speed, marking a significant debut for this iconic model in SRO America. The Mercedes-AMG GT4 contingent has expanded, with Dome Motorsport fielding a dynamic two-car effort that adds to the excitement.
As if that weren't enough, fans will see the debut of Off Leash Motorsports and an ambitious lineup from RAFA Racing Team, positioning themselves as title contenders. Precision Racing LA welcomes back fan favorite Ryan Eversley, while Blackdog Racing aims to reclaim its Pro-Am title with a familiar lineup.
The anticipation is palpable as teams prepare to hit the track. Testing opportunities kick off on Wednesday, followed by practice sessions that will officially start the action on Thursday. Qualifying will set the grid for Race 1 on Friday at 2 p.m. PST, with Race 2 scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. PST. Both races promise to be electrifying 60-minute sprints, streamed live for fans eager to witness every heart-pounding moment on SRO’s GT World YouTube channel and Twitch.
This is not just a race; it's a full-throttle, adrenaline-fueled showdown that will captivate motorsport fans everywhere!
