GT3 Cup: 2007 schedule announced

MULTIPLE RACE WEEKENDS, SOLID SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHT 2007 SCHEDULE FOR IMSA GT3 CUP CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY MICHELIN

Braselton, Ga. (Nov. 21, 2006) - Adding to an already solid foundation developed during its first two seasons, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin has announced its 2007 season schedule that features a mixed format of 10 races at seven separate venues across North America. Among the highlights include three weekends with two races and a one-hour and 45-minute endurance contest at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to close the season.

The 2007 slate will continue to give top semi-professional and gentlemen drivers from the United States and North America the opportunity to compete with such prestigious organizations as the American Le Mans Series in the world's most successful GT3 car - the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racer. IMSA and Porsche Motorsport North America already have received full-season commitments for a maximum of 50 entries. As well as the six event weekends listed, there will be one event, probably in June, which will be announced shortly.

"The 2006 season soared beyond the expectations we had for our second year of competition," said Tim Mayer, COO of IMSA - the sanctioning body for the series. "We have seen fantastic racing at the top venues in North America, and 2007 will provide much more.

"We heard strong messages from our competitors that they would like to see the series expand to multiple race weekends, new venues and longer events," Mayer added. "With this schedule, we have accomplished all of those. This is a schedule with which our competitors, IMSA, Porsche Motorsport North America and Michelin can be justifiably proud.

"While I would have liked to have announced the full schedule, our competitors have been anxiously waiting for news, and we felt we had to release this interim schedule. The final event will be announced shortly. The organization of the final event is challenging, but I am sure that it will round out what will be a great season," finished Mayer.

Porsche has been a strong supporter of sports car racing - particularly in North America with Porsche Motorsport North America - and its support of the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin is strong evidence to that point.

For 2007, all competitors will field the new Type 997 cars from Porsche. After seeing fields in excess of 45 entries in 2006, it is expected that series stops easily will see 50 cars per event as the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin continues its phenomenal growth in its third year as the largest single-make championship in North America.

The purpose-built race cars, based on the Porsche 997 body style, will have sealed engines and transmissions, providing for close racing where the driver's talents are exemplified. PMNA will provide technical support for the series with personnel, parts and expertise both away from and at the track.

"Porsche customers are known worldwide for their loyalty and passion for sports car racing," said Uwe Brettel, President of Porsche Motorsport North America. "We are very pleased with the growth of this series and the response from current and potential competitors. Our partnership with IMSA and Michelin already is paying significant dividends, and we fully expect that to continue in the years to come."

-credit: imsa