The Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship set to expand in a tough Australian GT environment
Following the successful debut this year of the “Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship” grids are set to expand as promoters Trofeo Motorsport release the eligibility list for their second class “Sportsman.” Aimed at a lower power-to-weight ratio than the existing GT cars already contesting the series, the Sportsman class will be open to European GT4 class type cars, selected ex-Performance Car category class cars and other volume manufactured sports cars with limited modifications. All sportsman cars will use Pirelli slick control tyres.
“With Pirelli appointed as the official tyre supplier to the Performance Car category in 2007 and the downturn in that class since losing their spot on the V8 Supercar calendar, there is an abundance of cars in garages with nowhere to race,” said Trofeo’s Rod Wilson. “We see this as an opportunity to give those cars a home, and whilst they will track-share with the outright GT cars, we have a unique separate TV production that will cover the classes individually, providing Sportsman competitors the same value for their entry as the outright cars.” Sportsman cars will carry a revised Pirelli Windscreen banner which will instantly recognises the two classes.
Trofeo is encouraged by the feedback for the Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship thus far, this is a process of education says Rod Wilson, “We know we have a great package we just need the competitors to come and find out for themselves. We do not have series fees or start-up entry fees, just a simple pay as you play entry package understanding that the majority of amateur drivers that own these cars do not want to be locked into a full year race program.
“There has been a lot of talk about GT racing of late, but we’ve had enough of talk, and are here to prove to potential competitors that our concept is sound, and that we are committed to the long-term growth and security of this GT and sports car race series.”
The Sportsman class will also feature Trofeo Motorsport’s unique entry package that includes the round entry fee, four Pirelli slick race tyres, Friday practice, garaging and catering for the weekend. Six rounds remain in the 2008 Championship, with Winton Motor Raceway hosting round four on June 14-15. “Factor in our exclusive TV program, coverage on the series website, advertising and exposure in the mainstream Motorsport publications, and discounts on additional race tyres and the Pirelli passenger tyre range, and you have without doubt the best value package in Australian Motorsport.
Last weekend saw the debut of the exclusive new dedicated Pirelli Gran Turismo program on Channel Nine, which will be run after each round of the Championship. As the Sportsman class evolves, a second show that will exclusively cover each class will commence. Coverage will continue on the Nine Network nationally, along with replays on Fox Sports.
The growing list of cars that have competed in the Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship to date include:
* Maserati GT3 Lamborghini GT3 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car Porsche 996 GT3 Ferrari F430 Dodge Viper
* Porsche GT3 RSR
The Sportsman eligibility list will commence with:
* Lotus Elise and Exige HSV Monaro and GTS sedan.BMW M3 and Z4,Ford FPV GT and Typhoon
* Corvette Z06 and Mustang (selected models)
The Sportsman eligibility list will expand on application for additional vehicles.