The Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) stands as a premier sports car racing series, established by the SRO Group in 2016. This international competition is specifically designed for grand tourer racing cars that adhere to the FIA's GT3 regulations, bringing together top manufacturers and teams from around the globe. Unlike some racing series where manufacturers field their own dedicated teams, the IGTC adopts a unique format that emphasizes manufacturer support
for local teams, creating a truly global and collaborative racing environment.
Origins and Core Philosophy
The SRO Group launched the Intercontinental GT Challenge with a clear vision: to create a worldwide endurance racing series that highlights the capabilities of GT3 machinery and the strategic involvement of automotive manufacturers. The inaugural season in 2016 saw participation from four significant manufacturers: Audi, Bentley, McLaren, and Mercedes. This early engagement underscored the series' appeal and its potential to become a major fixture in international motorsport. The series is categorized under grand tourer endurance racing, a discipline known for its demanding races that test both vehicle durability and driver stamina over extended periods.
The core philosophy of the IGTC revolves around manufacturer involvement without requiring them to operate full factory teams. Instead, manufacturers provide support to local teams participating in selected events. This approach allows for a broader reach and encourages participation from a diverse range of teams, while still ensuring a high level of competition through manufacturer backing. This model also helps to foster a global presence for the manufacturers involved, as they can strategically align with teams in different regions where the races are held.
Championship Structure and Scoring
The Intercontinental GT Challenge features both a Manufacturers' Championship and a Drivers' Championship. The Manufacturers' title is awarded to the manufacturer that accumulates the highest points tally across the season. To ensure fair competition and strategic depth, a manufacturer can enter up to four cars in any given event. However, for championship points, only the two highest-placed cars from that manufacturer contribute to their overall score. This rule encourages manufacturers to support multiple competitive entries while focusing their efforts on their strongest performers.
Drivers' titles are also a significant component of the IGTC, with championships awarded in two distinct categories: Pro and Am. The Am category is specifically for drivers who are rated as 'bronze' by the FIA's ranking system, providing a platform for less experienced or amateur drivers to compete on an international stage. This tiered championship structure ensures that the series caters to a wide range of talent, from seasoned professionals to emerging drivers, all competing in high-performance GT3 cars. The series relies on Pirelli as its sole tire supplier, ensuring a level playing field in terms of tire performance across all competitors.
