What's Happening?
Ginetta Motorsport CEO Mike Simpson, alongside Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomlinson, is actively working to expand the GT2 class in North American racing, particularly within the GT America powered by AWS series. Ginetta has been engaging in direct discussions
with other manufacturers, including Mercedes-AMG and Maserati, to encourage their participation and help establish a more robust GT2 grid. While GT2 has been an eligible class in SRO America for several years, its participation has been sporadic. In contrast, the dedicated GT2 European Series has seen significant growth, with a record 22-car grid at its season opener. Tomlinson has been racing his Ginetta G56 GT2 in GT America since the third event of the season at Sebring International Raceway to promote the brand and demonstrate the accessibility of racing a GT2 car. Simpson believes that the evolving landscape of customer GT racing and the rising costs of GT3 cars could position GT2 as an attractive alternative for gentlemen drivers.
Why It's Important?
The push to expand the GT2 class in North America by Ginetta Motorsport CEO Mike Simpson and chairman Lawrence Tomlinson is significant for the future of sports car racing in the region. The rising costs associated with GT3 cars, which can exceed 1 million Euros, are making the class increasingly prohibitive for many teams and drivers. GT2 cars, being simpler and less expensive to run—with a Ginetta GT2 costing around half a million dollars—offer a more accessible entry point into high-performance racing. This could attract a broader range of participants, particularly Bronze-rated drivers, and lead to a more diverse and competitive grid in series like GT America. A stronger GT2 presence could also provide a viable alternative for manufacturers facing economic pressures and looking for more cost-effective racing platforms. The success of the GT2 European Series demonstrates the potential for this class, and its growth in North America could revitalize customer racing and offer exciting new opportunities for both teams and fans.
What's Next?
Ginetta Motorsport CEO Mike Simpson and chairman Lawrence Tomlinson will continue their efforts to encourage other manufacturers, such as Mercedes-AMG and Maserati, to bring their GT2 cars to North America. The goal is to achieve a 'critical mass' of GT2 entries to ensure the class's viability and appeal. Simpson noted that Mercedes has sold many GT2 cars that are not currently racing, indicating a potential pool of untapped participation. For GT America specifically, there is a possibility that the Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations could be adjusted to allow GT2 and GT3 cars to exploit their performance and achieve similar lap times, which would further diversify the grid. Ginetta currently has six GT2 cars built, with four already sold, and is actively working to bring more to the U.S. The long-term future of GT3, with its escalating costs, may also influence more teams and manufacturers to consider GT2 as a sustainable and competitive option.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic move by Ginetta to champion the GT2 class in North America reflects a broader trend in motorsports towards sustainability and accessibility. As top-tier racing categories become increasingly expensive and technologically complex, there's a growing demand for more cost-effective yet competitive platforms. GT2 cars, designed to be simpler to operate and maintain, address this need by reducing the financial and logistical burdens on privateer teams and gentlemen drivers. This shift could democratize sports car racing, allowing more individuals and smaller teams to participate at a high level. Furthermore, the emphasis on 'arrive-and-drive' programs, where manufacturers provide comprehensive support, could lower barriers to entry and foster a more inclusive racing environment. The success of GT2 in North America could also influence global motorsports trends, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of class structures and cost controls across various racing series, ensuring the long-term health and appeal of the sport.
