Electric Cars

Porsche's head of motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach, has voiced strong support for Stephane Ratel's position on the future direction of GT3 racing, advocating for a reaffirmation of the category's core values. He urges all participating manufacturers, including new entrants, to honor the original philosophy that defines GT3.

Ratel's recent statements highlighting the increasing challenges faced by GT3 racing have resonated deeply within the automotive racing community, garnering significant endorsement from key industry players. The French motorsport executive has specifically pointed out that escalating costs and the shift towards purpose-built racing machines, rather than modifications of production cars, are steering the category away from its initial intent.

During the recent IMSA event at Road America, Laudenbach confirmed his alignment with Ratel's assessment, stressing the critical need for proactive measures to secure the long-term viability of the series. He remarked, "I concur with almost all of his viewpoints. We had an extensive conversation, and I completely share his perspective."

He continued, "We must exercise caution. It seems we've become too permissive, as GT racing should fundamentally remain accessible. Our GT3 philosophy is very clear. Our pricing structure remains competitive. We aim to avoid the proliferation of prototype vehicles. Our preference is for the inverse approach: street-legal cars forming the basis from which race cars are developed. This is the essence of GT3. I've observed a trend that I find concerning, and therefore, I largely share his perspective and concerns."

Ratel has previously articulated his apprehension about vehicles slated for introduction from 2028 onwards, with brands like Genesis, Mercedes, and Toyota reportedly preparing new GT3 programs. His worry stems from these vehicles seemingly being conceived as race cars first, with subsequent adaptations for limited road-legal production. This contrasts sharply with the original GT3 concept, which mandated the conversion of existing road cars into race machines.

In this context, Porsche, with its iconic 911 model serving as a perennial flagship that transitions from road to track, largely upholds the traditional GT3 ethos. Nevertheless, Laudenbach acknowledged that manufacturers might feel compelled to adjust their strategies to remain competitive if rivals continue down the path of developing more race-centric vehicles, potentially leading to a widespread departure from the category's roots.

Laudenbach elaborated, "Ratel presented several constructive proposals. It's challenging because the boundaries have already been pushed, and we need to establish precise criteria. It becomes difficult to enforce when different standards have already been accepted. However, I believe we still need to take decisive action. We don't want GT racing to devolve into a prototype series, even with a diverse range of manufacturers."

He further added, "Having been in this industry for a considerable time, I understand how quickly things can unravel, so vigilance is paramount. I would even suggest mandating more customer cars. He proposed a minimum of 30, perhaps even more. But if you observe, some manufacturers engage in this primarily as… well, it's customer support, but largely for factory-backed cars. To me, this deviates from the true spirit of the sport."

He concluded, "Consider our involvement here [in IMSA]. We don't operate a factory team; we collaborate with AO and Manthey. Manthey functions as a customer team, seeking to expand their brand presence in the US, which I commendable. This illustrates our operational model. We refrain from providing factory support in GT classes because I believe it poses a challenge for the series and the GT category itself. Look at AO's performance here; it's exceptional racing. We don't require direct factory involvement in GT, as the factory is already competing in GTP. So, yes, I wholeheartedly share these concerns. I hope the category progresses constructively; it would be a pity to see it falter."

Road America is set to host the IndyCar Series once again for the XPEL Grand Prix in 2027. This major announcement confirms the race will take place from June 24th to June 27th, giving racing enthusiasts ample time to plan their attendance. The four-day event is expected to draw large crowds to the renowned Wisconsin circuit, celebrated for its challenging layout and vibrant fan experience.

Road America to Host IndyCar's 2027 XPEL Grand Prix from June 24-27

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin – On Friday, August 14, 2026, Road America confirmed that the NTT IndyCar Series will make its much-anticipated return to the iconic circuit for the 2027 XPEL Grand Prix. This announcement follows closely on the heels of IndyCar's initial release of its 2027 schedule, which outlined the first eight events of the upcoming championship season. The newly revealed Road America date firmly establishes another highlight in the series' mid-summer calendar.

The prestigious four-day motorsports festival will feature North America's premier open-wheel racing series, bringing top drivers and teams to the historic 4.048-mile, 14-turn track. Located in the picturesque eastern Wisconsin landscape, this circuit is widely regarded as one of international motorsports' most demanding and high-speed road courses. Spectators can anticipate a full weekend filled with rigorous practice sessions, thrilling qualifying rounds, and intense wheel-to-wheel racing action.

Beyond the competitive spectacle, the XPEL Grand Prix offers a comprehensive summer getaway for fans of every age. Spanning 640 acres of park-like grounds, Road America provides an array of fan-centric amenities, including extensive trackside camping options, engaging family-friendly activities, unique fan experiences, and a variety of popular concessions. The circuit's design allows for exceptional viewing opportunities, with spectators free to explore different areas to witness the high-octane drama unfold from multiple vantage points throughout the weekend.

To celebrate the calendar inclusion, Road America has initiated early ticket sales. Four-day weekend admission passes are currently available at a special introductory price of $140, valid for a limited period. Organizers are encouraging enthusiasts to purchase their tickets promptly to take advantage of this discounted rate and begin finalizing their plans for the 2027 race weekend. Further details regarding the complete event schedule and additional fan activities will be disclosed at a later date. Information on tickets, camping reservations, and other event specifics can be found on RoadAmerica’s official website.

This confirmation of Road America's place on the IndyCar calendar for 2027 highlights the enduring appeal of traditional road courses in top-tier motorsport. It underscores the value placed on circuits that combine challenging layouts with an immersive fan experience. The early ticket release strategy demonstrates a proactive approach to engaging the fanbase and building anticipation, allowing fans to integrate this major racing event into their future plans. Such events not only showcase competitive racing but also serve as significant cultural and economic drivers for their host regions.