SRO America Revolutionizes Sports Car Racing with Toyota GR Cup and McLaren Trophy Launch
SRO America is expanding its sports car racing series. President and CEO Greg Gill noted the growth with the introduction of the Toyota GR Cup North America in 2023 and the upcoming launch of McLaren Trophy America. These series will join SRO America’s existing lineup, including the Fanatec GT World Challenge America and Pirelli GT4 America.
Gill explained that SRO America aims to balance multiple class championships while welcoming manufacturer partner series into their events. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing their full-season customers in the core series. When track time allows, SRO America considers hosting single-make series, which have included classes like Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Radical.
The GR Cup’s success has decreased the number of cars in TC America, but Gill believes it has created new opportunities within Touring Car racing. He mentioned that competitors have moved from the GR Cup to TC and GT4 categories, fostering natural growth.
How do partnerships with manufacturers like Toyota and McLaren impact the growth of sports car racing in North America?
Interview with Greg Gill, President and CEO of SRO America
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Greg. SRO America has been making waves in sports car racing lately. Can you tell us about the expansion of your racing series, particularly with the introduction of the Toyota GR Cup North America?
Greg Gill: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The introduction of the Toyota GR Cup North America in 2023 has been a significant milestone for us. We’re thrilled to see such positive growth, and it reflects our commitment to enhancing the sports car racing landscape in North America.
Interviewer: Alongside the GR Cup, there’s also the upcoming McLaren Trophy America. How do you see these series fitting into your existing lineup?
Greg Gill: These new series, particularly the McLaren Trophy America, will complement our existing offerings, such as the Fanatec GT World Challenge America and Pirelli GT4 America. Our goal is to create a diverse and balanced championship structure that welcomes various manufacturer partner series while prioritizing our full-season customers.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned the significance of balancing multiple class championships. Can you elaborate on that?
Greg Gill: Certainly. It’s essential for us to ensure that each championship class receives the attention it deserves. While we’re excited to host manufacturer series, we also focus heavily on our core series to create a rich racing environment. When track time permits, we consider running single-make series, like Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Radical, which have proven successful in the past.
Interviewer: With the success of the GR Cup, you noted a decrease in car numbers in TC America. How do you view this development?
Greg Gill: It’s true that the success of the GR Cup has impacted car counts in TC America, but I see it more as an evolving landscape rather than a setback. This transition has opened new doors in Touring Car racing. We’re witnessing competitors moving from the GR Cup to TC and GT4 categories, which not only indicates a healthy progression within our races but also fosters natural growth.
Interviewer: Looking to the future, I understand you’re planning to combine different Touring Car classes. How is that strategy developing?
Greg Gill: Yes, we’re really excited about this strategy. Early signs are already promising, suggesting that combining classes can lead to more competitive racing, which is ultimately what we all want to see. We believe that by creating more competitive fields, it enhances the spectacle for both drivers and fans alike.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned future partnerships as critical to your expansion. How do your partnerships with manufacturers like Toyota and McLaren play into your vision?
Greg Gill: These partnerships are vital. Our collaboration with manufacturers like Toyota and McLaren aligns perfectly with our mission to boost interest in sports car racing. They bring not only technical expertise and resources but also a broader audience to our events, which helps grow the sport at every level.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Greg. It’s exciting to see where SRO America is headed!
Greg Gill: Thank you! We’re looking forward to the future and can’t wait to bring more thrilling motorsport experiences to fans and participants alike.
Looking ahead, SRO America plans to combine different Touring Car classes for better competition, stating that early signs of this strategy are promising. The organization is excited about future partnerships, especially with Toyota and McLaren, which align with their goal of increasing interest in sports car racing.