GMG Racing expands California 8 Hour effort

Thursday, 14 September 2017


PWC (words and images)



Re-enforcing their commitment to the alignment between SRO Motorsports Group and the Pirelli World Challenge, Global Motorsports Group (GMG) announced its expanding participation in the upcoming debut California 8-Hour event on October 15, the third round of the Interncontinental GT Challenge (IGTC). Entering three cars in three separate categories, the team looks forward to competing on a world stage, located just a few hours from their Southern California headquarters.


"It's exciting to be one of the first entrants in to such a burgeoning championship," stated GMG team owner James Sofronas. "The IGTC is the next logical progression for the cars and teams in the Pirelli World Challenge, and I applaud everyone for recognizing the opportunity and organizing an event with such huge potential. Looking at our lineup, not only should we be contenders everywhere we go, but it's a great testament to not only the quality of our operation, but also the depth of our driver development."


Marking the first time the IGTC has ever visited the United States, the eight-hour endurance race at one of North America's most storied tracks should prove an instant classic. As part of a four-race, international championship, the event will pit GT3 and GT4 specification racing cars against one another, all balanced on a worldwide homologation. As part of a championship that includes events in Austalia, Belgium, and China, the weekend will feature teams and drivers from around the world, pitting some of the best from the Pirelli World Challenge against a tremendous international roster of teams and drivers.
Running in three categories, GMG will see enter two Porsche 911 GT3 R's in both the GT3 Pro/Pro and Pro-Am divisions, as well as one of their Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR's in the GT4 Pro-Am category. The Pro/Pro entry will feature an incredible blend of youth and experience, with GMG development graduate Alec Udell teaming with veteran Porsche factory driver Wolf Henzler. In the Pro/Am division, Preston Calvert will bolster his chances with sportscar veteran Andrew Davis, as well as promising young talent Michael Lewis. In the GT4 Pro/Am category, emerging development driver Carter Yeung will also be joined with veteran experience in the form of Andy Lee.


Headlining the team's pro entry, the combination of Wolf Henzler and Alec Udell (below) in the No. 17 Euroworld Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R should prove formidable. Considered a graduate of GMG's driver development system, 21-year old Udell is enjoying a landmark year. After winning the Pirelli World Challenge GT Cup championship in 2016, the Texas native was elevated to the pro ranks this year on the heels of winning his first two GTA races of 2017, immediately matching pace with a number of world-ranked factory drivers, including a podium finish most recently at Mid-Ohio.