Page 171 - Decadence

SRO was not the drivers or the events, but the integration with the FIA, (Federation International de L’Automobile) the governing body for motorsports, who 17 years ago when the two organisations started their relationship were certainly not known as easy bedfellows. In fact Stephane thanks his partner Bernie Ecclestone in helping him negotiate these waters. So in the year that see’s the legendary Mr E step back from his F1 role and edge toward retirement (as if he ever could?) the GT series passes its quarter century and grows even stronger with more series and races being added to the calendar.
The Blancpain GT series now covers GT4 and GT3 with North European and European series, the GT Endurance Cup meets at 6 circuits, whilst the GT Sprint Cup has ve Races in which the GT Sports club also competes, with the Iron Man series for the older Gentleman driver growing in popularity. Lets face it you need money to race, so these guys are the backbone of the sport... Asia is becoming a major part of the calendar now as well in Blancpain GT Asia. The Pirelli World Challenge has races across the USA from a Long Beach Street circuit to the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. British GT offers GT3 & 4 categories over 7 races, the very special Ultra Car Sports Club gets two rounds at Spa Francorchamps and Paul Ricard where you can see Bugatti, La Ferrari, Pagani, McLaren P1 and Lamborghini Venenos take to the circuit in a billon dollar show down. But for us the highlight of the season is the amazing Total 24 Hours of Spa. If you only ever go to one race, this should be it....
In our opinion GT racing is one of the best spectator experiences, at most circuits there’s an open paddock so you can get up close and personal, the on track action is always electrifying, there’s usually a few skirmishes to excite the fans and drivers. From a drivers point of view it gives young talent a platform to shine and although much accolade is attached to open wheel formulas as a feeder for F1, the reality is the F1 drivers race Pro GT because it’s fun, fast and competitive. For the amateur driver wether teamed up in Pro Am, racing Sports Club or Iron Man the social side has as much appeal as the racing. Meeting like minded contemporaries at beautiful circuits around the world forms great bonds; as 2017 winner of the Iron Cup, American Steven Earle said you make life long friends in the paddock that become arch enemies on the track. That just about sums up GT racing, so here’s to the next 25 years...
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