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Details Emerge For 2016 SportsCar Challenge
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On the heels of a Mission Statement issued earlier this month to outline the future direction of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, International Motor Sports Ass’n (IMSA) officials have unveiled substantial efforts to reduce operating expenses for competitors in addition to a comprehensive list of existing and new car models conditionally approved for 2016 competition.
Among cost-control initiatives for the 2016 season is the introduction of series-approved onboard air jack kits (non-mandatory) for all Continental Tire Challenge race cars.
To reduce costs further in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, IMSA will change the Sporting Regulations to reflect a maximum of three crew members over the wall during pit stops, (down from four in 2015).
IMSA will allow tires to be placed on the “cold” side of the pit wall or positioned on tire stands prior to the car coming to a stop in its pit box as the three “over the wall” crew members will be prohibited from receiving any “behind the wall assistance” once the car is stopped in the pit box. The three are the only personnel allowed to touch the tires. The maximum of two “wheel guns” will remain in effect.
The 2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge will continue to feature and approve Grand Sport (GS) cars built to current IMSA specifications. IMSA will closely monitor the growth and development of the GT4 category internationally. GT4 cars that meet certain IMSA criteria may be considered on an individual basis for future selection.
The popular Street Tuner (ST) category continues to see an influx of evolving road car technology while maintaining a consistent performance balance across a large spectrum of eligible makes and models.
IMSA officials also clarified and provided a comprehensive list of new car models eligible and those conditionally approved for Competition in the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.
Cars Currently Approved for Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Competition
Grand Sport (GS): Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M3 E92 Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R, Ford Mustang FR500C (5.0) 2009, Ford Mustang Boss 302R GT, Ford Shelby GT350R-C, Nissan 370Z (3.7), Porsche 997 Carrera S (3.8) Direct Injection, Subaru WRX STi.
Street Tuner (ST): Audi S3 2015, BMW 128i (3.0), BMW 328i (E90) sedan, BMW 328i (F30) sedan, Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan JDM 2011, Honda Civic Si (2.0) USDM 2011, Honda Civic Si 2.4L, Hyundai Genesis, Mazdaspeed 3, Mazda MX-5 Miata, MINI Cooper JCW 2015, Nissan Altima V6, Porsche Boxster 2.9L 987, Porsche Cayman 2.9L 987.
New Cars Conditionally Approved for Competition
Grand Sport (GS): Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi RS5, Audi TTRS, BMW M4, Chevrolet Camaro SS 2016, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, Dodge Challenger, Lexus RC-F, Lotus Evora 400, Porsche Cayman GT4 race car.
Street Tuner (ST): Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi A4 2.0, Audi TTS, Buick Regal 2.0L, Cadillac ATS Sedan 2.0L, Ford Focus ST, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Kia Optima SX, Kia Forte Koup Turbo, Lexus IS350, Mitsubishi Lancer Raliart, Mercedes-Benz CLA250, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI 2014, Volkswagen Golf R 2015, Volkswagen Beetle R-Line, Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
Among cost-control initiatives for the 2016 season is the introduction of series-approved onboard air jack kits (non-mandatory) for all Continental Tire Challenge race cars.
To reduce costs further in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, IMSA will change the Sporting Regulations to reflect a maximum of three crew members over the wall during pit stops, (down from four in 2015).
IMSA will allow tires to be placed on the “cold” side of the pit wall or positioned on tire stands prior to the car coming to a stop in its pit box as the three “over the wall” crew members will be prohibited from receiving any “behind the wall assistance” once the car is stopped in the pit box. The three are the only personnel allowed to touch the tires. The maximum of two “wheel guns” will remain in effect.
The 2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge will continue to feature and approve Grand Sport (GS) cars built to current IMSA specifications. IMSA will closely monitor the growth and development of the GT4 category internationally. GT4 cars that meet certain IMSA criteria may be considered on an individual basis for future selection.
The popular Street Tuner (ST) category continues to see an influx of evolving road car technology while maintaining a consistent performance balance across a large spectrum of eligible makes and models.
IMSA officials also clarified and provided a comprehensive list of new car models eligible and those conditionally approved for Competition in the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.
Cars Currently Approved for Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Competition
Grand Sport (GS): Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M3 E92 Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R, Ford Mustang FR500C (5.0) 2009, Ford Mustang Boss 302R GT, Ford Shelby GT350R-C, Nissan 370Z (3.7), Porsche 997 Carrera S (3.8) Direct Injection, Subaru WRX STi.
Street Tuner (ST): Audi S3 2015, BMW 128i (3.0), BMW 328i (E90) sedan, BMW 328i (F30) sedan, Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan JDM 2011, Honda Civic Si (2.0) USDM 2011, Honda Civic Si 2.4L, Hyundai Genesis, Mazdaspeed 3, Mazda MX-5 Miata, MINI Cooper JCW 2015, Nissan Altima V6, Porsche Boxster 2.9L 987, Porsche Cayman 2.9L 987.
New Cars Conditionally Approved for Competition
Grand Sport (GS): Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi RS5, Audi TTRS, BMW M4, Chevrolet Camaro SS 2016, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, Dodge Challenger, Lexus RC-F, Lotus Evora 400, Porsche Cayman GT4 race car.
Street Tuner (ST): Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi A4 2.0, Audi TTS, Buick Regal 2.0L, Cadillac ATS Sedan 2.0L, Ford Focus ST, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Kia Optima SX, Kia Forte Koup Turbo, Lexus IS350, Mitsubishi Lancer Raliart, Mercedes-Benz CLA250, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI 2014, Volkswagen Golf R 2015, Volkswagen Beetle R-Line, Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
