The quantum of racing platitudes is as bountiful as days are long, but one truism trumps them all: how do you make a small fortune in racing? Start with a big fortune.
The sun has set on February's Kyalami 9 Hour event and the clock has begun counting down towards possibly the most anticipated gathering on the GT3 calendar, the Nürburgring 24 Hours from 26 to 29 May. For the benefit of new converts, it's prudent to take a closer look at the category, from its roots and reach to the downright devastating potential to impoverish aspiring competitors.
GT3 racing arose in 2005 as a pared-back derivative of GT1 and GT2 categories in the then-FIA GT Championship. Manufacturers sold racecars to customers, but it was rendered unsustainable owing to their sky-high development costs. The spin-off GT3 category sought to combine (comparatively) cheaper cars from one-make series - such as Porsche Supercup and the Ferrari Challenge to compete under a unified global rule set.
Ahead of the 2008 financial recession that profoundly impacted all motorsport categories, this was a positively prescient path to take.
GT1 evolved into a de facto prototype class at the end of the millennium (see the Porsche 911 GT1 and Mercedes CLK LM) - and soon became defunct - and GT2 morphed into the Le Mans GTE category (set to cease at the end of 2023). Through either fate or design, GT3 has been in ascension as the heir apparent of tin-top racing's premier category.
Today, more than 50 different models have been homologated for participation in GT3 racing. Countless global championships and one-off races exist for them to compete in. The league is defined as a customer-racing series for homologated two-door, two-seater grand tourers, with no factory teams allowed. However, as in the case of Porsche and the specialist Nürburgring Manthey Racing outfit, some manufacturers blur the lines through partial ownership of race teams.
This story is from the June 2022 edition of CAR.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2022 edition of CAR.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RED-LETTER DAY
After a 50-year absence, there could be no better way to celebrate the centenary of the world's greatest endurance race, than victory by one of the most revered names in racing
Citroën C3 Feel 1,2 manual
There's a lot to like about the new, India-sourced Citroën C3 package, not least its compelling price point
Silk road
Two brands debuting in South Africa also happen to compete in the same segment. Here's our verdict on the new Omoda 5 and BAIC Beijing X55
GWM P Series 2,0 LTD 4X4 Auto
On the back of impressive market inroads for this budget-friendly double-cab, GWM has upped the ante by introducing a more rugged P-Series LTD derivative. Can its competence match its stronger presence?
Boardroom brawl
One of performance motoring's favourite inter-brand battles is back. But step aside, Merc C63 and BMW M3, it's time for the middleweights to spar
ΚΟΜΒΙ COMRADES
Car collectors Anton Lubbe and Werner Viljoen let us in on what makes their friendship so special
If it ain't broke...
Subaru's updates to its popular raised-ride-height XV include a new name. Meet the Crosstrek
Defenders, assemble
The already comprehensive Land Rover Defender range has welcomed a new eight-seater 130 edition
Wicked viking
With 300 kW on tap and a trendy sloped-roof design, the Volvo C40 takes the fight to its German EV rivals - and then some
LIFTED LAMBO
The Bolognese Raging Bull has unleashed arguably the wildest take yet on its mid-engined V10 supercar: the rugged-looking Huracán Sterrato