It was expected that the 2021 racing season would still see changes while the races are on, and SRO took decisions recently regarding the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the FANATEC GT World Challenge America.
At the globe-trotting competition, the French organization opted to not fill the void left by the cancellation of the Suzuka 10 Hours, the second in a row.
Unlike in 2020, when SRO had China in its radar for a replacement, they went for the possibility of a race in the Middle East, which would be a first for the series, but while domestic anti-COVID measures wouldn't be a problem like in Japan, budget and date issues were proven to be the main hurdles, forcing SRO to step back in its possibility.
In the end, the 2021 IGTC season will consist of only three races - the upcoming 24 Hours of Spa, the Indianapolis 8 Hour and the finale at the Kyalami 9 Hours.
2021 IGTC calendar
31 July - 1 August - 24 Hours of Spa
17 October - Indianapolis 8 Hour
4 December - Kyalami 9 Hours
In the GT World Challenge America case, they wouldn't be able to cross the border to hold the round at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park due to difficulties created by the COVID situation in Canada, but unlike the IGTC, a replacement was found in Sebring, which will act as the penultimate round on 2 and 3 October, two weeks before the finale at the Indianapolis 8 Hour.
This will be actually a return for the series to the bumpy Florida-based venue, as 12 years separate the last edition and the current one. Despite not having SRO around the track, GT3s have been consistently racing there in the GTD class of IMSA’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
As it's the case with many events around the US, fans will be allowed to watch the race weekend on site, while those who can't be present at Sebring will have the usual live streams on multiple platforms.
PHOTOS: SRO, Sebring International Raceway
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