Pirelli World Challenge Announces Approved FIA GT3 Models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes for Competition in 2013

World Challenge Press Release

Denver, CO - WC Vision is pleased to announce the approval of the Audi R8 LMS, Mercedes SLS, and BMW Z4 for competition in the Pirelli World Challenge GT class for 2013.

“As we continue our successful strategy of offering the best world-class production car racing I am pleased to announce the approval of three FIA GT3 cars to race in the Pirelli World Challenge GT class,” said Scott Bove, WC Vision, President and CEO. “After the successful integration of the Audi R8 into our GT class in 2012 we began the comprehensive review of the Mercedes SLS and BMW Z4. We take the addition of any new vehicle very seriously and I want to thank our Director of Competition Geoff Carter and his team for the thorough job they did with the analysis and performance balancing of these vehicles. With the addition of Audi, BMW and Mercedes,” added Bove, “we offer Pirelli World Challenge fans the most manufacturer brand diverse racing on the planet. Our GT class will have representation from 10 different brands.”

“Each of the approved models is subject to our performance balance and aero specs,” said Carter. “It was a challenging process, but the end result was well worth the investment.”

“We race in the Pirelli World Challenge because it is a production-based series providing the opportunity for manufacturers to validate their performance capabilities on the track,” said John Kraemer, Racing Manager, Cadillac V Series. “The series also allows us to directly compete on the track with those that we compete with in the showroom every day. The addition of Audi, BMW and Mercedes adds to an already deep lineup and should provide for some seriously competitive racing as Cadillac looks to defend the GT Manufacturers’ Championship in 2013.”

The 2013 season will showcase an increase in event weekends, car counts, and live stream coverage in addition to coverage on NBC Sports Network. For more information on the 2013 schedule please visit http://www.world-challenge.com/event/season.php?y=2013.

The Pirelli World Challenge is one of North America's top production car-based racing championships. Divided into four separate categories (Pirelli World Challenge GT, Pirelli World Challenge GTS, Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car and Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car B-Spec), each race features thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action and world-class drivers. The Pirelli World Challenge features cars from the world's most popular manufacturers – race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets.

Photo credit: Mark Weber/Pirelli World Challenge

More information:
Pirelli World Challenge website