Modern GT3 Racing
My Favourite Racing Series
GT3 Racing, since its inception in 2005, has seen numerous automobile manufacturers, teams, and tuners create race-modified versions of popular road sports cars. They do this in line with the Group GT3 regulations set by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) , allowing them to compete in diverse racing circuits across the globe.
In modern GT3 racing, the cars have to go through a homologation process with the FIA , which means total compliance with the GT3 technical guidelines, which are a bit lax on the basis that there could be any car type, no limit on engine size, configurations, and chassis layout. However, a crucial requirement is that these GT3 cars must be based on mass-production road car models being manufactured or sold at the time of homologation.
The GT3 cars produce about 500hp to 600hp and weigh an average of about 1250kg. At first glance, you might think the person with 600hp and the lightest car should win championship. However, it’s not that straightforward, thanks to a regulation know as BoP, which stands for Balance of Performance. BoP is a complex mechanism that ensures fairness among the race cars by adjusting limits on various parameters, including horsepower, weight, engine management, and aerodynamics. The goal is to prevent any manufacturer from becoming dominant in a particular racing class or series. So, even if a car seems more powerful or lighter on paper, BoP ensures that competition remains fair and exciting.
GT3 cars are a common sight at various events and competitions worldwide. One of my favorite championships, the FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE (formerly called Blancpain GT Series), is an international championship organized by the SRO Motorsports Group. In this championship, manufacturers compete to earn points, and it features a combination of sprint and endurance events across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
I often wonder why I love GT3 racing so much. It might be because of the diverse range of cars on the grid or the BoP system that prevents one team from dominating and ensures fierce rivalry among drivers. Or maybe it’s because I can enjoy watching the races live without having to subscribe to a paid service. If you’re exclusively watching Formula 1, I recommend giving GT3 racing a shot. There’s a good chance that there’s a GT3 race happening near you. Attend one, and I’m confident you’ll find it captivating and fall in love with it, just as I have.
