Let’s Race: Breaking Down the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Series
Easter Sunday is a time for family, food, ceremonies, traditions, and of course, auto racing. I got a chance to watch NBCSN’s broadcast of the Pirelli World Challenge race at Long Beach, and I was impressed! The PWC is run as a support series, sharing venues with the TUSCC, IRL, and even NASCAR. The series is made up of five classes with both GT and Touring Cars.
I haven’t followed the PWC for a few years now, but after seeing the Long Beach race, I’m back in! Unlike the now unified TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, The PWC only runs sprint races. The races last about an hour with no scheduled pit stops. For the past 25 years the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has done a great job with this series and they look poised to be around for another 25 years.
GT Car: The Cadillac CTS-V, Corvette, Lamborghini Gallardo FL2 GT3, Volvo S60, Mercedes SLS, Porsche 911 GT3 R, Aston Martin GT3, Ferrari 458, McLaren MP 12 C and Audi R8. All of these cars are built to FIA GT3 specifications.
GTS Car – The Aston Martin GT4, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Chevrolet Camaro, Kia Optima, Acura TSX, Porsche Cayman S, Lotus Evora, Audi TTR, BMW M3, and Nissan 370Z. The cars in this class are production based cars modified for racing. The cars are scrutinized and their performance is closely monitored and balanced to ensure a close, competitive field.
Touring Car – A fairly inexpensive class to take part in, that has very limited engine tuning allowances. Eligible cars include Honda Civic Si, Mazda Speed 3, Fiat 500 Abarth, Kia Forte, VW GTI, and the Volvo C30.
Touring Car A-Spec – These cars are stock except for required spec components and limited chassis tuning. Cars in A-Spec include the Honda Civic Si, Mazda Mx-5 Miata, VW Golf, Fiat 500 Abarth, Ford Focus, Mini Cooper JCW, Scion FRS, and Subaru BRZ.
Touring Car B-Spec – This class is made up of club racers entering professional racing. The cars are required to use 15” Pirelli slicks and only shocks and springs can be modified. Cars in B-Spec include the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Fiat 500, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Mazda2, and Mini Cooper.
The Next event for the Pirelli World Challenge Series will be held at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham Alabama, April 25-27. This is sure to be a busy weekend of racing with all 5 classes scheduled for the three day event. The GT and GTS event will be televised, but not till May 10th at 4 P.M. EST on NBC Sports Network with a re-broadcast on May 16th at 1 P.M. EST.
cover photo [9Magazine]