General Motors (GM) has announced the conclusion of its Corvette Racing program, a long-standing partnership between GM and engineering company Pratt & Miller that has achieved remarkable success in sports car racing for the past 25 years. The iconic yellow Corvettes have become a familiar sight in prestigious events such as the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including their recent triumph in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the no. 3 Corvette C8.R secured a class victory.
GM’s decision to terminate its full factory effort stems from the upcoming introduction of the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car next year. According to Mark Stielow, GM’s motorsport competition engineering director, the company aims to shift towards a more customer-oriented approach with the GT3 platform. Internal discussions within GM raised concerns about pitting factory-backed teams against customer teams in competitive races.
While GM will discontinue its factory effort, Stielow expressed the intention to continue supporting drivers by facilitating their participation in teams that field the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. He referred to this approach as a “hybrid” program, which is likely to attract more customer teams and subsequently increase the presence of Corvettes on the racing circuit.
Additionally, Stielow hinted at the possibility of Pratt & Miller being among the teams fielding the new race car. However, if they do participate, it is expected that they would compete under a different name than the current Corvette Racing banner.
Unveiled in January, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R is still undergoing development. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, giving teams ample time to test the car ahead of the 2024 season. The car will primarily compete in the GTD class of the SportsCar Championship and the LMGT3 class, set to debut in the World Endurance Championship in 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Corvette Racing program
Q: What is the reason behind GM ending the Corvette Racing program?
A: GM has decided to conclude the Corvette Racing program due to the upcoming introduction of the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car. The company aims to shift towards a more customer-based approach in the GT3 platform.
Q: Will GM continue to support drivers in racing the Corvette Z06 GT3.R?
A: Yes, GM plans to support drivers by facilitating their participation in teams that field the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. This “hybrid” program aims to attract more customer teams and increase the presence of Corvettes on the racing circuit.
Q: Will Pratt & Miller be involved in fielding the new race car?
A: It is likely that Pratt & Miller will be among the teams fielding the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car. However, if they participate, it is expected that they would compete under a different name than the current Corvette Racing banner.
Q: When will the Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car be available?
A: The Corvette Z06 GT3.R is still in development, but deliveries are confirmed to start in the third quarter of this year. This timeline will provide teams with sufficient time to test the car ahead of the 2024 racing season.
Q: Which racing classes will the Corvette Z06 GT3.R compete in?
A: The Corvette Z06 GT3.R will primarily compete in the GTD class of the SportsCar Championship and the LMGT3 class, which will be introduced in the World Endurance Championship in 2024.
More about Corvette Racing program
- Corvette Racing Official Website
- General Motors Official Website
- Pratt & Miller Official Website
- IMSA SportsCar Championship Official Website
- FIA World Endurance Championship Official Website
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R Announcement
- Sportscar365 Article on GM Ending Corvette Racing Program
4 comments
Corvette Z06 GT3.R sounds hype! Can’t wait 2 c it in action. Hope Pratt & Miller stil invlvd – they r a g8 team!
Noooo! Corvette Racing was a legend! But I get it, they want a level playing field. Excited 4 the Z06 GT3.R tho, bring on the speed!
gm endin corvette racin? wot a shok! but mbe it wil be gud 4 custumrs. mor corvets on trak ftw!
Gm end corvette racin prog? nt cool! Bt mbe it means mor comp in GTD n LMGT3. Hope they kip the yellow vetts tho, so iconic!