Two of the most intense, competitive, and challenging endurance events in the world are just mere weeks away, with 48 hours of grueling racing coming up at the end of June for the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. These legendary races aren’t just cornerstones of global motorsport; they’re integral chapters in the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, a journey that will culminate right here in the United States with the Indianapolis 8 Hour this October.
Nürburgring 24 Hours
The Green Hell is calling, and over 120 cars will battle through day and night on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife on June 21st and 22nd. It stands as one of endurance racing’s ultimate tests of speed, durability, and resilience, with drivers having to master the complex 73-turn layout with incredible precision. Many of the world’s top GT3 manufacturers will field factory-backed entries as part of their global endurance programs.
It’s a race steeped in tradition, and a proving ground for both man and machine, offering a glimpse of the talent and machinery that will carry over into the upcoming CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and ultimately, the Indy 8 Hour.
CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa
Meanwhile, attention also turns to Belgium’s Ardennes forest, where the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will unfold the following week. This pivotal race serves as the marquee event of the IGTC season, scheduled for June 28th and 29th, and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of endurance fans and factory programs alike.
The event celebrated its centenary edition last year, and this season’s rendition will once again feature heavy hitters from all corners of the globe as drivers and teams return in another attempt to conquer Spa Francorchamp’s high-speed, undulating nature. The outcome will certainly lay the groundwork for the championship narrative heading into the final stretch.
A record-breaking total of 76 GT3 machines will take over the world-famous circuit, making it the biggest and best GT3-only event, with a great balance of competitors across all the Pro, Gold Cup, Silver Cup, Bronze Cup, and Pro-Am categories.
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All Roads Lead to Indy
While eyes are fixed on the action at the Nürburgring and Spa, fans in North America have good reason to be excited. The Intercontinental GT Challenge will make its final stop of the season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 8 Hour on October 18th.
The Indy 8 Hour has quickly established itself as a premier endurance event on U.S. soil, attracting a world-class field of IGTC and GT World Challenge America powered by AWS competitors. As the championship-deciding round for both series, the stakes at Indy will be higher than ever, with factory-supported teams and international stars converging on the Brickyard in pursuit of global glory.
Many of the sport’s brightest stars have taken on the eight-hour challenge, including the likes of recently crowned Indianapolis 500 winner and three-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou from Chip Ganassi Racing. Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Conor Daly was also on the grid last season and will be returning once again with the Random Vandals Racing squad to take another stab at it. In fact, many past and present IndyCar drivers have returned to the Speedway for another chance to kiss the bricks, like Callum Ilott, Zach Veach, Tristan Vautier, and Gabby Chaves, among others.
Other prominent names have included GT and prototype talents such as Nick Yelloly, Colin Braun, Dries Vanthoor, Sheldon Van Der Linde, Maro Engel, Jules Gounon, Lilou Wadoux, and Raffaele Marciello, to name a few.
In addition to the eight-hour battle, the weekend will be filled with title-deciding races across the remaining SRO America championships, including Pirelli GT4 America, GT America powered by AWS, TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School, and single-make series Toyota GR Cup and McLaren Trophy.
Don’t Miss a Moment
Stay tuned to SRO America’s channels for all coverage and updates, as we follow the world’s best endurance racing from the Nürburgring, to Spa, to Indy, and everything in between.
Buy your Indy 8 Hour tickets now and join us trackside at the Speedway!