NOLA Motorsports Park to Host First-Ever International Sports Car Weekend

NOLA Motorsports Park to Host First-Ever International Sports Car Weekend

Racing is all about fast reactions and quickly making the right moves. The latest move by SRO Motorsports America is bringing world-class GT and Touring Car racing to NOLA Motorsports Park, a premier racing venue that’s a short drive from downtown New Orleans, May 20-22. This race had not been a part of the original 2022 SRO race calendar, but circumstances over the past few years have meant that many events have had to rapidly adapt, often shifting dates and venues.

This will be the first-ever race weekend for Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS at NOLA. The action-packed weekend of racing will also feature Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America powered by Skip Barber. A mega mix of over 100 high-speed machines from the top GT and Touring Car manufacturers will compete in New Orleans.

Fans will have full access to the paddock and a variety of activities to get up-close with the race cars and drivers, including autograph sessions, grid walk, and podium celebrations. This supercar weekend features the best from Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and more.

"We are appreciative of NOLA for being able to step in to maintain our schedule on such short notice. We are equally excited to bring professional sports car racing back to the NOLA Motorsports Park’s premier facility, and we’re looking forward to bringing New Orleans race fans out to take part in this high speed experience,” noted Greg Gill, president and CEO of SRO Motorsports America.

"After renovating our facility with several upgrades, NOLA Motorsports Park is more than ready to welcome back fans to our FIA Grade 2 world-class race course,” said NOLA Motorsports Park General Manager, David Pace. "Getting the opportunity to host the SRO series in three short weeks will be an amazing challenge and we thank Greg Gill and his team for trusting us to make this happen."

Jack Baldwin, the SRO Pirelli GT4 America Series Director, and a former racer noted, “I love the NOLA track. I think it’s going to suit our competitors very well. It’s a technical track with some fast and flowing sections.  When you put it all together it is quite fun to drive.” 

Driver reactions to the new venue have been positive:

Jordan Pepper, Fanatec GT World Challenge (#1 K-PAX Racing Lamborghini): "I watched a couple IndyCar and GT on-boards around NOLA to get a good understanding on what to expect. It's important that we execute everything -- even the smallest details -- perfectly. Andrea [Caldarelli] and I are both excited for the new challenge of a new track. I expect good, close racing from the track and its layout. I'm also looking forward to the New Orleans vibe.

Kenton Koch, Pirelli GT4 America (#15 BSPort Aston Martin): "NOLA is actually the first place I ever worked with my teammate Bryan Putt. We haven't been back in the last five years, so we're excited to go back to enjoy the track and some good food!"

Derek DeBoer, Pirelli GT4 America (#66 The Racers Group Porsche): “Part of racing is adapting to change, but also getting to enjoy some great locations around the world. I’m excited to step onto the NOLA Motorsports park for my first time and also look forward to the gaps where we’ll get to enjoy the great city of New Orleans!”

NOLA MOTORSPORTS PARK: NOLA is a world-class race course meeting all FIA Grade 2 specifications. The 2.75 Mile Road Course features 16 Turns and a 5,800 ft Straightaway. This will be the first-ever international level race car series for the track. NOLA previously hosted an IndyCar weekend in 2015. The track, constructed in 2011, has undergone extensive improvements since 2019.

SCHEDULE:

Practice sessions:

Friday, May 20 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:40 p.m.

Qualifying Sessions:

Saturday, May 21 | 8:00 a.m.  – 11:00 a.m. 

Races:

Saturday, May 21 | 11:20 a.m. – 5:20 p.m.

Sunday, May 22 |  8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.                 

THE BIGGEST VALUE FOR FANS: Ticket prices start at just $10 for Friday tickets, and a three-day pass is $50. Kids 12 and under and parking are free of charge. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the gate.   

NO PADDOCK PASSES REQUIRED:  Every general admission ticket includes paddock access to get up-close with the cars, drivers, and teams. This is a fan friendly paddock with the ultimate accessibility to all the action.

VIP CAR CORRAL: Have a sports car? The NOLA Car Corral offers an exclusive experience to join fellow car enthusiasts in an all-make environment with premium parking with your sports car. Includes a Saturday or Sunday parade lap, exclusive pavement parking area close to the paddock, and more. Includes one weekend General Admission.

KARTING: In addition to the race track, NOLA hosts “The Fastest Karting Track in the South.” The karting track will be open for arrive-and-drive customers all weekend.

OVER THREE DECADES OF HERITAGE: The multiple series managed by the SRO Motorsports America umbrella can trace their origins to GT & Touring Car Championships launched in the 1980’s.  Many fans remember the series under previous names of SPEED World Challenge, and Pirelli World Challenge.  Pirelli has been the exclusive tire provider to the series since 2011.

VARIETY WITH GT AND TC RACING: NOLA Motorsports Park will be sports car heaven. Learn more about the SRO Motorsports America championships in action, plus our special guest Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America. Each has its own website with additional information.

FOLLOW ALONG: All races are streamed live and archived for on-demand viewing at www.youtube.com/gtworld or www.twitch.tv/sromotorsports. SRO America championships also feature broadcasts on CBS Sports.

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