Chris Allen is an old hand at GT racing though new to the Pirelli GT4 America series and the STR38 Motorsports team.
Allen shares driving duties of the No. 438 STR38 BMW G82 M4 GT4 with Robert Mau in the Pirelli GT4 America series. This is his first season with the team and series, but his background in racing includes a relationship with Team Manager Jon Miller.
With plenty of faith in Miller and ST Racing, parent to STR38 Motorsports, Allen has taken on the challenge of GT4 America competition. The AM Class has been ultra-competitive this season, but Allen and his team have racked up four podium finishes and a win in the first seven rounds.
The BMW has been the car of choice in the GT4 America series, and by Allen’s standards, it’s a win to drive too.
“It’s an awesome car,” Allen said. “I'm fortunate to be able to drive it. I love the way they race. GT4 racing is super close, and it feels significantly faster with other cars dicing it up around you, but I love the different manufacturers involved. The BMW allows you to grab it by the scruff of the neck. The electronics aren’t overly intrusive. I love the air conditioning; it’s amazing. It is a very luxurious car.”
Allen is backed by the right car and team and looks ahead to a championship fight. He and Mau earned their solo victory at Circuit Of The Americas. There are seven remaining races to overtake current AM Class favorites BimmerWorld. Three races will occur at Sebring International Raceway, one being the rescheduled race from a washed-out NOLA International Raceway event.
“Of course, we want to win the championship in the AM Class,” Allen said. “I was thrilled to have earned the win at COTA. We had the pressure lifted off of us with that one. James Clay and Charlie Postins are super solid competition. It wasn’t a yellow-filled race, so I feel like we earned it. We’re a little behind in the points as it stands now. So we have some work to do to get there. It’s fully up to us.”
Having never run GT4 America before, some tracks on the schedule are new to Allen, throwing him an extra curve ball as he prepares. Sonoma Raceway and NOLA were new to Allen, with the Philadelphia native considering VIRginia International Raceway a home track. He also had previous experience at COTA.
“Road America is a new track to me,” Allen said. “To prepare, I’ll be in the sim(simulator) a bit. We’ll test there with Apex. I’m confident. It was nice to get up to speed at VIR and immediately lean on it everywhere I wanted. But I enjoy going to new tracks. I think what I’m most looking forward to at Road America is Siebkens. I’ve heard many stories come out of that place.”
The place Allen looks forward to most as the calendar dwindles to three events is in fact the track that will host three races for him.
“My favorite has to be Sebring,” Allen said. “Especially knowing we have three races there. I love that place; it has tons of character. I think it goes without saying, respect the bumps.”
Sebring International Raceway hosts 11 races for SRO America Sept. 22-24. The former airbase is set to enjoy the sounds of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, GT America powered by AWS, TC America powered by Skip Barber and the Toyota GR Cup series North America along with the Pirelli GT4 series. Tickets are already on sale for the three-day event with single-day admission as low as $12 dollars. Purchase tickets here.
The Pirelli GT America and Allen will first face two races at Road America Aug. 18-20. Purchase tickets for the weekend in the charming Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin by clicking here.