The GT World Challenge America delivered yet another unforgettable spectacle as the championship rolled into Road America for Round 5 of the 2024 season. Known for its high-speed straights, challenging corners, and unpredictable weather, the legendary 4.048-mile road course in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, set the stage for an intense battle between the best GT3 teams in North America.
With championship implications on the line, Pro and Pro-Am class contenders pushed their machines to the limit in a weekend filled with drama, breathtaking overtakes, and strategic masterstrokes. This article breaks down all the key moments, race results, and what this round means for the GT World Challenge America championship as we head into the second half of the season.
Event Overview: Why Road America is a Fan-Favorite
Road America is one of the most revered tracks in North American motorsports, blending high-speed sections like the Kink and Moraine Sweep with technical sectors such as the Carousel and Turn 5. Its long lap distance and multiple passing zones make it a perfect venue for multi-class GT racing, where speed, tire management, and pit strategy play crucial roles.
Fans packed the hillsides and grandstands, treated to on-track battles, autograph sessions, and manufacturer displays from brands like Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and BMW. The event also featured support races from GT4 America and TC America, ensuring non-stop action throughout the weekend.
Qualifying: Setting the Grid for a Hard-Fought Race
Pro Class: Crowdstrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG Takes Pole
The No. 04 Crowdstrike by Riley Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3, driven by Colin Braun and George Kurtz, secured pole position in a tightly contested qualifying session. Braun, a seasoned sports car ace, put in a blistering lap to edge out the No. 45 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R by just 0.128 seconds.
Pro-Am Class: TR3 Racing Lamborghini Leads the Charge
In Pro-Am, the No. 19 TR3 Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 of Ziad Ghandour and Loris Spinelli claimed the top spot, continuing their strong form this season. Their closest rivals, the No. 93 Racers Edge Motorsports Acura NSX GT3, qualified second, setting up a fierce battle for class honors.
Race Highlights: Drama, Overtakes, and Unpredictable Twists
Opening Laps: Chaos at Turn 1
As the green flag dropped, the field charged into Turn 1 (Canada Corner), where the No. 94 BimmerWorld BMW M4 GT3 made slight contact with the No. 23 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3, sending the Ferrari into a spin. Fortunately, the Ferrari recovered without major damage, but the incident shuffled the midfield.
Pro Class Battle: Mercedes vs. Porsche vs. BMW
The lead battle in the Pro class was a three-way fight between:
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No. 04 Crowdstrike Mercedes-AMG (Braun/Kurtz)
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No. 45 Wright Motorsports Porsche (Adam/Andlauer)
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No. 28 RS1 Porsche (Skeer/Dinan)
Braun held the lead early, but Jan Heylen in the Wright Motorsports Porsche applied relentless pressure. After the mandatory pit stops, a perfectly timed strategy call by Wright Motorsports put Klaus Bachler in contention for the win. However, a late-race full-course yellow bunched up the field, leading to a nail-biting 10-minute sprint to the finish.
In the end, George Kurtz defended brilliantly in the Crowdstrike Mercedes, taking the Pro class victory by just 0.8 seconds over the charging Porsche.
Pro-Am Showdown: Lamborghini vs. Acura
The Pro-Am battle was equally intense, with Loris Spinelli in the TR3 Lamborghini fending off Ashton Harrison in the Racers Edge Acura. Spinelli’s aggressive yet calculated driving kept him in the lead, but Harrison stayed within striking distance.
A late-race caution gave Harrison one last shot, but Spinelli held firm, securing TR3 Racing’s second Pro-Am win of the season.
Am Class: Heartbreak for DXDT Racing
The No. 91 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG dominated the Am class for most of the race until a mechanical issue forced them into the pits with just 15 minutes remaining. This handed the win to the No. 16 ACI Motorsports Porsche, marking their first victory of 2024.
Key Takeaways from Round 5
1. Championship Implications
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Crowdstrike by Riley (Mercedes) extends their Pro class lead.
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TR3 Racing (Lamborghini) closes the gap in Pro-Am.
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Wright Motorsports (Porsche) remains a strong title contender despite the narrow loss.
2. Manufacturer Battle Heats Up
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Mercedes-AMG now leads the manufacturer standings, but Porsche is just 12 points behind.
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Lamborghini and Ferrari continue to show strong pace, signaling a potential shake-up in future rounds.
3. Pit Strategy Decides Races
The late-race caution proved once again that timing pit stops and tire choices can make or break a race. Teams that gambled on early stops gained track position, while others lost out under yellow.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
The race sparked massive engagement on social media, with fans praising:
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George Kurtz’s defensive masterclass in the final laps.
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Loris Spinelli’s dominant Pro-Am performance.
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The thrilling three-way Pro class fight.
Many also expressed disappointment for DXDT Racing’s late-race retirement, highlighting the unpredictability of endurance racing.
What’s Next? Upcoming Rounds to Watch
With Round 5 complete, the GT World Challenge America heads next to:
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Sebring International Raceway (August 24-25) – A bumpy, high-degradation track that tests both man and machine.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway (October 4-6) – The season finale on the iconic road course.
Will Crowdstrike by Riley maintain their momentum? Can Wright Motorsports strike back? Will TR3 Racing secure the Pro-Am title? The next rounds promise even more fireworks.
Final Thoughts: Why GTWC America is a Must-Watch Series
The GT World Challenge America continues to deliver world-class GT3 racing, featuring elite drivers, cutting-edge machinery, and unpredictable drama. Round 5 at Road America was a perfect example of why this series is one of the most exciting in North American motorsports.