WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS SPORTSCAR SHOWDOWN

The grid for the Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown is taking shape, and there’s no better time to get acquainted with all the incredible machines you’ll see tearing up COTA May 5-6.

The Prototype (P) class features the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in North America. The mix of Daytona Prototype international (DPi) and LM P2 cars featured in this class are specifically designed and engineered for the race track. While unique in appearance, the technology being developed in the Prototype category is relevant and directly tied to manufacturers’ R&D initiatives.

• Cadillac Daytona Prototype international
• Mazda Daytona Prototype international
• Nissan Daytona Prototype international
• Dallara LM P2
• Ligier LM P2
• ORECA LM P2
• Riley LM P2

The Prototype Challenge (PC) class is a spec class featuring open-cockpit race cars and technology such as a carbon fiber chassis, carbon ceramic brakes and a sequential gearbox. The PC class will complete its final season of WeatherTech Championship competition in 2017.

• ORECA FLM09

Utilizing the same technical regulations as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GTLM cars are the most elite and fastest GT cars on the track. Based on production models, they are engineered to extract the maximum performance possible. The class serves as a true proving ground for leading manufacturers such as BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche.

• BMW M6 GTLM
• Chevrolet Corvette C7.R
• Ferrari 488 GTE
• Ford GT
• Porsche 911 RSR

The GT Daytona cars are enhanced by technology and utilize the global FIA GT3 technical specifications. The GTD class consists of cars from leading manufacturers such as Acura, Aston Martin Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche.

• Acura NSX GT3
• Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3
• Audi R8 LMS GT3
• BMW M6 GT3
• Ferrari 488 GT3
• Lamborghini Huracán GT3
• Lexus RC F GT3
• Mercedes-AMG GT3
• Porsche 911 GT3 R

The Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge features sports cars from manufacturers across the globe competing in a low-cost environment. The two classes contending simultaneously on track in the Continental Tire Challenge are Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST). Driver line ups feature a mix of Pro and Pro-Am driver pairings.

Beginning in 2017, the series’ top class, Grand Sport (GS), will feature cars that follow the global SRO GT4 technical specifications alongside select “grandfathered” vehicles following the 2016 “production conversion” formula.

• Aston Martin V8 Vantage
• Ford Mustang GT4
• Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R-C
• Nissan 370Z
• Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport
• McLaren 570S GT4

The ST class cars remain the stock, production model cars that race with only minor modifications. This class is also limited to four and six cylinder engines.

• Audi S3
• BMW 228i
• BMW 328i
• Honda Civic Si
• Mazda Miata
• MINI JCW
• Nissan Altima Coupe
• Porsche Cayman

Tickets for the Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown are on sale now from as low as $49. Kids 12 and under receive free admission.