And cannot say that I'm surprised. Do we really need two classes for basically the same cars? See also: Why not bring back GTU (GT4) and GTO (GT3) one day?
LAT Images photo
Guess we can all admit that the GT Le Mans class isn’t long for this world: IMSA just announced its replacement for next year, GTD PRO.
Here's the full 411:
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Solidifying a bright future for factory-supported, professional GT endurance racing in North America, International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) officials today announced the introduction of the GT Daytona (GTD) PRO class to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship beginning in 2022.
GTD PRO will include race cars built to FIA GT3 technical regulations. GTD PRO offers the opportunity for factory teams and driver lineups to compete in the class, while customer teams, Pro-Am or Am-Am lineups have the option of competing in either GTD PRO or the standard GTD class. Michelin will be the exclusive tire supplier for both the GTD PRO class and the existing GTD class in the WeatherTech Championship.
GTD PRO replaces the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class, which will contest its final WeatherTech Championship season in 2021 using LMGTE technical regulations developed by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO).
"The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has long been regarded as featuring the world’s greatest GT manufacturers, teams and drivers and some of the world’s most exciting and competitive professional GT endurance racing through the GTLM class," said IMSA President John Doonan. "We believe the move to GTD PRO offers the best opportunity for manufacturers and teams to continue that legacy well into the future. We expect considerable manufacturer participation when we kick off the GTD PRO class a year from now in the 60th Rolex 24 At Daytona."
New FIA GT3 technical regulations will debut in 2022. New cars built to those specifications, as well as any existing cars upgraded through "Evo" kits will be eligible to compete in GTD PRO and GTD starting next year. There are nine manufacturers currently participating in IMSA with GT3 cars in the GTD class.
The 2021 WeatherTech Championship kicks off this weekend with the 59th Rolex 24 At Daytona. Live U.S. television coverage begins on NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET with 25 hours of live NBC Sports coverage across NBC, NBCSN and TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Live IMSA Radio coverage also airs on IMSA.com and SiriusXMRadio.com.
And cannot say that I'm surprised. Do we really need two classes for basically the same cars? See also: Why not bring back GTU (GT4) and GTO (GT3) one day?
Bring back tubeframe racecars. 
The writing was on the wall. I wonder if Corvette will make a GT3-spec version of the C8 or just pull out after this year. They're the only GTLM manufacturer left that doesn't have a GT3 car ready to go, if I'm not mistaken.
In reply to slowbird :
A GT3 Corvette/GT4 Camaro program would be way cool.
I have to think this is a bit of a direct shot at GM to get with the program. There hasn't been a US customer-available Corvette race car since the C5.R, and even the previously GT3 homolgated GM race cars like the Cadillacs were pulled from competition as soon as the grace period expired, before they would have to make them available for sale. I get that GM wants to tightly control both the marketing and competition aspects of their race cars, but I think this is IMSA finally saying that they want to level that playing field as well.
I also think they should absolutely allow Platinum drivers to compete in the lower class. Maybe the dividing line is an average team rating of Gold or better for the Pro class, while average rating below that goes in Am. If three Bronze drivers want to hire a Platinum driver to be their team rabbit, I am totally here for that action.
Ah, here we are.
Chevrolet’s director of motorsports competition engineering Mark Stielow, responded to the news: "The introduction of a GTD Pro category in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a positive move forward for the future of professional GT racing in North America.
“We appreciate the leadership and openness from IMSA during this on-going process. Now that the class structure has been established, Corvette Racing and Chevrolet will continue to work with IMSA to determine how Corvette could fit into this new future of GT competition.”
A non-answer, but sounds more like "we're open to building a car for this new class" than "we're bailing out after 2021" to me.
David S. Wallens said:And cannot say that I'm surprised. Do we really need two classes for basically the same cars? See also: Why not bring back GTU (GT4) and GTO (GT3) one day?
Side quest: How many cars can we think of that had both GTO and GTU variants? RX-7, 911 and Fiero come instantly to mind. Any others?
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
Good point about the lack of a customer Corvette race program in years. Meanwhile, look at all of the offerings from their competition: Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Audi, Acura, etc., etc. Chevy's the big hole in that puzzle.
JG Pasterjak said:David S. Wallens said:And cannot say that I'm surprised. Do we really need two classes for basically the same cars? See also: Why not bring back GTU (GT4) and GTO (GT3) one day?
Side quest: How many cars can we think of that had both GTO and GTU variants? RX-7, 911 and Fiero come instantly to mind. Any others?
BMW 320i.
And how about early Z-car? Can we stretch 240Z-280ZX to fit?
David S. Wallens said:And how about early Z-car? Can we stretch 240Z-280ZX to fit?
Looks like there were 280Zs built for GTU, GTO and GTX(!!!!)
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