In an attempt to inject some brand awareness and excitement into SCCA’s World Challenge series, WC Vision recently announced plans to grow the GTS class into a mix of production based American sports cars and world sport sedans. Following a format similar to Grand-Am, the sanctioning body is encouraging teams to campaign production-based sports cars like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. The new GTS cars are required to maintain the factory body panels and chassis, with no carbon fiber panels or tube chassis updates permitted. Factory engine and drivetrains will also be required to make GTS car builds more affordable.

Photo Credit: Ford

“When GTS was announced for 2010, we knew this would be a transitional year, providing a place for the more radical 2009 Touring Cars while building a platform to build upon for years to come,” said WC Vision’ Scott Bove. “As GTS moves forward, it will fill the clear void between the Touring Car and GT classes, offering great racing by some of the marketplace’s hottest and most popular cars.”

While some say the World Challenge GT and Touring Car costs have gotten out of hand, SCCA hopes GTS class rules like stock transmissions, suspension parts and suspension pickup points will keep car build costs in check. To encourage aerodynamic developments, rear wings and front splitters will continue to be used.

To keep a mix of cars in GTS for 2010 and beyond, current GTS-spec Touring Cars like the Acura TSX and former competitors like the MAZDA3 and BMW 328i, will continue to compete in GTS. The performance of all GTS cars will be equalized through horsepower or weight adjustments determined by SCCA race officials.