The series returns to the famed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the Île de Notre-Dame in Montreal as part of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend June 10 – 12, 2011. The series competed at Montreal in 2008, with Dino Steiner and eventual series champion Bob Faieta splitting the two races in Platinum Cup. Tony Rivera took both contests in the Gold Cup class during a season that saw him win 12 of 14 events.
Also rejoining the schedule is Tooele, Utah, with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars competing as part of the Utah Grand Prix weekend April 28 – May 1, 2011. This will be the series’ sixth consecutive appearance at Miller Motorsports Park, near Salt Lake City. Last year’s event was dominated by Maxwell Paper Racing’s Smith brothers, with Ross taking both races in the Platinum Cup class and older brother Kendall earning both Gold Cup victories. The wins were Ross Smith’s fifth and sixth of the year, on his way to the class championship and a record-setting nine victories.
Series manager Mike Simons looks forward to returning to both venues.
“I think the Canadian Grand Prix is a great opportunity for the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama drivers to display their talent in front of a very large Canadian and United States crowd,” said Simons. “An F1 event happens once a year in North America and to be part of it is a once in a lifetime experience for the teams and drivers.
“We’ve also had some good events at Miller Motorsports Park, so we’re glad to be able to put the date on our schedule. It’s always a competitive event and the open layout of the track really lends itself to a wide-open race.”
The IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama features semi-professional drivers racing head to head in the largest single-make series in North America. Powered by one of the world’s most successful race cars, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, the multi-class structure of the series teaches drivers essential skills for an eventual career in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón.
The series is divided into two classes; the Platinum Cup, featuring the more powerful 2011 and 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, and the Gold Cup, which includes 2005½ - 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.
2011 Schedule - IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama
Mar. 17 – 18 Sebring International Raceway
Apr. 29 – May 1 Miller Motorsports Park
June 10 – 12 Formula One Canadian Grand Prix
July 9 Lime Rock Park
July 23 – 24 Mosport International Raceway
Aug. 19 – 20 Road America
Sept. 17 – 18 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Sept. 29 – 30 Petit Le Mans
Subject to Change
All events will have two 45 minute races except; Montreal will only have one race and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will host a 45 minute race on Saturday plus an one hour and 15 minute Endurance race on Sunday, September 18, 2011.
