12C GT3 is eligible to race in the Pirelli World Challenge Series
Pirelli World Challenge supports the IZOD IndyCar series
McLaren has claimed five back-to-back Can-Am titles (1967-71) and three Indy500 victories (1972, 1974, 1976) in an illustrious racing history in the North American market
The McLaren 12C GT3 has been confirmed as eligible for the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC), by the series organizers following a strong competitive debut season in Europe. This announcement means that the British-built racer is now able to compete in North America for the first time.
The 12C GT3 enjoyed a promising 2012 season, claiming 19 victories and a further 19 podium finishes, and has been enhanced further for the 2013 season. These upgrades are designed to further optimise the performance of the car in the more varied conditions found in global championships. The enhancements are evident through the updated bonnet and ducting, designed to ensure that the 12C GT3 can run competitively in higher temperatures than those experienced during 2012.
The Pirelli World Challenge, now in its 24th consecutive season, is one of North America's leading production car-based racing championships, and is a support series for the IZOD IndyCar calendar. Each race is a 50 minute sprint, and sees the grid visit some of the leading purpose-built tracks and street circuits across the USA and Canada. The series is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing and races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.
McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: ‘McLaren has a very distinguished racing history in the United States, contesting and dominating the iconic Can-Am series with a record 43 race victories and five championships from 1967 to 1971, courtesy of our founder Bruce McLaren himself and his team-mate Denny Hulme.
‘We also won the legendary Indy 500 race three times – in 1972, 1974 and 1976 – courtesy of Mark Donohue and Johnny Rutherford.
‘Bearing in mind the Stateside successes of those four McLaren legends, it’s particularly pleasing to note that the McLaren 12C GT3 has now been approved to run in the Pirelli World Challenge – the sports car racing series that follows the IndyCar calendar.
‘The 12C GT3 enjoyed plenty of success throughout the last year, proving itself to be a true contender and claiming victories in a number of different championships across the world.
‘It will be a true testament to the enduring power of Bruce McLaren’s legacy to see the McLaren brand make a return to racing in North America on a regular basis throughout 2013, the year in which we’re celebrating the marque’s 50th anniversary.’
2013 McLaren 12C GT3 technical specifications
Chassis/Body
McLaren carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminium front and rear sub-frames
Bespoke lightweight carbon fibre body panels
Left hand drive
FIA-approved safety roll cage
Aerodynamics
Front splitter
Rear wing, fully adjustable with gurney
Front and rear diffusers
Engine/Management
Race-prepared 3.8L V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
McLaren Electronics ECU interfacing with Bosch ABS and Shiftec transmission control units
Transmission
Six-speed sequential motorsport transmission pneumatically actuated via steering wheel mounted paddles
Electrical System
Lightweight motorsport specification wiring and connectors
Electronic power management system
Membrane type switch panel
Data System
McLaren Electronics ‘ATLAS’ data system
Digital dash display
Front/Rear Suspension
Double wishbone adjustable for ride height, camber and toe
Four-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs
Motorsport axles with single wheel retaining nut
Adjustable anti-roll bars
Forged aluminium wheels: 12 x 18 (f), 13 x 18 (r)
Steering
Electro-hydraulic power assisted steering
Unique McLaren GT steering wheel developed from MP4-24 Formula 1 steering wheel
Fuel System
Motorsport ‘bag tank’ system with 120L capacity
Motorsport ‘quick-fill’ system
Lubrication
Mobil 1 engine and transmission lubrication
Brake System
Akebono monoblock calipers with ventilated discs: 6-piston caliper, 378Ø x 36mm disc (f), 4-piston caliper, 355Ø x 32mm disc (r)
Bosch motorsport ABS
Photos: McLaren Automotive
