2008 IMSA GT3 Cup schedule

A record number of venues, a season-ending endurance race and another appearance with Formula 1 highlight the 2008 schedule for the IMSA GT3 Cup by Michelin. A full field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will compete in 14 rounds at seven of the most prominent venues in North America.

Since its inception in 2005, the top semi-professional and gentlemen drivers from around the world have tested themselves in the largest single-make championship in North America. The series’ fourth season won’t prove to be any easier with stops at famed circuits such as Sebring, Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the American Le Mans Series. The highlight, however, will be two races at the Grand Prix of Canada at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It will mark the second straight year that will see the IMSA GT3 Cup by Michelin supporting an F1 event.

The series also will close its season with a one-hour, 15-minute endurance race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The balance of the 2008 schedule remains the same as 2007, a key point in the scheduling process.

“The 2007 was undoubtedly the closest and most competitive season of the IMSA GT3 Cup by Michelin," said Tim Mayer, IMSA Chief Operating Officer. “Competing at the Formula 1 US Grand Prix was an exciting time for all our teams and competitors, but the bigger thrill for me was hearing how well-received the entire schedule was by those in our paddock. With the support of Michelin and Porsche Motorsport North America, I firmly believe that the 2008 schedule goes above and beyond that. Our teams know these venues, and I’m confident fans will continue to enjoy and embrace the competition the IMSA GT3 Cup by Michelin provides."

The purpose-built Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars, based on the Porsche 997 body style, will have sealed engines and transmissions, providing for close racing where the driver's talents are exemplified. PMNA will provide technical support for the series with personnel, parts and expertise both away from and at the track.

2008 IMSA GT3 CUP BY MICHELIN SCHEDULE

Date	Event	Location
March 13-14	Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida	Sebring International Raceway Sebring, Fla.
May 17-18	Utah Grand Prix	Miller Motorsports Park Tooele, Utah
June 7-8	Grand Prix of Canada	Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Montreal, Quebec, Canada
July 18-19	Acura Sports Car Challenge	Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio
Aug. 23-24	Mobil 1 presents Grand Prix of Mosport	Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Oct. 2-3	Petit Le Mans	Road Atlanta Braselton, Ga.
Oct. 18-19*	Monterey Sports Car Championships	Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, Calif.

*Signifies one-hour, 15-minute endurance race.