Introduction
TF Sport, the renowned British sportscar outfit, has recently joined forces with General Motors’ brand, Corvette, to compete in the LMGT3 class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). As part of this partnership, TF Sport will field two examples of the impressive Corvette Z06 GT3.R, driven by factory drivers Daniel Juncadella and Charlie Eastwood. TF Sport’s team boss, Tom Ferrier, has expressed his desire to expand this collaboration to other prestigious races in the near future, including the Nurburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 Hours. TF Sport and Corvette GT3: A Partnership Set to Conquer Endurance Racing
In this article, we will explore TF Sport’s expansion plans, the unveiling of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Corvette’s factory-supported program, customer entries, and the potential for the Nurburgring and Spa races. Let’s dive into the exciting world of endurance racing and the partnership between TF Sport and Corvette.
TF Sport’s Expansion Plans
TF Sport’s current partnership with Corvette primarily focuses on the World Endurance Championship. However, Tom Ferrier has expressed his ambition to broaden their collaboration to include other races in the upcoming years. High on Ferrier’s list are the prestigious Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours, two races from which Corvette has been absent since 2011. Although Corvette cars were sporadically used by teams at the Nordschleife in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the C6.R achieved remarkable success in the Belgian enduro, securing two outright victories in 2007 and 2009 with the Carsport team.
Ferrier has provided insights into TF Sport’s timeline for participating in these legendary events. While he acknowledges that the team would love to compete in the big blue riband GT3 events like Spa 24 and the Nurburgring, he clarifies that it won’t be possible until 2025. Ferrier explains, “For us, in the next year, we only have two cars to start the season. So predominantly WEC and then we are expecting the third car in the summer time, trying to do some one-off races in different championships and some testing on the drivers for the following year.”
The Unveiling of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R, unveiled at Daytona earlier this year, marks a significant milestone for Corvette as it is the first car specifically designed to comply with FIA’s GT3 regulations. This remarkable machine replaces the C8.R as Corvette’s flagship race car and will be featured in a factory-supported program in the GTD Pro class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship next year. TF Sport will also benefit from Corvette’s support in their WEC campaign.
The Z06 GT3.R showcases Corvette’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of endurance racing. With its aerodynamic design, powerful engine, and cutting-edge technology, this car is poised to make a significant impact on the track. As TF Sport expands its partnership with Corvette, the Z06 GT3.R will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their quest for success.
Corvette’s Factory-Supported Program
Corvette’s commitment to the GT3 class extends beyond their collaboration with TF Sport. They have announced plans for a factory-supported program with the Z06 GT3.R in the GTD Pro class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This program aims to showcase the capabilities of the Corvette brand and further solidify its position as a force to be reckoned with in endurance racing.
By providing factory support to TF Sport in the WEC and fielding their own program in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, Corvette demonstrates their dedication to competing at the highest level of motorsport. This partnership not only benefits TF Sport but also bolsters Corvette’s presence in the world of GT3 racing.
Customer Entries and Future Races
Apart from their collaboration with TF Sport and their factory-supported program, Corvette is open to customer entries in various championships and races. While specific plans for 2024 have not been announced, Corvette remains receptive to the desires of their customers. Laura Wontrop Klauser, General Motors’ sportscar racing manager, emphasizes that the decision on where to race the Z06 GT3.R ultimately lies with the customer teams.
Corvette’s expansion plans include delivering cars to IMSA customers, WEC customers, and SRO North America customers in 2024. These customers will have the opportunity to race the Z06 GT3.R in the ’24 and ’25 seasons. Corvette’s flexibility and willingness to support customer teams in their racing endeavors further solidify their commitment to endurance racing and the GT3 category.
TF Sport’s Delivery Schedule
TF Sport’s plans for participating in the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours are contingent upon their delivery schedule for the third Z06 GT3.R. Tom Ferrier explains that the team expects the third car to arrive in the summer, allowing them to engage in one-off races in different championships and conduct driver testing for future campaigns. TF Sport’s primary focus for the upcoming year will be the WEC, with the goal of expanding their participation in other championships and races in the following seasons.
While TF Sport eagerly awaits the arrival of the third car, they remain committed to making their mark in the WEC. Once the delivery is complete, TF Sport will be in a stronger position to explore additional racing opportunities, including the highly anticipated Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours.
The Potential for Nurburgring and Spa
The Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours are iconic endurance races that attract top teams and drivers from around the world. TF Sport’s desire to compete in these events is a testament to their ambition and determination. While their entry in 2024 is not feasible due to the delivery schedule of the third Z06 GT3.R, Tom Ferrier has set his sights on the following year.
Ferrier states, “Then the plan is to have another two in 2024 [for 2025 seasons]. So possibly ELMS, GT World Challenge, and Asian Le Mans. Then there will be another two [cars], and then we will have loads of them!” TF Sport’s long-term strategy involves expanding their presence in multiple championships, including the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), GT World Challenge, and Asian Le Mans, setting the stage for their eventual entry into the Nurburgring and Spa races.
Corvette’s Openness to GT3 Enduros
Corvette remains open to the idea of participating in GT3 enduros, including the legendary Nordschleife race. Laura Wontrop Klauser affirms that Corvette is not against anything when it comes to race selection. They work closely with their customers to determine where it makes the most sense to race the Z06 GT3.R, ensuring appropriate support in terms of parts, cars, and overall requirements.
As the Z06 GT3.R gains momentum in the endurance racing scene, Corvette’s willingness to explore new opportunities and support customer teams reflects their commitment to the sport. Whether it’s conquering the Nordschleife or other iconic GT3 enduros, Corvette is ready to showcase the capabilities of their GT3 racer and take on new challenges in the world of endurance racing.
Conclusion
The partnership between TF Sport and Corvette in the LMGT3 class of the World Endurance Championship marks an exciting chapter in endurance racing. TF Sport’s expansion plans, the unveiling of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, the factory-supported program, and the potential for future races like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours demonstrate the ambition and determination of both teams.
As TF Sport awaits the delivery of their third Z06 GT3.R, they will focus on their WEC campaign, aiming to achieve success on the track. Simultaneously, Corvette will continue to support TF Sport while exploring additional customer entries and races for the Z06 GT3.R.
The future looks promising for TF Sport and Corvette as they aim to conquer endurance racing together. With their shared passion for excellence and the impressive capabilities of the Z06 GT3.R, the TF Sport and Corvette partnership is set to make a lasting impact in the world of GT3 racing.
