Fans of single-marque racing series just got another menu item, as Aston Martin unveiled its plans to bring the Vantage GT4 Challenge to North America next year. Similar to the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge in the marque’s home country, this eight-race series will pit similarly-prepped Vantages against each other.
The Vantage GT4 racer embodies Aston Martin’s brutal yet sexy philosophy. It uses the same chassis and drivetrain as the road car, with an upgraded suspension, centrally-mounted bagged fuel tank and an FIA-approved roll cage.
The most visible changes are the interior, where the Vantage’s sumptuous hand-stitched leather has been stripped out in favor of weight savings, and the exterior sports an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing and a massive front splitter. The changes shave about 300kg from the car’s curb weight. The Vantage GT4 racers have also been developed with eligibility for other series in mind, including the Pirelli World Challenge and Continental Tire Series Championship.
Pirelli is the official sponsor for the new series, providing P-Zero tires for all competitors.
“We are understandably excited about this schedule and the quality of the tracks where we will be racing,” said GT4 Challenge Series Director LisaKay Foyle. “These venues are, without question, among the best road courses available here and we are very proud to be able to offer our teams and drivers the chance to fulfill their dreams of racing Aston Martins on these amazing circuits.”
Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of North America 2014 schedule
April 11-13 Road Atlanta
May 16-18 Watkins Glen
June 6-8 Virginia International Raceway
July 25-27 Circuit Mont Tremblant
August 29-31 Laguna Seca
October 10-12 Road America
November 21-23 Sebring International Raceway
