SRT's new Viper GTS-R sports car will make its race debut in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón during the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 4. The SRT Motorsports team completed a recent SRT Viper GTS-R testing program at the circuit, where officials and team members deemed the car ready for ALMS competition.
“The anticipation of SRT's new Viper GTS-R debuting in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón continues to grow with every photo and video of the new car testing,” ALMS president and CEO Scott Atherton said. “I know fans around the world can't wait to see the SRT Viper GTS-R race head-to-head against BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche and Lotus in what already is the best and most competitive GT racing in the world. Today's confirmation of the Viper's much anticipated debut makes Mid-Ohio even more of a can't-miss event for the lucky fans who will be attending and our live TV audience on ABC.”
Two identical SRT Viper GTS-R cars will race at Mid-Ohio as part of a limited 2012 ALMS season. The factory team aims for a full GT championship run in 2013.
SRT Motorsports has partnered with Riley Technologies, based in Mooresville, N.C., on the design and build process of the new SRT Viper GTS-R racecars. Similar production-based moderately modified two-wheel-drive cars comprise the GT class. They share many styling similarities to their showroom brands and by ALMS rules must have a minimum weight of 2,745 lbs. The cars produce between 450-500 lbs with top speeds of up to 180mph.
Three full-time drivers currently are signed to drive including Dominik Farnbacher, Marc Goossens and Kuno Wittmer. IndyCar racer Ryan Hunter-Reay will join the team for Petit Le Mans. Additional driver and team announcements will be forthcoming.
“The decision to make our debut at Mid-Ohio is a result of the progress made with our testing program,” said Gary Johnson, road racing manager for SRT Motorsports. “The car has shown steady performance. Each test has met and more often exceeded our expectations, so we'll see how things go at Mid-Ohio and then make a decision about the rest of the 2012 season.”