Speedvision showed 2 hours of this today. I caught about half, and it was good racing. I have a few questions though-

It appears rounds 4 and 5 were both at Road Atlanta. Is this correct?

The same drivers drove different cars in each round. Auberlen appeared to be driving a prepared E46 325 or 328 (blue and yellow Turner Motorsports car), but in Round 5 he was driving a red, black, and white E46 M3 that appeared to be the M3GT. What's the story?

stjobs

Originally posted by stjobs
It appears rounds 4 and 5 were both at Road Atlanta. Is this correct?

Nope, rounds 4 and 10 are at Road Atlanta this year

The same drivers drove different cars in each round. Auberlen appeared to be driving a prepared E46 325 or 328 (blue and yellow Turner Motorsports car), but in Round 5 he was driving a red, black, and white E46 M3 that appeared to be the M3GT. What's the story?

Nah, you were watching the Touring Car and the GT races. Auberlen drives in both classes. He races a 325 for Turner Motorsports in Touring class, and a M3 for PTG in GT class. I think Auberlen is the only driver that is currently driving both classes.

Thanks for clearing that up. I also saw a Porsche in the GT class when there was no Porsche in Touring class. So I guess I watched 2 different classes at the same course...

stjobs

Originally posted by stjobs
Thanks for clearing that up. I also saw a Porsche in the GT class when there was no Porsche in Touring class. So I guess I watched 2 different classes at the same course...

Outside of strange circumstances, GT and TC (Touring Car) classes race on the same weekend at the same track, along with ALMS and Star Mazda. If you are a fan of World Challenge, you should try to attend an ALMS race, as it's a weekend full of great racing that usually starts on Friday and doesn't end till Sunday afternoon. Best spectator motorsports event in the U.S.

I agree with Bryan. The best part about it is that you are able to talk 1 on 1 with drivers and crew.

Originally posted by BMWRacerITS
If you are a fan of World Challenge, you should try to attend an ALMS race, as it's a weekend full of great racing that usually starts on Friday and doesn't end till Sunday afternoon. Best spectator motorsports event in the U.S.

No doubt about it. :buttrock

Nothing like standing at pit entrance at Sebring as the cars enter, or milling thru the Touring Car pit area. Fantastic stuff.

Another motorsports "must do" is walking the grid at the Rolex 24 hours before the start of the race and watching them rebuild the same cars later that day in the pit area while trying to avoid getting run over by speeding golf carts. Can't wait for October!

Originally posted by DannO
Another motorsports "must do" is walking the grid at the Rolex 24 hours before the start of the race and watching them rebuild the same cars later that day in the pit area while trying to avoid getting run over by speeding golf carts. Can't wait for October!

Unfortunately, the France family is trying their hardest to run Grand-Am and the 24 Hours of Daytona into the ground, and the event hasn't been nearly as fun lately. Imagine the 24 Hours of Daytona with the current ALMS teams!! Not THAT would be an event.

Both the 12 hrs. of Sebring and the Rolex 24 are great races! And Bill Auberlen is seriosuly the man. I guess I cant leave out the PTG M3's either.