SRO Unveils Independent Japan Cup and GT Asia Races from 2024
In 2024, SRO Motorsports Group will debut eight individual races in the Japan Cup, establishing it as a separate entity from the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia Powered by AWS. This shift marks the Japan Cup's emergence as a stand-alone series and the premier sprint-format GT championship in Japan.
Previously, the Japan Cup functioned as a subset of the Fanatec GT Asia events held in Japan. However, the forthcoming season will witness a separation, with the Japan Cup hosting its own events while also participating alongside the continental races at Fuji, Suzuka, and Okayama. These venues will host the newly minted SRO GT PowerTour, consisting of four one-hour races.
Japan Cup participants will also have exclusive test and qualifying sessions, distinguishing them further from their GT Asia counterparts. The Cup will primarily feature GT3 and GT4 classes, with GT2 and GTC also welcomed to compete. While GT3 Pro-Am and Am classes remain reserved for those with a JAF licence, GT4 will open to a broader range of Asian drivers, provided they meet specific criteria.
Benjamin Franassovici, SRO Motorsports Group Asia's General Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the Japan Cup's growth and the positive response received from teams and drivers. The aim is to create a balanced field of GT3 and GT4 cars, fostering a competitive and cost-effective platform for GT4 Am drivers across Asia.
The broader Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia will wrap up its season in Shanghai on September 14-15, returning to the Chinese Grand Prix circuit for the first time since 2019. The Japan Cup will commence with a solo event at Sugo in June, and after the SRO GT PowerTour, will culminate at Okayama on August 24-25.
The calendar reflects other shifts as well, such as Sepang's return to an early-season slot to facilitate logistics for subsequent rounds. This realignment accommodates necessary adjustments to the racing schedule, including a revised date for Suzuka.
As the Japan Cup concludes its four-event journey, the spotlight will then shift to Shanghai for the grand finale of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia. This series forms a significant part of SRO's global GT World Challenge, connecting the Asian circuit with its counterparts in Europe, America, and Australia.
The success of the series is anticipated to continue growing, with an increase in participation from Chinese teams and drivers and a robust entry list expected for the 2024 season.
UPDATED 2024 CALENDAR
The new schedule for the 2024 season is outlined, detailing race dates and locations from April to September, highlighting the independent fixtures for both the Japan Cup and the Fanatec GT Asia series.
April 20-21: Sepang > 2x 1hr Fanatec GT Asia races
May 11-12: Chang > 2x 1hr Fanatec GT Asia races
June 8-9: Sugo > 2x 1hr Japan Cup races
June 22-23: Fuji > 2x 1hr Fanatec GT Asia races & 2x 1hr Japan Cup races
July 6-7: Suzuka > 2x 1hr Fanatec GT Asia races & 2x 1hr Japan Cup races
August 24-25: Okayama > 2x 1hr Fanatec GT Asia races & 2x 1hr Japan Cup races
September 14-15: Shanghai > 2x 1hr Fanatec GT Asia races
More details when we get them.
