Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama

The Patrón Challenge by Yokohama is entering its fifth season of competition. Sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association and in conjunction with Porsche Motorsport North America, the series gives top semi-professional and gentlemen drivers from North America the opportunity to compete with such prestigious organizations as the American Le Mans Series in the world's most successful GT3 car – the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racer. In 2009, Challenge competitors will race in two classes, Platinum and Gold.

In 2007 the IMSA Challenge fields averaged 30 entries. In 2009 it is expected that series stops easily will see 40 cars per event as the Patrón Challenge by Yokohama continues growing in its fifth year as the largest single-make championship in the world. The purpose-built race cars, based on the Porsche 997 body style, will have sealed engines and transmissions, providing for close racing where the driver's talents are exemplified. PMNA will provide technical support for the series with personnel, parts and expertise both away from and at the track.

The Patrón Challenge by Yokohama will compete at six different North American venues in 2009. Stops on the 2009 schedule include– Sebring International Raceway, Miller Motorsports Park, Road America, Mosport International Raceway, Road Atlanta and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – with multiple venues holding two races per event weekend.

2009 PATRÓN GT3 CUP CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY YOKOHAMA SCHEDULE
Date Event Location
March 19-20 - Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring - Sebring International Raceway - Sebring, FL
May 16-17 - Utah Grand Prix Miller Motorsports Park - Tooele, Utah
Aug 15-16 - Generac 500 Road America  - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Aug. 29-30 - Grand Prix of Mosport Mosport International Raceway - Bowmanville, Ontario,Canada
Sept 24-25 - Petit Le Mans Road Atlanta - Braselton, Ga.
Oct. 10-11 - Monterey Sports Car Championships Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - Monterey, Calif.

Each event will have two 30 minute races, except for the Monterey Sports Car
Championships which will consist of one 30 minute race and one 1 hour 15 minute
endurance race.