Ferrari Veteran Adds Indy 8H to Busy End-of-Year Schedule
Toni Vilander, a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner, will add the Indianapolis 8 Hour to his already packed schedule. He will join AF Corse's lineup for the race, which will be the final round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge seasons. Vilander's addition to the AF Corse team was revealed by American racer Jay Schreibman during a Fanatec GT America race broadcast at Barber Motorsports Park. He will share the No. 183 Ferrari 296 GT3 with Schreibman and Oswaldi Negri during the eight-hour contest on Oct. 6.
Busy Schedule
Vilander's presence at the Indianapolis 8 Hour is a testament to his commitment to racing. This race adds to an already busy schedule for the Finnish driver. Vilander has been on the sidelines since he finished an FIA World Endurance Championship campaign with AF Corse in 2022. He is set to contest two endurance races at Indianapolis in a matter of weeks. He was recently confirmed to be part of DragonSpeed's GTD lineup for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's six-hour Battle on the Bricks event on Sept. 22.
Porsche's Absence
While Vilander is gearing up for a busy end-of-year schedule, there is a notable absence from the Indianapolis 8 Hour: Porsche. The championship leader has decided not to send any factory-supported teams to the IGTC title decider. This decision comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Porsche's strong performance in the series this year. The absence of Porsche's factory-supported teams adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Indianapolis 8 Hour, as it opens up the possibility for other teams to make a run for the championship.
A New Challenge
The Indianapolis 8 Hour is expected to be a challenging race for all participants. The track is known for its high speeds and unpredictable weather conditions. The race will also feature a diverse field of cars, including GT3s, GT4s, and TCRs. This mix of cars will create a dynamic and exciting race for fans to watch.
The Future of GT Racing
The Indianapolis 8 Hour is not just a significant event in the world of GT racing, it also highlights the evolving landscape of the sport. The use of torque is a hot topic in GT3, and SRO's Stephane Ratel has expressed concerns about the potential for cost escalation due to its implementation. Meanwhile, SRO's future in Jeddah may not be limited to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe. These developments suggest that the future of GT racing is uncertain, but exciting.
A Race to Remember
The Indianapolis 8 Hour is expected to be a thrilling and unpredictable race. With a star-studded lineup and a diverse field of cars, the race is sure to provide plenty of action and excitement for fans. The final race of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge seasons is set to be a memorable one for both the drivers and fans.
