What Is 2022 GT World Challenge Australia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 GT World Challenge Australia was a national sports car racing series that launched in August 2022, featuring GT3-spec machinery across four rounds, with classes for Pro, Pro-Am, and GT Trophy drivers.

Key Facts

The 2022 season began on August 19 at Sydney Motorsport Park
Four rounds were held across Australia through November 2022
GT3-spec cars from manufacturers like Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and Ferrari competed
Pro, Pro-Am, and GT Trophy were the official driver classifications
The series was organized by the Australian Racing Group (ARG)

Overview

The 2022 GT World Challenge Australia marked the revival of top-tier grand tourer racing in the country after a multi-year absence. It was launched as a joint initiative between SRO Motorsports Group and the Australian Racing Group (ARG), aligning it with the global GT World Challenge framework.

Designed to showcase high-performance GT3 machinery, the series attracted professional teams and drivers from across Australia and internationally. The championship emphasized close competition across multiple driver classes and featured endurance-style formats.

August 19–21, 2022: The season kicked off at Sydney Motorsport Park in New South Wales, hosting the first of four rounds with a 90-minute endurance race format.
GT3-spec vehicles: Only FIA-homologated GT3 cars were eligible, including the Porsche 911 GT3 R, Mercedes-AMG GT3, and Ferrari 488 GT3.
Pro-Am structure: Teams were required to field at least one amateur-rated driver in Pro-Am entries, promoting accessibility for skilled club racers.
Points system: Championship points were awarded based on finishing position, with additional points for pole position and fastest lap.
TV coverage: All races were broadcast live on Stan Sport, increasing visibility and accessibility for motorsport fans nationwide.

How It Works

The GT World Challenge Australia operates under a structured racing format emphasizing driver categorization, vehicle balance, and competitive fairness.

Endurance Format: Each round featured a single 90-minute race requiring at least one mandatory pit stop and driver change, testing team strategy and car reliability.
Driver Ratings: The FIA driver categorization system was used, with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze ratings determining team class eligibility.
Balance of Performance (BoP): SRO implemented BoP adjustments monthly to equalize performance across different car makes, ensuring competitive parity.
Pro Class: Reserved for teams with two professional drivers, typically Platinum or Gold-rated, competing for overall victory.
Pro-Am Class: Required one professional and one amateur (Bronze or Silver) driver, promoting co-driving expertise and team coordination.
GT Trophy: Designed for older-spec GT3 cars or Bronze-only lineups, allowing cost-effective participation while maintaining competitive depth.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2022 GT World Challenge Australia with other major GT series:

Series	Rounds	Car Specs	Driver Classes	TV Coverage
GT World Challenge Australia	4	GT3 only	Pro, Pro-Am, GT Trophy	Stan Sport (live)
GT World Challenge Europe	7	GT3 only	Pro, Silver Cup, Pro-Am, Endurance Cup	DAZN, YouTube
IMSA Weathertech SportsCar	12	GT3, GTP, LMP2	Pro (GTD Pro), Am (GTD)	FS1, FS2
Super Taikyu (Japan)	6	GT3, ST-1, ST-2	ST-X, ST-1, ST-2	TS Video
DTM (Germany)	6	GT3-based Class 1	Pro, Rookie, Teams	RTL, DAZN

This comparison highlights how the Australian series aligns with global standards but operates on a more compact calendar. While smaller in scale than European or American counterparts, it maintains strict GT3 regulations and professional organization, making it a credible platform for regional talent.

Why It Matters

The 2022 GT World Challenge Australia played a crucial role in revitalizing high-level GT racing in Oceania and reconnecting Australian teams with the international motorsport community.

Revived elite racing: The series filled a void left by the collapse of the previous Australian GT Championship, restoring a premier national GT platform.
Global integration: As part of the SRO network, it enabled Australian drivers to earn points toward global SRO rankings and invitations to events like the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.
Pathway for drivers: Bronze-rated amateurs gained valuable experience in Pro-Am lineups, creating a development path toward international competition.
Economic boost: Each event attracted teams, sponsors, and spectators, contributing to local economies in host regions like New South Wales and Victoria.
Manufacturer engagement: Brands like Porsche and Mercedes-AMG supported customer teams, enhancing brand visibility and technical development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Media exposure: Live streaming on Stan Sport increased fan engagement and set a new standard for digital coverage in Australian motorsport.

With strong foundational support and alignment with global standards, the 2022 season laid the groundwork for sustained growth in Australian endurance racing.