McLaren 12C GT3 approved to race in North America

When McLaren released details on the 12C GT3 in January, the racing world became excited because the 19 podium winner of 2012 was now going global.

That's truly the case as the McLaren 12C GT3 has now received approval for the Pirelli World Challenge Series as part of the IZOD IndyCar series. This will mean that the car will mark the British maker's first time ever to offer the 12C GT3 to competitors in the PWC. Enhancements to this latest version of the car were made in order to boost its competitiveness in global racing and to meet the varied challenges of global championship racing. The updated bonnet (hood) and duct work mean better engine thermal control in warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels.

The Pirelli World Challenge enters its 24th consecutive season as one of North America's leading production car-based championships and is the support series for the IZOD IndyCar run. The series is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing on both purpose-built tracks and temporary closed street courses. Races are fifty minute sprints and occur all over the country.

"McLaren has a very distinguished racing history in the United States," said McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh, "contesting and dominating the iconic Can-Am series with a record 43 race victories and five championships from 1967 to 1971, courtesy of our founder Bruce McLaren himself and his team-mate Denny Hulme.

"We also won the legendary Indy 500 race three times – in 1972, 1974 and 1976 – courtesy of Mark Donohue and Johnny Rutherford."

This return to North American racing will continue the Bruce McLaren race legacy.