Radical Motorsport has a close relationship with successful club racing in North America and in this week’s Racecraft Brief you will get a look into why that is. I also have a source of free track maps, why a new version of GT3 may be coming and much more!
Overview
Racecraft
1,200+ Free Track Maps (with Turn-By-Turn Guidance) Now Available
Your Data Driven has made available free track guides for 1,200+ circuits worldwide. Each track map shows a racing line, where to brake, turn in and apex, and the corners that matter most.
“The lines and guidance it gives you are A SUGGESTION. Your car is different, the track is idealised, the driver is really (really) good… (and several other caveats below!) So, don’t treat what this says as “right” or “wrong”. Treat the lines and guidance as a talking point. A starting point for a track you’ve never driven. Or, an opinionated alternative, to compare with what you already do.”
You can access the track maps here: https://www.yourdatadriven.com/motorsports-track-guides/
The Performance Gap Nobody Was Training
What separates a good racing driver from one who consistently performs at the highest level? In this article, Pieter Bulsink explores an often-overlooked gap in driver development: the difference between physical and technical training and the ability to consistently translate those skills into on-track performance.
It challenges drivers and coaches to look beyond conventional training methods and consider how performance preparation, decision-making and execution under pressure can be better integrated into driver development. An interesting perspective on why becoming faster isn’t just about spending more time behind the wheel, but about training the skills that turn preparation into performance.
IMSA Labs Announces GhostLap as First Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio Startup
IMSA Labs has confirmed that GhostLap, a video and data analysis platform for race teams, has been selected as the first startup to join the Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio.
An IMSA Labs initiative, the Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio is a new startup innovation program built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). The program is designed to help startups move from concept to validated solution by bringing together Oracle’s cloud and AI technologies, AMD compute and accelerators delivered through OCI, and IMSA’s live race operations, high-volume telemetry, and race-generated data. Oracle became a founding partner IMSA Labs in July.
“Motor racing and enterprise AI share the same demands: peak performance, absolute accuracy, and almost no margin for error,” said KP Papamiltiadis, senior vice president, global partnerships, Oracle. “That’s why the track is such a powerful proving ground for innovation. Through Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio, we’re giving startups like GhostLap the infrastructure to test their ideas under the most intense conditions, then take them to industries where they can make a real difference. GhostLap’s vision for video and AI insights goes well beyond racing, and we’re excited to help bring it to manufacturers building better digital twins and running smarter operations.”
GhostLap is a video-first driver-coaching tool that has supported open-wheel racing and is now expanding into sports car racing. It delivers strategic insights for drivers, engineers, team managers, and pit-wall personnel, while also offering applications in digital twins, industrial IoT, and smart manufacturing. GhostLap was selected for the Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio because its data-driven platform connects real-world and virtual environments to generate actionable insights. Through IMSA Labs, GhostLap can use IMSA data to refine its technology in motorsports and extend proven applications to industries beyond sport.
“We are honored for GhostLap to be selected as the first member of the inaugural cohort for the Oracle Cloud Innovation Studio,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “GhostLap is an ideal selection as they are very familiar with the value, accuracy and depth of the data generated in IMSA racing through their initial product. As GhostLap develops its technology to support the manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics industries, it will rely on IMSA’s data set to test and validate these new products.”
More details on GhostLap can be found at https://ghostlap.ai/.
Workshop About Simulation and Transient Handling Analysis in Motorsport
On the 12th of November, Racetrack Dynamics will be presenting their Workshop about Simulation and Transient Handling Analysis in Motorsport at the PMW im Cologne (Germany).
“Learn how time is gained or lost in the set up of the car, how to put metrics on the transient behavior of the car and let’s derive some models together to run simulation analysis without expensive software.”
The last 10 spots are still available. More details can be found here.
How a Pro Team Manages Data Acquisition
Lone Star Racing technical director AJ Petersen even finds it overwhelming–and he used to sell data acquisition systems. Fortunately, he has an important tool to help prioritize that information for his team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3: math channels. Grassroots Motorsports explains here.
Series Watch
Racing Safely | Driving Technology – Episode 2 | Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship 2026
Speed is only half the story. Go behind the scenes of the Aramco F4 Saudi Arabian Championship and meet the people working to keep everyone safe when the lights go out. From the trackside marshals to the medical and safety car drivers ready to respond at a moment’s notice, see how safety drives everything we do in this week’s episode of Driving Technology.
Ratel Suggests “New” GT3 Class to Go “Back to the Fundamentals”
Stephane Ratel has suggested the creation of a new GT3 class that would “go back to the fundamentals” amid continued discussions, including with the FIA, on the future direction of various GT platforms.
“But I continue to believe that GT3 has gone to a level where there needs to be a restructure and we should think of going back to what GT3 was with the FIA.”
Genesis ‘Not Here to Upset System’ With Magma GT3
Genesis Magma Racing team principal Cyril Abiteboul says the manufacturer is “not here to start upsetting a system” after revealing a concept for an extreme GT3 car earlier this year.
“Coming into a segment like [GT3], yes we want to do well, we want to do it at the right strategy and right level of execution, but equally we need to do things with a bit of humility.”
Eleven Teams Selected for the 2027-2029 FIA Formula 2 Seasons
The FIA Formula 2 Championship promoters have announced the eleven teams selected to compete in the 2027–2029 seasons. Ten teams from the 2026 grid have been retained for the next three-year cycle, with newcomers LN4 Fusion completing the line-up.
The selected teams, listed in alphabetical order, are ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, DAMS, Hitech, Invicta Racing, LN4 Fusion, MP Motorsport, PREMA Racing, Rodin Motorsport, TRIDENT and Van Amersfoort Racing. Each team will continue to enter two cars, maintaining a 22-car grid.
10 Years of F2: Bruno Michel, CEO
The 2026 season of Formula 2 marks the 10th edition of the championship in its current guise. To mark the occasion, Feeder Series put together a new series with interviews from those who have been there since the beginning, starting with championship CEO Bruno Michel.
“If you look at the situation 10 years ago, we had less than 12 events a year. We were racing mainly in Europe and in the Middle East. The visibility of F2 was not that big; the awareness of F2 was not that big at the time. We took a massive advantage of the way Formula 1 has been developing over the last 10 years as well under the leadership of Stefano Dominicalli and Liberty [Media].”
Colton Herta’s Superlicence: How One IndyCar Points Error Changed Everything
The FIA Superlicence system requires aspiring Formula 1 drivers to accumulate 40 Superlicence points over a rolling three-year period, with points awarded according to finishing positions in designated racing championships. However, Colton Herta’s attempt to reach that threshold exposed how an error in calculating IndyCar championship points can have significant consequences for a driver’s F1 ambitions.
Herta’s Superlicence points came from three IndyCar seasons: one point in 2023, 30 points for finishing second in 2024, and points from his 2025 campaign. The problem arose because Herta was initially credited with sixth place in the 2025 IndyCar standings, worth six Superlicence points. That would have given him 37 points from IndyCar, and another four from participating in F1 practice sessions, putting him comfortably over the 40-point requirement.
However, further investigation by the FIA established that Herta had actually finished seventh in the 2025 standings, tied on championship points with Felix Rosenqvist. Seventh place was worth only four Superlicence points, reducing his IndyCar total to 35 and leaving him with just 39 overall after his F1 practice appearances.
The FIA awards one Superlicence point for completing at least 100 kilometres in an F1 free practice session, provided the driver meets the other eligibility requirements. Although Herta had already participated in several sessions, a mechanical problem at Monza prevented him from completing the required distance and earning a point for that outing.
Consequently, Cadillac arranged another FP1 appearance for Herta at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where 24 laps of Interlagos would satisfy the 100-kilometre requirement and earn him the final point he needed. This would bring his total to 40 and allow him to apply for his Superlicence, keeping open the possibility of an F1 debut in 2027.
The episode illustrates how the Superlicence system works and how seemingly small discrepancies in championship classifications can have major implications for a driver’s career progression. It also highlights the importance of understanding how different championships contribute to the FIA’s points calculation.
Sources: The confusion surrounding Colton Herta’s F1 superlicence explained and Herta to contest FP1 in Brazil to obtain final superlicence point
Daytona Has Future “Vision” for IMSA ‘Speedweeks’
Daytona International Speedway has the “vision” to combine the Roar Before the Rolex 24 and Rolex 24 at Daytona into an IMSA version of ‘Speedweeks’ in the future according to track president Frank Kelleher.
“For us as the property, we want to host races,” he said. “I’ve talked with John Doonan and Ed Bennett that from Roar weekend to Rolex, imagine if we have racing going on every single day. Is that a possibility? That would be through these single-make manufacturer series.”
Strong Early Entry Of 37 Cars Announced For First Michelin 24H KYALAMI
With more than two months still remaining until the inaugural Michelin 24H KYALAMI roars into life at the renowned South African track, Creventic has revealed a very impressive early entry list of 37 cars for the hotly anticipated twice-round-the-clock race.
A Good Sized Field for First Ever Asian Le Mans Cup Weekend
The first ever Asian Le Mans Cup weekend will see a 17-car entry across the three classes with 8 LMP3 Pro, 4 LMP3 and 5 GT3 cars taking part in the two 2-hour races at the Circuit Paul Ricard on the 14/15 November 2026. The grid will consist of 12 teams and 34 drivers representing 16 different nations from across the world.
A First Look at New Perth Street Circuit
SCCA and Grassroots Motorsports Strengthen Partnership to Open More Motorsports Doors
For decades, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and Grassroots Motorsports (GRM) have helped automotive enthusiasts turn an interest in cars into something they can experience behind the wheel. Now, the organizations are strengthening that relationship around a shared goal: making motorsports more accessible through DIY, approachable, budget-friendly competition.
The agreement names GRM the Official Media Partner of SCCA and builds on an established foundation of member subscription benefits, shared storytelling, and programs that connect enthusiasts with opportunities to participate.
Beginning in 2027, the partnership will bring a new identity to SCCA’s Race Experience program, welcome Grassroots Motorsports Challenge cars built for $5,000 into SCCA events, and the two organizations will begin working together to develop and cultivate collegiate sports car clubs.
Calendar News
- Racing America announces 2027 competition schedule (RACER)
- USF Pro Championships reveals 2027 calendar (RACER)
- 2026-2027 Gulf Championship Postponed to 2027-2028 (Gulf Championship)
- F4 CEZ concludes 2026 season and prepares for fifth anniversary season in 2027 (F4 CEZ)
- Clio Cup 2027 Schedule Released (Clio Cup)
- NASCAR Euro Series Maps Out Unmissable 2027 Calendar (NASCAR Euro Series)
- NASCAR Euro Series Forges Eurasian Expansion: Multi-Year Agreement Brings the Championship to Georgia (NASCAR Euro Series)
- British F4 announces 2027 Calendar (British F4)
- British F4 to race at Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix in 2027 (British F4)
- BMW M2 Cup 2027 Schedule (BMW M2 Cup)
- ADAC Tourenwagen Junior Cup 2027 Schedule (ADAC)
- Proto Racing Series Announces 2027 Schedule (PRS)
- New Race Format for Mustang Cup; 2027 Calendar Released (Sportscar365)
- Emzone Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin Registration Open (FEL)
- Plum Pudding 2026 – ENTRIES NOW OPEN (750 MC)
Team Moves
- Porsche AG increases its stake in Manthey Racing GmbH (Porsche)
- Lando Norris’ LN4 Fusion Set for Sepang Debut with Williams Junior Bondarev (Asian Motorsport)
- Car Blanche expanding to Asian Le Mans in partnership with with RSL (RACER)
- Dodge returns to NASCAR Cup Series in 2027 with Kaulig Racing (NASCAR)
- Iron Lynx Announces Two-Car ALMS Effort (ALMS)
- Lone Star Racing Confirms First Full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Season for 2027 with Lin Hodenius and James Roe (Lone Star Racing)
- LN4 Fusion Set for Formula Trophy Malaysia Debut (LN4 Fusion)
- Histo Cup 2027 Calendar Released (Histo Cup)
- Triple Eight To Make Bathurst 12H Return With Pro Mustang (Daily Sportscar)
- Hanley Launches Multi-Car, Dual Series BMW Effort (Sportscar365)
Race Car Watch
The Future of BMW M? | Explaining the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse with BMW M CEO and IMSA President
The Country Club Car of Choice: Insight from Radical’s North American Success
North America is Radical Motorsport’s largest market, accounting for a significant proportion of the 90% of its production exported worldwide. Integral to that success has been the popularity of Radical race cars at the region’s motorsport country clubs, cementing the company’s reputation as the ‘country club car of choice’.
Having helped clubs across North America establish thriving race series, Radical’s Tom Drewer has first-hand experience of what it takes to build successful club racing programs.
To coincide with the annual Motorsports Club of Clubs conference at The Motor Enclave in Florida, itself a Radical dealership, Tom shares his insight into what makes a successful partnership and how clubs can deliver a rewarding experience for their members. You can read the full interview here.
You can also find out a bit more about racing Radicals in my interview with Tom Burgess of Radical Canada on the Motorsport Prospects Podcast here.
Build To Win | S1 E4: Inside ORECA Motorsport at Magny-Cours
Financial Considerations in Vintage Motorsport
For independent race drivers interested in vintage motorsport, financing can be just as important as finding the right car and championship. Specialist motorsport finance can help make the purchase of a historic race car and the costs of competing more manageable, opening up opportunities to enjoy classic racing without tying up all your available capital. This look at Classic & Sports Finance highlights the financial considerations behind keeping vintage motorsport accessible and helping drivers get onto the grid.
From the Sim Racing Roundup
From the Sim Racing Roundup
NASCAR and Logitech G have partnered to support both sim racing and real-life driver development, and I had the details in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup. You will also learn how a driver sets up a virtual test session for learning a real-life track and much more!
Track Days
P1 Motor Club: First laps, Mercedes-AMG Partnership & Member Days | October 2026
- Creventic Announces Exceptional CR Track Days Schedule For 2027
- Expanded CR Track Days Calendar for 2027
- Summer Apex and Circuit Legends Are Back for 2027
- CosmoSport Track Events in December
- RMA Track Days Update
Seats & Tests
- Graff Racing Announces November Discovery Tests
- J A Motorsport Formula Test Days in India this December
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
