BIRMINGHAM, AL., (September 4, 2024) – Momentum is on the side of Flying Lizard Motorsports as the multi-effort racing team heads to Barber Motorsports Park after an eight-year SRO America absence from the scenic circuit. The Phoenix, Arizona-based team has enjoyed back-to-back podium weekends across their GT America, GT4 America, and GT World Challenge America and journeys to Birmingham, Alabama for another weekend filled with sports car racing.
Flying Lizard has had successes at the circuit before, including a 2015 victory with 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner and FIA World Endurance Championship champion Kevin Estre.
We are getting close to the end of the 2024 season and are looking forward to a return to the Barber Motorsports track. This is a tricky circuit because there are not many straightaways, most corners are tight and put a lot of load on the front of the car. We have had success here in the past and always like coming to this beautiful facility.
Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
Race Length: 90 minutes
Classes: Overall, Pro-Am, AM
Race Start: 9/7 at 3:15 PM CT, 9/8 at 2:15 PM CT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld
Elias Sabo and Andy Lee, in only their second weekend racing their No. 8 BMW M4 GT3. Sabo and Lee had a strong debut at Road America last month racing their No. 8 BMW M4 GT3. The pair ran as high as third place and earned their first top-five finish of the season. With limited time in the new car compared to their competitors, the lack of recent presence of SRO America at Barber Motorsports Park may level the playing field somewhat as everyone attempts to familiarize themselves with the circuit. This weekend marks the final double header event of the season for GT World Challenge before the series finale double-points race, the Indianapolis 8 Hour, October 6-8.
GT America powered by AWS
Race Length: 40 minutes
Classes: SRO3, GT2, GT4
Race Start: 9/7 at 1:00 PM CT, 9/8 at 8:40 AM CT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld
This weekend’s races at Barber will be the last of the year for GT America and GT4 America driver Todd Parriott, who will be unable to attend the season finale races next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parriott secured his first podium finish of the 2024 season last month at Road America in the No. 31 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 and will bring that momentum to this weekend’s races at Barber Motorsports Park.
After a challenging weekend at Road America, Jason Bell is coming to Barber hungrier than ever, determined to continue his progress made in GT3 racing this season. He has secured one podium so far this season in his No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT3, and will be a strong contender to do it again this weekend.
Pirelli GT 4 America
Race Length: 60 minutes
Classes: Silver, Pro-Am, Am
Race Start: 9/7 at 5:00 PM CT, 9/8 at 10:45 AM CT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld
The No. 5 Nissan Z GT4 made headlines at the previous doubleheader at Road America, with drivers Damir Hot and Andy Lee gaining a total of 29 positions in two races, celebrating a fourth podium for the Nissan. This weekend, Rodrigo Baptista will return to race with Hot, eager to continue the success they’ve built on throughout the recent race weekends.
Todd Parriott and Tom Dyer close out the Lizard lineup, racing the No. 13 Aston Martin Vantage GT4. The pairing remains in the hunt for their first podium of the season, and the intensity will turn up this weekend with just four races remaining in the 2024 calendar.
EVENT SCHEDULE | All Times Central
All Races on YouTube.com/GTWorld
Friday, September 6
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM GT America Practice One
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GTWCA Practice One
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Pirelli GT4 America
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM GT America Practice Two
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM GTWCA Practice Two
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM Pirelli GT4 America
Saturday, September 7
8:05 AM – 8:20 AM GT America Qualifying
9:05 AM – 9:20 AM GTWCA Race One Qualifying
9:25 AM – 9:40 AM GTWCA Race Two Qualifying
10:25 AM – 10:40 AM GT4 America Qualifying One
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM GT4 America Qualifying Two
1:00 PM GTWCA Autograph Session
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM GT America Race One
3:00 PM GT4 Autograph Session
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM GTWCA Race One
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM GT4 America Race Once
Sunday, September 8
8:40 AM – 9:20 AM GT America Race 2
10:30 AM GT America Autograph Session
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM GT4 America Race Two
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM GTWCA Race Two
About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.
The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.
About Apex Motor Club
Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.
