Get ready for an exhilarating race weekend as the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa gears up with a thrilling 70-car entry list! This year's event promises to be an absolute spectacle, with an impressive lineup of teams and drivers ready to battle it out on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Personally, I'm thrilled to see the expansion of the field, which adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to an already prestigious race.
The Lineup
The top Pro class takes center stage with 18 crews, showcasing some of the best talent in GT racing. Among them, the Schumacher CLRT Porsche team stands out, boasting an all-factory driver lineup. Ayhancan Guven, Matt Campbell, and Laurin Heinrich will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
In the Gold Cup, we have nine entries, including the impressive 2 Seas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG. With Lewis Williamson, Scott Noble, Jason Hart, and Aaron Walker behind the wheel, this team is sure to make a strong impression.
The Silver Cup category sees 16 crews, while the Bronze class boasts an impressive 19 entries. It's fascinating to see the diversity of manufacturers represented here, with Porsche leading the way with 16 cars. Teams like High Class Racing, Tsunami RT, and Car Collection Motorsport are bringing their unique Porsche flavors to the track, adding to the overall excitement.
Extra Entries and Driver Lineups
Several teams have expanded their contingents, bringing additional cars and star drivers to the mix. AF Corse, for instance, fields a fifth Ferrari with an impressive driver lineup, including factory driver Miguel Molina. The HAAS RT squad, a regular in the Creventic 24H Series, enters an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, showcasing their versatility.
One of the most intriguing additions is the Era Motorsport entry, featuring 2024 British Touring Car champion Jake Hill. Hill's presence adds a unique dynamic to the race, as he brings his single-seater expertise to the GT world.
Qualifying Format Shake-up
In addition to the exciting entry list, SRO has revealed a new qualifying format that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The traditional Thursday evening qualifying session will be followed by a knockout Superpole on Friday afternoon. This format ensures that the fastest crews progress, creating an intense battle for pole position.
A Step Back
What makes this year's 24 Hours of Spa particularly fascinating is the blend of established teams and fresh faces. The expanded entry list provides an opportunity for up-and-coming drivers and teams to make their mark on the international stage. It's a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of GT racing, as more manufacturers and drivers seek to test their mettle at one of the most renowned endurance races in the world.
As we gear up for this thrilling event, one thing is certain: the 2026 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is set to deliver an unforgettable racing experience, leaving us with memories and stories that will be retold for years to come.
