On the heels of a Mission Statement issued earlier this month to outline the future direction of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) officials today unveiled substantial efforts to reduce operating expenses for competitors in addition to a comprehensive list of existing and new car models conditionally approved for 2016 competition.

Among cost-control initiatives for the 2016 season is the introduction of series-approved onboard air jack kits (non-mandatory) for all Continental Tire Challenge race cars.

To reduce costs further in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, IMSA will change the Sporting Regulations to reflect a maximum of three crew members over the wall during pit stops, (down from four in 2015).

IMSA will allow tires to be placed on the “cold” side of the pit wall or positioned on tire stands prior to the car coming to a stop in its pit box as the three “over the wall” crew members will be prohibited from receiving any “behind the wall assistance” once the car is stopped in the pit box. The three are the only personnel allowed to touch the tires. The maximum of two “wheel guns” will remain in effect.

The 2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge will continue to feature and approve Grand Sport (GS) cars built to current IMSA specifications. IMSA will closely monitor the growth and development of the GT4 category internationally. GT4 cars that meet certain IMSA criteria may be considered on an individual basis for future selection.

The popular Street Tuner (ST) category continues to see an influx of evolving road car technology while maintaining a consistent performance balance across a large spectrum of eligible makes and models.

IMSA officials also clarified and provided a comprehensive list of new car models eligible and those conditionally approved for Competition in the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (see below).

Cars Currently Approved for Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Competition

Grand Sport (GS)

Aston Martin Vantage

BMW M3 E92 coupe

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R

Ford Mustang FR500C (5.0) 2009-

Ford Mustang Boss 302R GT

Ford Shelby GT350R-C

Nissan 370Z (3.7)

Porsche 997 Carrera S (3.8) Direct Injection

Subaru WRX STi

Street Tuner (ST)

Audi S3 2015

BMW 128i (3.0)

BMW 328i (E90) sedan

BMW 328i (F30) sedan

Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan JDM 2011-

Honda Civic Si (2.0) USDM 2011-

Honda Civic Si 2.4L

Hyundai Genesis

Mazdaspeed 3

Mazda MX-5 Miata

MINI Cooper JCW 2015-

Nissan Altima V6

Porsche Boxster 2.9L 987

Porsche Cayman 2.9L 987

New Cars Conditionally Approved for Competition

Grand Sport (GS)

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi RS5

Audi TTRS

BMW M4

Chevrolet Camaro SS 2016-

Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

Dodge Challenger

Lexus RC-F

Lotus Evora 400

Porsche Cayman GT4 race car

Street Tuner (ST)

Alfa Romeo 4C

Audi A4 2.0

Audi TTS

Buick Regal 2.0L

Cadillac ATS Sedan 2.0L

Ford Focus ST

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Kia Optima SX

Kia Forte Koup Turbo

Lexus IS350

Mitsubishi Lancer Raliart

Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Subaru WRX

Volkswagen GTI 2014-

Volkswagen Golf R 2015-

Volkswagen Beetle R-Line

Volkswagen Jetta GLI