What off-season? Winter series is bigger than ever as demand soars for year-round racing
Winter no longer has to mean a racing shutdown: as cold temperatures arrive in Britain, surging numbers of drivers are heading to Southern Europe for an 'Endless Summer' of track days and championships
GT cars — including Ferrari Challenge and Lamborghini Super Trofeo machines — are eligible for the GT WInter Series
Sponsored by Gedlich Racing
October traditionally brought garage doors down on Europe’s racing season, leading to long months ahead of empty circuits, cars trickle-charging and racing highlights on repeat.
But as the frost descends in Britain, a new winter season is thriving in Spain and Portugal. Surging demand for off-season track days in southern Europe has now given rise to new racing series for drivers itching to get back on track.
Entries remain open for Gedlich Racing’s Winter Series of races. This runs over six weekends with championships for single-seaters, prototypes and GTs — including Ferrari Challenge and Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars. The full testing and race schedule runs from January to March in locations such as Jerez, Portimao, Estoril, Barcelona and Aragon.
Winter Series now has four categories after starting with a GT championship
Last year 200 drivers competed across two categories (GT Winter Series & Formula Winter Series), and this year Gedlich Racing’s Winter Series will consist of no less than four series: GT Winter Series, GT4 Winter Series, Prototype Winter Series and Formula Winter Series. With a maximum of 30 to 40 entries per racing category, this season is promised to be bigger and better, welcoming fans for free at every race track. For those who can’t come to the southern of Europe to enjoy the action and thrill of racing in real-life there will be livestreams and highlights videos from every race of the season.
In addition, there are also several sunshine-soaked Endless Summer track days running until the 2024 season begins.
The Winter Series evolved out of an urge to escape the cold winter weather and give drivers the chance to perfect track-driving on some of the best-known circuits in Southern Europe. First, the track day series Endless Summer was born, offering amateur drivers an incomparable calendar with track days in Spain and Portugal from December to March. Vehicle transport, accommodation, parts and tyre service are all included. Drivers can rely on select hotels and excellent service.
Formula Winter Series is open to F4 cars
Then, during one lunch break in Ascari, a funny comment led to a new set of ambitious plans. After driving and getting to know the beautiful circuit under blue skies and with balmy temperatures, the participants of the Endless Summer Ascari event requested if it would be possible to organise a race: “Just a couple of laps and basically nothing to win” one of the participants joked. It was the spark that ignited a new format. In addition to the Endless Summer calendar, Gedlich Racing launched the very first GT Winter Series — a racing championship for GT cars in southern Europe.
Now in its fifth year, the Winter Series has become a renowned fixture in off-season racing. The four different series are spread over six weekends — from amateur to junior professional, levels and the concept has grown to be an excellent operating platform for teams with GT, GT4, Prototype and Formula cars.
With live streams, fans attending, professional marketing and international equipment partners on site at every event from January to March, exciting racing action is assured for both participants and fans.
Slots for each championship and race days are available, but are filling up fast. Click below for more information.