McLaren's US Racing Series Ready to Ignite: F1 Circuit Spotlight and More
In a thrilling turn of events, McLaren has solidified its presence in the racing world by launching its first-ever US season of the McLaren Trophy series in 2025. Modeled after the highly successful Ferrari Challenge, this one-make race series pits both emerging and amateur racing drivers against each other, backed by full-throttle McLaren support—logistics, spare parts, and on-point track-side assistance.
McLaren has just revealed the schedule for what promises to be an electrifying debut season in the United States. The series will run alongside the GT World Challenge America, spanning five high-octane rounds. Mark your calendars because each round will feature two exhilarating 50-minute races, complete with mandatory pit stops for driver changes, all of which will be live-streamed on McLaren Automotive’s YouTube channel.
Race Calendar and Iconic Circuits
The dates and locations for this groundbreaking series have been set: Sonoma Raceway (March 28-30), Circuit of the Americas (April 25-27), Virginia International Raceway (July 18-20), Road America (Aug. 15-17), and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Oct. 3-5). True racing aficionados will note that the Circuit of the Americas is none other than the present-day home of the United States Grand Prix, infusing the series with authentic Formula 1 allure.
McLaren Trophy one-make race series
Supercar Showdown: Artura vs 570S
Central to the series will be the high-performance McLaren Trophy race cars. At the forefront is the race-ready variant of the McLaren Artura supercar, though aficionados of the former 570S Trophy won’t be left in the dust. Teams still using the 570S Trophy in Europe can compete in the US series, albeit in separate classes from the newer Artura. This ensures a diverse but fair competitive landscape.
Despite being closely aligned with their road-legal counterparts, the Trophy supercars boast some significant tweaks. Expect enhanced aerodynamics, upgraded powertrains, and top-notch safety systems. McLaren asserts that these modifications bring the vehicles' performance perilously close to that of GT3 race cars. For instance, the Artura Trophy has ditched its road-going plug-in hybrid system, relying solely on a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, which has been tuned to deliver a formidable 577 horsepower—just shy of the road model’s 596 hp but lacking none of the thrill.
Performance and Prestige
The McLaren Trophy series not only promises head-to-head competition but also serves as a proving ground for future racing stars and a playground for seasoned veterans. With McLaren’s unyielding commitment to automotive excellence, participants can expect nothing less than a masterclass in speed, strategy, and sheer driving pleasure.
Whether you’re a fledgling racer hoping to make a name or a seasoned driver looking for your next adrenaline rush, the McLaren Trophy series offers an unparalleled stage. With its iconic venues and top-tier track support, the debut US season is primed to captivate audiences and elevate competitors to new heights.
If you're eager to catch all the live-action, don't miss the McLaren Automotive's YouTube channel. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a spectacle of speed, skill, and high-stakes motorsport drama. So, buckle up and get ready to witness history in the making as McLaren brings its racing prowess stateside.