The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views

From practice to podium: A weekend inside GT Racing at COTA

DeQuan Carter, Reporter • May 21, 2026
DeQuan Carter / Hilltop Views
GT World Challenge introduced a unique motor racing spectacle to Austin with another adrenaline-fueled weekend at Circuit of the Americas. This time, it was about finesse, tactics and stamina. With the engines revving up and preparations taking place for the practice session, teams positioned themselves along the pit lane. This series comprises numerous GT3 vehicles from various brands globally. It highlights both superb engineering and exceptional driving ability. The paddock atmosphere resembled a top-level sports car racing environment, with chaos in the pits and intense competition on the track. With the grid forming itself against the backdrop of dark clouds, COTA demonstrated once more its reputation as a challenging and iconic venue for international motor racing events.
GT World Challenge was back at Circuit of The Americas, emphasizing precision, teamwork and strategy. Down in the pit lane, teams worked rapidly as vehicles queued up before the event. Within the group, David Leckos waited behind the wheel of the No. 89 Ginetta, representing Racingsport, while he carried out his participation in GT America. With the ignition of the engines and preparations for tackling one of the most challenging courses in the nation, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation before the race started.
BMW M4 GT4 from Texas Fast Track Racing, piloted by Mark Boden and Toby Grahovec, is making its way on Circuit of The Americas in a practice session prior to GT World Challenge weekend. This is part of their effort to bring several entries from the BMW family, which allows them to analyze the vehicle’s performance through practice sessions. Through this, drivers can get a hang of the course while the team collects relevant information for qualifying and racing conditions.
The No. 99 Random Vandals Racing BMW M4 GT3, piloted by Connor De Phillippi and Chandler Hull, races down Circuit of The Americas in a GT World Challenge America powered by AWS session. With success in previous rounds, the two drivers have been improving their speed and consistency as they gear up for the difficulties that come with the track. Sessions such as these provide an opportunity for teams to review data, fine-tune their setups and generate momentum before race day at one of the most challenging circuits in the championship.
Dan Lohan of the Random Vandals Racing team gets ready to enter the vehicle while a crew member helps him during a practice run. These practice runs were utilized by teams to practice changing drivers and pit stops because they were essential in endurance racing.
Mercedes-AMG GT3 No. 34 JMF Motorsports is seen here navigating the curbing of the track, which serves as the backdrop for their race in the GT World Challenge America event. In the Pro-Am division, the combination of Michai Stephens and Jesse Webb had a successful race and claimed the class win over the course of the event due to their consistent race craft throughout the weekend.
Drivers for Wright Motorsports share their joy after clinching a podium finish in the GT World Challenge America race held on April 26. Of the group, Samantha Tan was recognized as the lone female driver among the ranks of GT3 racers who participated in the event. This achievement signifies both her remarkable performance throughout the week and her rising prominence within a male-dominated arena.
Tags:
More to Discover
More in Sports
Current head coach Brian Young and associate head coach Corey Miller stand on the sidelines of Lewis-Chen Family field for the spring season.
‘Golden blueprint’ guides St. Edward’s men’s soccer rebuild after COVID-19 disruption
Head coach Andre Cook circa March 2021, coaching the Hilltoppers to a second round win in the Lone Star Conference tournament against the Texas A&M University–Kingsville Javelinas in Canyon, Texas.
Authenticity, honesty anchors men’s basketball program through COVID-19 challenges
Head coach J.J. Riehl circa November 2018, coaching the Hilltoppers to win over Kutztown University at home.
How ‘one team, one family, one love’ became symbol of resilience, togetherness for women's basketball program
Shortly after being hired, Nuno Gourgel coached his first women's soccer spring game. He knows that by bringing student athletes to St. Edward's, he's able to them "great education, great location and a great experience." To him, one of the most unique and attractive aspects of St. Edward's is the "unbelievable" view from the Lewis-Chen Family Field.
‘Respect, confidence, trust’: Nuno Gourgel arrives at the hilltop with a clear vision for women’s soccer program
Friends and family gather around to watch the 7x7 rugby tournament. Rugby alumni reunite and reminisce on their time on the hilltop, enjoying the drinks and atmosphere.
Club sports tailgate welcomes alumni back to the hilltop
The 2007-2008 St. Edward’s men’s basketball team, coached by head coach Ryan Marks at St. Mary’s University circa February 2008.
The making of a rivalry: How Battle of the Saints became a tradition