AUSSIE international driver Tom Sargent will remain ‘stateside’ and make the transition to GT racing in 2024, confirming his participation in the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge America series.

Sargent will join Global Motorsport Group (GMG) for the 13-event series, driving a Porsche 992 GT3R with Kyle Washington.

It marks a change of tack for the young Aussie rising star, who made an immediate impact on the US Sports Car racing scene last year by finishing second on debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship.

Driving for Aussie squad McElrea Racing, in 16 races he scored 10 podium finishes, a pair of pole positions and an impressive win in the penultimate event of the year at the iconic Lagua Seca circuit in California, at the famed Porsche Rennsport event.

Later in the year he made his GT debut driving a Mercedes-AMG in the Indianapolis 8 Hour with DXDT Racing, an event that grabbed GMG’s attention ahead of confirming their 2024 program.

Sargent’s switch from Carrera Cup to GT racing comes with McElrea Racing’s support and blessing, while Sargent will link with Washington in a strong Pro-Am combination to tackle the GT World Challenge series this year.

“I can’t thank Andy and both the Australian and US-based McElrea Racing Teams for their support and for providing me the opportunity to not only race in the USA, but also opening the doors for further development in my racing career with my move to GT Racing full time here in the US,” Sargent said.

“Even though Carrera Cup is a global series run around the World, the US Series differs by way of rolling starts and the use of ABS braking. Additionally, the US has moved away from the relationship with Michelin which makes the transition between the Carrera Cup in the USA and the rest of the World more challenging.

“The opportunity with GMG is incredible and it’s one I’m going to grab with both hands. Kyle and the team have been great to work with so far and I think we’ve got an exciting year ahead.

Tom will make his 2024 GT debut on board the EBoost Super Fuel Porsche 992GT3R at Sonoma Raceway in California.

“I really looking forward for Race 1, and hopefully reward GMG for their faith in me,” he said.

“The Porsche GT3R has all the suspension adjustments available similar to most race cars. The principals that I learnt in Formula Ford have given me a good understanding on this, so I look forward to working with the team to get the best out of the car and myself this year.

“It’s an exciting new challenge with lots of learning ahead but it’s something I can’t wait to get stuck into.

“I just can’t thank EBOOST Energy Drinks and BN3TH Men’s Activewear for their support in partnering with me for the 2024 season.”

Sargent’s rise in the US GT scene came following a rapid rise to prominence as a young star in Australia, one that saw him claim the 2021 Australian Formula Ford Championship and the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia series a year later, also claiming a win in the Bathurst 6 Hour Production Car enduro along the way.

His impressive debut in the United States last year came amidst a competitive year for the North American Carrera Cup Championship.

Sargent’s first race in GT World Challenge America will come on the April 5-7 weekend in California, before subsequent races at Sebring, Circuit of the Americas, Virginia International Raceway, Road America and Barber Motorsports Park prior to the finale at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Indianapolis 8 Hours.

2024 GT World Challenge America Race Schedule

Round 1 & 2 – 5/7 April                          Sonoma Raceway – California
Round 3 & 4 – 3/5 May                            Sebring Raceway – Florida
Round 5 & 6 – 17/19 May                      COTA – Texas
Round 7 & 8 – 19/21 July                      Virgina Raceway – Virginia
Round 9 & 10 – 16/18 August           Road America – Wisconsin
Round 11 & 12 – 6/8 September    Barber Motorsports Park – Alabama
Round 13 – 4/6 October                       Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Indianapolis