For Kellymoss driver Riley Dickinson, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) represents far more than a routine stop on the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America calendar. Instead, it offers a rare blend of familiarity and competitive intensity, as the Texan returns to a track located just a short distance from his home in New Braunfels.
As a result, the weekend carries added significance. Not only does Dickinson benefit from local knowledge, but he also enjoys the comfort of a home event—something few drivers experience during a demanding season.
Dickinson on his personal connection to COTA
Dickinson’s bond with Circuit of The Americas stretches back several years, shaping his development as a racing driver. His early experiences at the circuit laid the foundation for his understanding of its unique challenges.
“It’s always fun to be here at home and sleep in my own bed,” Dickinson said to GTWC World. “It’s a nice treat.”
Since first driving at COTA in 2018 during a Porsche test, Dickinson has built both confidence and respect for the circuit’s technical demands.
“The Esses are high speed, high commitment,” he explained. “There’s a lot going on. The car is moving side to side, back and forth, and you have to be very precise with where you place it. If you get it wrong, it can go wrong in a big way.”
Consequently, his familiarity with the track becomes a valuable asset, particularly in a competitive GT3 field where precision often defines performance.
A season focused on development
This season marks a crucial phase in Dickinson’s career as he competes in GT3 machinery with Todd Parriott. Together, they pilot the No. 13 Kellymoss Porsche, navigating both the challenges and opportunities that come with a learning year. Rather than chasing immediate results, Dickinson has adopted a measured and strategic approach.
“For Todd and I, this year is more about developing and building,” he said. “It’s his first year with the GT3 platform, and I’m growing and learning as well. Sonoma was kind of like drinking water out of a fire hose, we were just learning and gaining as much knowledge as we could.”
Therefore, the emphasis remains firmly on progress. Each session, lap, and stint contributes to a broader objective: building a competitive and consistent programme for the future.
Balancing expectations with progress
Following a solid fourth-place finish at Sonoma, expectations could easily rise. However, Dickinson continues to prioritise steady improvement over immediate results.
“A realistic goal would maybe be a top five based on what we had at Sonoma,” he stated. “But at the end of the day, if we finish eighth and Todd and I both put in great stints, that would be fine too. We can’t focus too much on the results. We’re really focusing on ourselves and how we build this program into future races.”
Beyond the current season, Dickinson also targets a significant long-term opportunity through the GT Academy initiative within GT World Challenge. The programme offers rising drivers a pathway to one of endurance racing’s most prestigious events.
“It’s a huge opportunity,” Dickinson said. “It’s definitely a true carrot out there being dangled in front of us. Spa 24 would be a big one for me, and it would be a pretty cool way to check it off the list.”
With a funded entry to the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa at stake, Dickinson’s ambitions extend well beyond domestic competition.
Dickinson building momentum at home in the GTWC America COTA round and beyond
Ultimately, Dickinson’s return to COTA blends personal comfort with professional purpose. While the familiar surroundings provide a welcome advantage, his focus remains firmly on development, consistency, and long-term success.
As the season progresses, this balanced approach could prove decisive. By prioritising growth now, Dickinson positions himself—and the Kellymoss programme—for stronger results in the races ahead.
