The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS season began in emphatic fashion at Sonoma Raceway, where the championship’s new three-hour endurance format immediately delivered strategic complexity and close competition. As a result, the opening round not only produced memorable on-track action but also established the first benchmark in the drivers’ and teams’ standings.
JMF Motorsports emerged as the early leader in the Pro class after converting pole position into a commanding victory. At the same time, GMG Racing delivered a standout recovery drive to secure Pro-Am honours, while AF Corse executed a composed and consistent race to take victory in the Am category.
Consequently, the standings after Round 1 reflect both performance and adaptability under the new endurance format.
2026 GTWC America: Standings after Round 1 (Sonoma): Pro: JMF Motorsports takes early control
In the Pro category, Michai Stephens and Mikael Grenier lead the Drivers’ Championship with 25 points following their dominant performance at Sonoma. Their ability to control the race from pole position and manage strategy effectively has immediately positioned them as early title contenders.
Behind them, Frederik Schandorff and Matías Pérez Companc sit second with 18 points after a strong and consistent run for AF Corse USA. Meanwhile, Alex Sedgwick and Cameron Lawrence secured third place in the standings with 15 points, underlining Ford’s competitive debut in the Pro category.
Further down the order, Turner Motorsport and McCann Racing complete the top five, with Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley on 12 points, and Michael McCann Jr. and Zachary Vanier on 10 points respectively.
In the Teams’ Championship, JMF Motorsports mirrors its drivers’ success by leading with 25 points. AF Corse USA and Dollahite Racing follow in second and third, highlighting the competitive spread among manufacturers early in the season.
Drivers’ Standings
- Michai Stephens & Mikael Grenier – 25
- Frederik Schandorff & Matias Perez Companc – 18
- Alex Sedgwick & Cameron Lawrence – 15
- Justin Rothberg & Robby Foley – 12
- Michael McCann Jr. & Zachary Vanier – 10
Teams’ Standings
- JMF Motorsports – 25
- AF Corse USA – 18
- Dollahite Racing – 15
- Turner Motorsport – 12
- McCann Racing – 10
2026 GTWC America: Standings after Round 1 (Sonoma): Pro-Am: Porsche dominance reflected in standings
The Pro-Am category produced one of the most dramatic races of the weekend, and the standings reflect that intensity. Kyle Washington and Tom Sargent lead the Drivers’ Championship with 25 points after a remarkable recovery drive that secured victory for GMG Racing.
Dave Musial Jr. and Ryan Yardley hold second place with 18 points after an impressive debut performance, while Jan Heylen and JP Martinez sit third with 15 points, completing an all-Porsche top three.
Furthermore, the depth of the category becomes clear further down the standings. Riley Dickinson and Todd Parriott, Therese Lahlouh and Thomas Merrill, and Colin Braun and Michael Clark all remain within reach of the leaders, ensuring a tightly contested championship moving forward.
In the Teams’ standings, GMG Racing leads with 25 points, followed by Wright Motorsports and RS1. Kellymoss and Random Vandals Racing round out the top five, reflecting Porsche’s strong presence across multiple teams.
Drivers’ Standings
- Kyle Washington & Tom Sargent – 25
- Dave Musial Jr. & Ryan Yardley – 18
- Jan Heylen & JP Martinez – 15
- Riley Dickenson & Todd Parriott – 12
- Therese Lahlouh & Thomas Merrill – 10
- Colin Braun & Michael Clark – 8
- Derek DeBoer & Hampus Eriksson – 6
- Mads Siljehaug & Nicolai Elghanayan – 4
- Jason Daskalos & Lorcan Hanafin – 2
- Aaron Telitz & Todd Coleman – 1
- Brayton Williams & Will Bamber – 0
- Andy Lee & Slade Stewart – 0
- Aaron Povoledo & Ross Chouest – 0
Teams’ Standings
- GMG Racing – 25
- Wright Motorsports – 18
- RS1 – 15
- Kellymoss – 12
- Random Vandals Racing – 10
- Chicago Performance and Tuning Co. – 8
- JMF Motorsports – 6
- Archangel Motorsports – 4
- TR3 Racing – 2
- Riley Technologies – 1
- Chouest Povoledo Racing – 0
2026 GTWC America: Standings after Round 1 (Sonoma): Am: AF Corse starts perfectly
In the Am category, Jay Schreibman and Oswaldo Negri lead the Drivers’ Championship with maximum points after a controlled and consistent performance. As the sole entry in class, AF Corse focused on execution and reliability, successfully navigating the three-hour race to secure victory.
This result places AF Corse at the top of the Teams’ Championship in the Am category as well, giving Ferrari an early foothold in the standings.
Drivers’ Standings
- Jay Schreibman & Oswaldo Negri – 25
Teams’ Standings
- AF Corse USA – 25
Competitive depth evident across all classes
Beyond the headline results, the standings highlight the depth of competition across GT World Challenge America. The Pro-Am category alone features multiple teams within striking distance of the lead, while the Pro class already shows a mix of manufacturers capable of fighting for victories.
Moreover, the introduction of the endurance format has added another layer of unpredictability. Strategy, tyre management, and consistency now play a larger role, meaning that standings could shift significantly from one round to the next.
Championship momentum builds ahead of COTA
As the championship heads to Circuit of The Americas for Round 2, the standings provide an early indication of form but remain far from decisive. JMF Motorsports, GMG Racing, and AF Corse have all established strong foundations, yet the competitive nature of the field ensures that rivals remain close behind.
With more points on offer and varying circuit characteristics ahead, the battle for the 2026 titles is only just beginning.
