GTWC America drivers Mikael Grenier, Lorcan Hanafin and Frederik Schandorff will represent the championship in this weekend’s CrowdStrike 24H of Spa. The Belgian endurance classic brings an elite GT3 field to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for 24 hours of intense competition. Changing weather, relentless traffic and fierce class battles will test every driver, team and strategist from the start through to Sunday afternoon.
Grenier and Hanafin will both challenge for Bronze Cup honours, while Schandorff arrives with victories at Monza and Road Atlanta behind him. Each driver carries different ambitions into the world’s biggest GT3-only race, although all three hope to showcase GTWC America on the international stage.
Grenier returns to one of his favourite events
Grenier will drive the No. 12 GetSpeed Team Dubai Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO alongside Gabriel Rindone, Tom Kalender and Jarrod Waberski. The GTWC America competitor returns to Spa with strong memories from previous editions. He challenged for the overall victory in 2022 before finishing fourth, while he secured the Gold Cup win two years later.
Grenier ranks Spa alongside the Bathurst 12 Hour and Nürburgring 24 Hours among his favourite races.
“I’m happy to be at Spa,” said Grenier, who will be commanding the No. 12 GetSpeed Team Dubai Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Gabriel Rindone, Tom Kalender and Jarrod Waberski. “It’s my favorite race, along with the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Nürburgring 24 Hours. I have great memories here. We came very close to the overall win in 2022, finishing P4 after one or two mistakes that proved costly, and we took the Gold Cup win in 2024.”
This year, Grenier moves away from the Pro category and takes on the fiercely competitive Bronze Cup. However, that change has not lowered his expectations for the weekend.
Rain could add another layer of difficulty, while Grenier also hopes to recover from a disappointing Nürburgring retirement.
“It’s different this year not being in Pro, but it’s also a great challenge,” he added. “The Bronze category is extremely competitive, so it won’t be easy. With rain expected, it will make the race even more challenging, both mentally and physically. We had a great race to start the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, clinching the win in Bathurst, but then retired at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. Spa is the right weekend to turn things around.”
Hanafin sets clear Bronze Cup target
Hanafin will also compete in the Bronze Cup at Spa. The GTWC America driver joins Jonathan Adam, Romain Leroux and Giacomo Petrobelli in the No. 56 Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO.
Spa will demand constant concentration from all four drivers. The circuit’s high-speed layout leaves little room for error, while the large field creates continuous traffic throughout the race. Furthermore, rapidly changing conditions can reshape the contest within minutes. Hanafin therefore expects the event to test every element of the team’s performance.
However, he enters the weekend with one clear objective.
“Spa 24 is one of the true highlights on the global GT racing calendar,” Hanafin stated. “It’s an incredibly intense event, with non-stop racing, changing conditions, and no room to let your guard down. I’m competing in the Bronze Cup this year, and for me, the objective is very clear: we’re here to fight for the win.”
A Bronze Cup victory would give Hanafin a standout result at one of GT racing’s most important events. It would also underline the quality that GTWC America brings to the international stage.
Schandorff seeks redemption after 2025 heartbreak
Schandorff arrives at Spa with momentum from two recent victories. He won at Monza in GTWC Europe before taking another victory at Road Atlanta in GTWC America. Consequently, the Danish driver now aims to complete a run of three consecutive wins. Schandorff will share the No. 71 Selected Car Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO with Malte Ebdrup, Simon Birch and Conrad Laursen.
However, last year’s result provides even greater motivation. Schandorff led his class for Garage 59 before a puncture with three laps remaining denied him victory.
“We won at Monza, and I won at Road Atlanta, so I’m extremely motivated to make it three in a row,” Schandorff shared. “Last year, I missed out on the win with Garage 59 after suffering a puncture from the lead with just three laps to go. That was incredibly painful, and I can’t wait to go back and fight for redemption.”
Schandorff also carries a strong record in GTWC competition. He has completed two previous championship campaigns and won his class on both occasions.
That success adds further confidence as he prepares to tackle another demanding edition of the 24 Hours of Spa.
“In general, I’m excited to be back in GT World Challenge this year,” he continued. “I have only done the championship twice, but I’ve won my class both times, so I’m looking forward to taking on Spa again and giving everything we have.”
GTWC America takes on the international stage at the 2026 CrowdStrike 24H of Spa
The CrowdStrike 24H of Spa requires speed, consistency and flawless execution across an entire day and night.
Drivers must negotiate a packed GT3 field while managing fatigue, weather changes and the circuit’s demanding high-speed corners. Meanwhile, teams must execute every pit stop and strategic decision under intense pressure.
Grenier, Hanafin and Schandorff each enter the race with realistic class ambitions. Grenier hopes to revive his Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign, Hanafin targets a Bronze Cup victory and Schandorff seeks redemption after last year’s late heartbreak.
Their participation also gives GTWC America another opportunity to demonstrate its strength against leading drivers and teams from around the world.
How to follow the GTWC America drivers at 2026 CrowdStrike 24H of Spa
The GTWorld YouTube channel will stream the CrowdStrike 24H of Spa live with commentary available in seven languages.
Coverage begins with Free Practice 2 on Thursday and continues throughout the event. The race will reach the chequered flag at 16:30 local time on Sunday.
Grenier, Hanafin and Schandorff will each aim to leave Spa with a class victory. However, before they can celebrate, the GTWC America trio must overcome 24 hours of traffic, changing conditions and relentless competition at one of GT racing’s toughest events.
Full entry list
Weekend schedule
Watch the race live here and follow along with Pit Debrief‘s live blog
