of The Americas marked another crucial step in the SRO GT Academy North America campaign. As the initiative progresses, nine young drivers continue their pursuit of a fully funded Silver Cup seat at the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa in 2027.
Importantly, the programme focuses on performance data rather than circumstance. By analysing qualifying pace, race consistency and outright speed, SRO ensures that raw talent rises to the top. Consequently, the competition remains both fair and fiercely competitive.
Tom Sargent delivers another masterclass at GTWC America COTA Round to extend lead in SRO GT America standings
After dominating the opening round at Sonoma Raceway, Australia’s Tom Sargent carried that momentum into Texas. Driving the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3-R (992), he once again set the benchmark across every evaluation category.
Although JMF Motorsports led overall qualifying, Sargent still produced a standout lap. His 2:03.624 effort placed him second overall and first among Pro-Am competitors, missing the outright fastest time by a mere 0.061 seconds.
Moreover, he translated that pace seamlessly into race conditions. He recorded both the fastest average race pace and the quickest lap among GT Academy drivers, dipping into the exclusive 2:04 range—an achievement matched by only one other driver on the entire grid.
Sargent’s dominance translated into maximum points once again. With 36 points available per round, he secured a perfect score for the second consecutive event. As a result, he now leads the standings with 72 points, establishing a clear early advantage.
This level of consistency not only highlights his speed but also underscores his adaptability. Therefore, he emerges as the driver to beat as the season progresses.
Challengers keep the pressure on
Despite Sargent’s commanding lead, his rivals continue to close in. Riley Dickinson holds second place with 46 points after delivering a balanced performance. He ranked highly in both race pace and fastest laps, while maintaining solid qualifying form.
Meanwhile, Ryan Yardley sits third and continues to build momentum. Competing with Wright Motorsports, Yardley secured his maiden series victory at COTA. In addition, his strong qualifying pace helped him narrow the gap to Dickinson to just nine points.
Consequently, the fight for second—and potentially the lead—remains very much alive.
Sebring awaits the next chapter
The championship now heads to Sebring International Raceway for the third round from 8–10 May. Known for its punishing surface and technical demands, Sebring will present an entirely different challenge compared to the opening rounds.
Furthermore, the circuit’s unique characteristics could disrupt the current order. Drivers must adapt quickly, manage tyre wear and maintain consistency over longer stints. Therefore, this round could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the GT Academy standings.
