GX (6 Entries)

A new class for 2013, aimed at alternative technology vehicles and cars that don’t fit into the Rolex Series GT regulations, the GX category’s debut race will see a Porsche Cayman vs. Mazda affair. Many unknowns still remain, leaving this race nearly wide open between the six entries.

THE CONTENDERS:

Napleton Racing (Porsche Cayman): Quickest of the test day and with the most developed car in the field, the entry of David Donohue, Shane Lewis, Jim Norman and Nelson Canache is also one of the strongest in class. Look for this Porsche Cayman to be leading the way as it pursues victory in the class’s debut race.

The new Mazda6 with SKYACTIV-D clean diesel technology debuts this weekend. (Photo: John Dagys)

SpeedSource (Mazda6): Having had a rough debut at Daytona earlier this month, the pair of SpeedSource-run Mazda6 entries will be looking for more speed and reliability for its first official outing with the rebodied RX8s, sporting the new SKVACTIV-D turbodiesel.

Not lacking in talent, the No. 70 entry sees team principal Sylvain Tremblay and Jonathan Bomarito rejoined by James Hinchcliffe and Marino Franchitti, with the Visit Florida-backed No. 00 Mazda relying on the efforts of Mazda open-wheel graduates Joel Miller, Tristan Nunez, Spencer Pigot, Tristan Vaultier and endurance veteran Yojiro Terada.

BGB Motorsports (Porsche Cayman): Another Cayman, but slightly different to the Napleton entry, BGB’s lineup of Eric Foss, Ryan Eversley, Lee Davis, Jeff Mosing and John Teece may not be quite as strong, but it won’t really matter. With only six cars in the class, the fight for GX will likely come down to a race of survival.

Freedom Autosport (Mazda6): The third Mazda6 in the field, also run under the SpeedSource umbrella this weekend, is also in the same situation to the two entries. With virtually no running time prior to the race, getting to the finish would be the goal for drivers Tom Long, Andrew Carbonell, Rhet O’Doski and Derek Whitis.

Bullet Racing (Porsche Cayman): A late addition to the GX ranks, the Canadian effort could be contenders with its Cayman as well, although unclear where they will stack up to the Napleton and BGB entries. Bimmerworld’s James Clay and Seth Thomas team up with Karl Thomson, Daniel Rogers and endurance veteran Darryl O’Young in the No. 22 entry.

John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at