Radical Cup North America to support FIA WEC at COTA in 2026

Radical Motorsport is excited to announce that the 2026 Radical Cup North America season will culminate at the FIA World Endurance Championship event at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).

The returning six-round championship will again support top-tier motorsport, starting at Sebring International Raceway with the United States Auto Club (USAC), and ending at COTA alongside the WEC. Radical Cup North America will also continue to support IndyCar at its Road America event, maintaining the championship’s signature blend of high-performance prototype racing and premier motorsport atmospheres.

Designed to bring Formula 1 racing back to American soil, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) made its debut in 2012 with the United States Grand Prix. Just 10 months later, it welcomed the FIA World Endurance Championship for the inaugural 'Lone Star Le Mans', cementing its place on the international motorsport map.

Set against the backdrop of the Texas hills, COTA’s 3.4-mile layout is revered for its combination of cutting-edge facilities and pure driving challenge. Drivers and fans alike are captivated by its dramatic elevation changes, flowing high-speed sequences, and intricate technical sections. From the steep uphill launch into Turn 1, affectionately dubbed ‘Big Red’, to the iconic triple-apex right-hander that sweeps through Turns 16, 17 and 18, COTA has quickly earned its reputation as one of the most dynamic and demanding circuits in the world.

The Radical Cup North America last raced at COTA in the 2023 season, where over 30 drivers competed in three classes in both SR3 and SR10 machinery.

The FIA World Endurance Championship represents the pinnacle of global sportscar racing, bringing together manufacturers, privateer teams, and elite drivers to compete in a series of long-distance races across some of the world’s most iconic circuits. From the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans to the sweeping corners of Spa-Francorchamps and the heat of Bahrain, the championship celebrates endurance in its purest form, a test of both human and mechanical resilience that defines the spirit of modern motorsport.

2026 will mark the 20th anniversary of when Radical Motorsport embarked on its most ambitious project yet: building the SR9 to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The aim was to deliver a competitive LMP2 car at a fraction of the cost of established manufacturers. Born from the success of the SR8, the project evolved quickly, bringing on board Le Mans-winning designer Peter Elleray and going from concept to Le Mans grid in just 12 months.

The SR9 achieved a commendable fifth in class on its debut at Le Mans in 2006, but the development proved incredibly costly and technically demanding. Only six chassis were built, each with varied configurations and stories, including entries in the European Le Mans Series and American Le Mans Series. As Radical shifted focus back to its core business of producing high-performance track cars, the Radical SR9 stood as a testament to the company’s bold ambitions. Today, it remains a cherished chapter in Radical’s history, a true David versus Goliath moment on motorsport’s biggest stage.

A growing number of Radical Cup North America alumni have progressed to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. George Kurtz began his career in Radical SR3s at Spring Mountain, earning multiple Radical Cup wins and a PRO 1500 runner-up finish before advancing to IMSA and ultimately Le Mans, where he has since become a regular contender. His co-driver Toby Sowery also boasts Radical pedigree, having won the 2022 Radical World Finals PRO 1500 title.

David Heinemeier Hansson first took to the track in a Radical SR3 at Autobahn Country Club before going on to make his Le Mans debut in 2012, achieving an LMP2 podium in 2013 and a GTE-Am victory in 2015. Reigning Radical Cup Platinum Champion Jon Field, a two-time Radical title-winner, has also raced at Le Mans, while his fellow Radical graduate Bijoy Garg joined the list of Le Mans victors with an LMP2 class win in 2024.

PJ Hyett adds to this growing roster of Radical alumni at Le Mans, having claimed Radical Cup victories at Barber Motorsports Park in 2024 before stepping up to endurance competition, proof that Radical Cup remains a proven pathway from club racing to the world’s most prestigious endurance event.

“This is a landmark announcement for Radical Motorsport and the Radical Cup family,” said Tom Drewer, Director of The Americas, Radical Motorsport. “To align our North American championship with a WEC event at COTA in 2026 not only underscores the growth and internationality of Radical Cup North America, but also coincides with our own milestone: the 20th anniversary of Radical’s entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the SR9 prototype.”

2025 Radical Cup North America Provisional Schedule