TGR StaffThere’s something about early spring in Northern California. The rolling hills of Sonoma are lush and green, the vineyards are beginning to wake from their winter slumber, and the sound of McLaren Trophy America echoes through the valley. It’s here, on the legendary 2.52-mile road course of Sonoma Raceway, that a new chapter in motorsport history is about to be written.
Welcome to the debut of McLaren Trophy America—a stateside expansion of the European one-make series that took off in 2023. With a 15-car grid representing ten of North America’s most respected racing outfits, the series kicks off this weekend with two 50-minute sprint races that promise to deliver pure, unfiltered performance.
At the heart of it all is the McLaren Trophy EVO, a purpose-built machine that blurs the line between art and engineering. Compared to the original model, the EVO boasts aerodynamic refinements including a more aggressive front fascia, wider track, functional louvres, and a roof-mounted intake that’s as functional as it is beautiful. For the 2025 season, drivers will also have a new weapon in their arsenal: a Push-to-Pass button, adding an extra layer of strategy and spectacle to an already thrilling format.
“I’m really looking forward to the first weekend of McLaren Trophy America. It’s always a challenge launching a new series in a new territory, but the Motorsport team have done a superb job to bring it together in co-ordination with our colleagues at McLaren North America. We’ve got some impressive teams signed up, so I’m excited to see how the competitive order is going to shake out. There should be some strong driver pairings, and it’s always nice to see some familiar faces on the grid from McLaren Trophy Europe.” Rob Bell, Sporting Director, McLaren Automotive
Top Teams Competing in McLaren Trophy America
Among the teams fielding the EVO are heavy hitters like Flying Lizard Motorsports, a name synonymous with winning and West Coast racing heritage. They’ll be joined by two-car entries from GMG Racing, RWE Motorsport, OMS, and the storied Skip Barber Racing School. Rounding out the grid are solo efforts from Dark Horse Racing, Techsport, Riley Motorsports, Motorsport In Action (MIA), and RP Motorsport by Forte Racing.
MIA, in particular, brings deep McLaren experience, having successfully campaigned the Artura GT4 in IMSA paddocks. Now, they and the rest of the field step into a new arena—one that blends manufacturer pride with grassroots grit.
It’s not just about lap times, though. Race for RP—a partner dedicated to raising awareness for autoimmune disease research—joins forces with McLaren for this season opener, alongside high-profile series sponsors Pirelli and Richard Mille. It’s a convergence of purpose, performance, and passion.
The weekend kicks off with testing on Thursday and a pair of practice sessions Friday. Come Saturday morning, the first qualifying session will set the stage for Race One at 12:05 PM. Race Two follows on Sunday morning at 10:25 AM—both of which will be streamed live on the McLaren Automotive YouTube Channel.
This isn’t just a race series. It’s a celebration of speed, craftsmanship, and the thrill of competition—a new playground for gentlemen (and gentlewomen) racers who know that driving isn’t just about winning but doing so in style.
Photos Courtesy of McLaren North America
