Since 2017, there have been moves afoot to consolidate specifications between Japan’s Super GT500 series and Germany’s DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, or German Touring Car Masters) series. The plan is now complete with 2019’s common “Class One” regulations package.
The first race to see crossover action featuring vehicles from both series will be the 2019 DTM season finale at Hockenheim in Germany on October 6. DTM has invited one Super GT500 racer from each of the 3 marques in the series (Honda, Lexus and Nissan) to compete as wildcard entries. In Lexus’ case, the #37 Team KeePer TOM’S car driven by Nick Cassidy and Ryo Hirayawa will do the honors. Each driver will take part in one race of the double-header.
On November 22-24, Super GT racing will return the favor by inviting somewhere between 6 and 10 DTM racers to participate in the Super GT 2019 season finale at Fuji Speedway.