Factory-built vehicles aren’t the only ones that can get mid-cycle updates.
Corvette Racing is preparing an officially homologated Evo package for the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, bringing together a collection of improvements developed since the race car made its competition debut in 2024.
In racing, “Evo” refers to a permitted update package introduced after a car’s original homologation. Corvette Racing program manager Andrea Hidalgo says the Z06 GT3.R package won’t dramatically change the car but will improve reliability, electronics and serviceability.
“So it’s not going to be a lot of updates, but we’ve kind of collected all the improvements that we’ve wanted to make to the car over the last few years,” Hidalgo told RACER. “So rather than doing a load of ‘erratums,’ bundling up into an Evo is a good way to do it.”
Corvette Racing Program Manager Andrea Hidalgo
One of the more noticeable changes will be screens designed to prevent debris from accumulating in the radiators. Because the screens can affect aerodynamics, their addition requires further wind-tunnel work.
The Z06 GT3.R will also receive upgraded electronics and wiring, including additional computing capacity and more durable motorsports-grade electrical connectors.
Those improvements are particularly important because the Corvette competes in several racing series that use different electronic systems for technical inspection and data collection.
Customer teams should also benefit from serviceability improvements. One addition will be a quick-adjust system for the rear wing, allowing teams to make more precise changes.
Feedback from Corvette customer teams helped shape the package. Nine teams have raced the Z06 GT3.R since its debut, competing in series around the world, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, GT World Challenge America, GT World Challenge Asia, the Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series and FIA World Endurance Championship.
Pratt Miller has led testing of the updates, and Corvette Racing is now working with its customer teams to determine when each will receive the new equipment.
The rollout will vary depending on racing schedules and shipping requirements. Some events, including Bathurst, will continue to use the current version of the car.
TF Sport, which competes with Corvette in the FIA WEC and European Le Mans Series, expects to receive its kits before the end of the year, allowing for winter testing.
The updated Corvette will make its competition debut at one of sports car racing’s biggest events — the 2027 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
For now, Hidalgo says Corvette Racing’s priority is making sure its existing customers successfully make the transition before considering further expansion of the Z06 GT3.R program.
Source:
Racer.com
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Awesome, they seem to be doing pretty good too as usual. Now you just need to find a way to keep the idiots in the Ferrari’s and Porches from running into them all the friggin time. And by the way Ms. Hidalgo, I am very,very,very,very envious of you for having the best damn job in the country.