The McLaren name will return to GT sportscar racing from 2012, when the Woking-based firm teams up with CRS Racing to supply and support a number of GT3 racing cars for Europe-based privateers, based on the McLaren MP4-12C.

As part of the development programme, McLaren and CRS Racing – an experienced UK team – will compete at some selected European GT races in 2011. CRS Racing is then planning a limited run of 12Cs for the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series, but “as with McLaren Automotive’s road car business, conservative growth and expansion will be considered”.

The 12C’s lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis (or ‘MonoCell’) should, it’s hoped, provide an ideal platform on which to develop a racing car. Says Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal, “Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high performance and ease of maintenance – two key criteria for potential customers.”

Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, CRS Racing, added, “One of the most important aspects of this programme will be customer service and for that reason we will be building a limited number of cars at a competitive price. The result will be an incredible GT car with manageable running costs and good residual value that will provide its owner with an unrivalled experience.”

Further details about the McLaren 12C GT3 racing car programme will be announced in 2011. Interest from prospective customers can be registered on www.mclarengt.com.

Text - Charis Whitcombe
Photos - McLaren